Inglese
Vocabolario e frasi
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possessionof a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on hisfirst entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the mindsof the surrounding families, that he is considered the rightful propertyof some one or other of their daughters.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Is he married or single?""Oh! Single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four orfive thousand a year.<>
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What a fine thing for our girls!"(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "How so? How can it affect them?""My dear Mr. Bennet," replied his wife, "how can you be so tiresome! Youmust know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them.<>
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You and the girls may go, or you may sendthem by themselves, which perhaps will be still better, for as you areas handsome as any of them, Mr. Bingley may like you the best of theparty.<>
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I certainly have had my share of beauty, butI do not pretend to be anything extraordinary now.<>
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Indeed you must go, for it will be impossible for us tovisit him if you do not.<>
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I dare say Mr. Bingley will be veryglad to see you; and I will send a few lines by you to assure him of myhearty consent to his marrying whichever he chooses of the girls; thoughI must throw in a good word for my little Lizzy.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "It will be no use to us, if twenty such should come, since you will notvisit them.<>
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Long does not come backtill the day before; so it will be impossible for her to introduce him,for she will not know him herself.<>
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"(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Impossible, Mr. Bennet, impossible, when I am not acquainted with himmyself; how can you be so teasing?""I honour your circumspection.<>
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Bennet said only, "Nonsense,nonsense!""What can be the meaning of that emphatic exclamation?" cried he.<>
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At our time of life it is not sopleasant, I can tell you, to be making new acquaintances every day; butfor your sakes, we would do anything.<>
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He was quite young, wonderfully handsome, extremelyagreeable, and, to crown the whole, he meant to be at the next assemblywith a large party.<>
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Nothing could be more delightful! To be fond ofdancing was a certain step towards falling in love; and very livelyhopes of Mr. Bingley's heart were entertained.<>
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Mr. Bingleywas obliged to be in town the following day, and, consequently, unableto accept the honour of their invitation, etc.<>
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She could not imagine what business he could have in townso soon after his arrival in Hertfordshire; and she began to fear thathe might be always flying about from one place to another, and neversettled at Netherfield as he ought to be.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) The gentlemenpronounced him to be a fine figure of a man, the ladies declared hewas much handsomer than Mr. Bingley, and he was looked at with greatadmiration for about half the evening, till his manners gave a disgustwhich turned the tide of his popularity; for he was discovered to beproud; to be above his company, and above being pleased; and not allhis large estate in Derbyshire could then save him from having a mostforbidding, disagreeable countenance, and being unworthy to be comparedwith his friend.<>
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At such an assembly as thisit would be insupportable.<>
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Your sisters are engaged, and there is notanother woman in the room whom it would not be a punishment to me tostand up with.<>
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"(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I would not be so fastidious as you are," cried Mr. Bingley, "for akingdom! Upon my honour, I never met with so many pleasant girls inmy life as I have this evening; and there are several of them you seeuncommonly pretty.<>
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Mary had heard herself mentioned to Miss Bingley as the mostaccomplished girl in the neighbourhood; and Catherine and Lydia had beenfortunate enough never to be without partners, which was all that theyhad yet learnt to care for at a ball.<>
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He had rather hoped that his wife's views onthe stranger would be disappointed; but he soon found out that he had adifferent story to hear.<>
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Jane was so admired, nothing could be like it.<>
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Whatcould be more natural than his asking you again? He could not helpseeing that you were about five times as pretty as every other womanin the room.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I would not wish to be hasty in censuring anyone; but I always speakwhat I think.<>
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With yourgood sense, to be so honestly blind to the follies and nonsense ofothers! Affectation of candour is common enough--one meets with iteverywhere.<>
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But to be candid without ostentation or design--to take thegood of everybody's character and make it still better, and say nothingof the bad--belongs to you alone.<>
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Miss Bennet he acknowledged to be pretty,but she smiled too much.<>
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Hurst and her sister allowed it to be so--but still they admiredher and liked her, and pronounced her to be a sweet girl, and onewhom they would not object to know more of.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Lady Lucas was a very good kind of woman, not too clever to be avaluable neighbour to Mrs.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Perhaps you mean what I overheard between him and Mr. Robinson; did notI mention it to you? Mr. Robinson's asking him how he liked our Merytonassemblies, and whether he did not think there were a great manypretty women in the room, and which he thought the prettiest? and hisanswering immediately to the last question: 'Oh! the eldest Miss Bennet,beyond a doubt; there cannot be two opinions on that point.<>
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"Mr. Darcy is not so well worth listening to as his friend,is he?--poor Eliza!--to be only just tolerable.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I beg you would not put it into Lizzy's head to be vexed by hisill-treatment, for he is such a disagreeable man, that it would be quitea misfortune to be liked by him.<>
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If I may so express it, he has a rightto be proud.<>
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Hurst and Miss Bingley; and though the mother wasfound to be intolerable, and the younger sisters not worth speaking to,a wish of being better acquainted with them was expressed towardsthe two eldest.<>
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Itwas generally evident whenever they met, that he did admire her andto her it was equally evident that Jane was yielding to the preferencewhich she had begun to entertain for him from the first, and was in away to be very much in love; but she considered with pleasure that itwas not likely to be discovered by the world in general, since Janeunited, with great strength of feeling, a composure of temper and auniform cheerfulness of manner which would guard her from the suspicionsof the impertinent.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "It may perhaps be pleasant," replied Charlotte, "to be able to imposeon the public in such a case; but it is sometimes a disadvantage to beso very guarded.<>
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If a woman conceals her affection with the same skillfrom the object of it, she may lose the opportunity of fixing him; andit will then be but poor consolation to believe the world equally inthe dark.<>
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We can allbegin freely--a slight preference is natural enough; but there arevery few of us who have heart enough to be really in love withoutencouragement.<>
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If I canperceive her regard for him, he must be a simpleton, indeed, not todiscover it too.<>
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But, though Bingley and Janemeet tolerably often, it is never for many hours together; and, as theyalways see each other in large mixed parties, it is impossible thatevery moment should be employed in conversing together.<>
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When she is secure of him, there will be more leisure forfalling in love as much as she chooses.<>
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As yet,she cannot even be certain of the degree of her own regard nor of itsreasonableness.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Well," said Charlotte, "I wish Jane success with all my heart; andif she were married to him to-morrow, I should think she had as good achance of happiness as if she were to be studying his character for atwelvemonth.<>
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Mr. Darcy had at first scarcelyallowed her to be pretty; he had looked at her without admiration at theball; and when they next met, he looked at her only to criticise.<>
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Though he haddetected with a critical eye more than one failure of perfect symmetryin her form, he was forced to acknowledge her figure to be light andpleasing; and in spite of his asserting that her manners were not thoseof the fashionable world, he was caught by their easy playfulness.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "It will be her turn soon to be teased," said Miss Lucas.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "You are a very strange creature by way of a friend!--always wanting meto play and sing before anybody and everybody! If my vanity had takena musical turn, you would have been invaluable; but as it is, I wouldreally rather not sit down before those who must be in the habit ofhearing the very best performers.<>
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" On Miss Lucas's persevering, however,she added, "Very well, if it must be so, it must.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Do you not think it would be a proper compliment to the place?""It is a compliment which I never pay to any place if I can avoid it.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Mr. Darcy, with grave propriety, requested to be allowed the honour ofher hand, but in vain.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "You are considering how insupportable it would be to pass many eveningsin this manner--in such society; and indeed I am quite of your opinion.<>
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I knew you would be wishing me joy.<>
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You will be having a charming mother-in-law, indeed;and, of course, she will always be at Pemberley with you.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) After listening one morning to their effusions on this subject, Mr.Bennet coolly observed:"From all that I can collect by your manner of talking, you must be twoof the silliest girls in the country.<>
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Bennet, "that you should be soready to think your own children silly.<>
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If I wished to think slightinglyof anybody's children, it should not be of my own, however.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "If my children are silly, I must hope to be always sensible of it.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "MY DEAR FRIEND,--"If you are not so compassionate as to dine to-day with Louisa and me,we shall be in danger of hating each other for the rest of our lives,for a whole day's tete-a-tete between two women can never end without aquarrel.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "That would be a good scheme," said Elizabeth, "if you were sure thatthey would not offer to send her home.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "But if you have got them to-day," said Elizabeth, "my mother's purposewill be answered.<>
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They insist also on my seeing Mr.Jones--therefore do not be alarmed if you should hear of his having beento me--and, excepting a sore throat and headache, there is not much thematter with me.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Well, my dear," said Mr. Bennet, when Elizabeth had read the notealoud, "if your daughter should have a dangerous fit of illness--if sheshould die, it would be a comfort to know that it was all in pursuit ofMr. Bingley, and under your orders.<>
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She will be taken good care of.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Elizabeth, feeling really anxious, was determined to go to her, thoughthe carriage was not to be had; and as she was no horsewoman, walkingwas her only alternative.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "How can you be so silly," cried her mother, "as to think of such athing, in all this dirt! You will not be fit to be seen when you getthere.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I shall be very fit to see Jane--which is all I want.<>
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I shall be back by dinner.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I admire the activity of your benevolence," observed Mary, "but everyimpulse of feeling should be guided by reason; and, in my opinion,exertion should always be in proportion to what is required.<>
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Elizabeth was glad to be taken to herimmediately; and Jane, who had only been withheld by the fear of givingalarm or inconvenience from expressing in her note how much she longedfor such a visit, was delighted at her entrance.<>
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The apothecary came, and havingexamined his patient, said, as might be supposed, that she had caughta violent cold, and that they must endeavour to get the better of it;advised her to return to bed, and promised her some draughts.<>
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Her manners werepronounced to be very bad indeed, a mixture of pride and impertinence;she had no conversation, no style, no beauty.<>
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Verynonsensical to come at all! Why must she be scampering about thecountry, because her sister had a cold? Her hair, so untidy, so blowsy!""Yes, and her petticoat; I hope you saw her petticoat, six inches deepin mud, I am absolutely certain; and the gown which had been let down tohide it not doing its office.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Your picture may be very exact, Louisa," said Bingley; "but this wasall lost upon me.<>
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On entering the drawing-room she found the wholeparty at loo, and was immediately invited to join them; but suspectingthem to be playing high she declined it, and making her sister theexcuse, said she would amuse herself for the short time she could staybelow, with a book.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "In nursing your sister I am sure you have pleasure," said Bingley; "andI hope it will be soon increased by seeing her quite well.<>
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What a delightful library you have atPemberley, Mr. Darcy!""It ought to be good," he replied, "it has been the work of manygenerations.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Is Miss Darcy much grown since the spring?" said Miss Bingley; "willshe be as tall as I am?""I think she will.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "It is amazing to me," said Bingley, "how young ladies can have patienceto be so very accomplished as they all are.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Oh! certainly," cried his faithful assistant, "no one can be reallyesteemed accomplished who does not greatly surpass what is usually metwith.<>
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A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing,dancing, and the modern languages, to deserve the word; and besidesall this, she must possess a certain something in her air and manner ofwalking, the tone of her voice, her address and expressions, or the wordwill be but half-deserved.<>
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This she would not hear of; but she was not sounwilling to comply with their brother's proposal; and it was settledthat Mr. Jones should be sent for early in the morning, if Miss Bennetwere not decidedly better.<>
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They solaced their wretchedness,however, by duets after supper, while he could find no better reliefto his feelings than by giving his housekeeper directions that everyattention might be paid to the sick lady and her sister.<>
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"It must not be thought of.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Whatever I do is done in a hurry," replied he; "and therefore if Ishould resolve to quit Netherfield, I should probably be off in fiveminutes.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I wish I might take this for a compliment; but to be so easily seenthrough I am afraid is pitiful.<>
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It must be an amusing study.<>
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They have each theiradvantages, and I can be equally happy in either.<>
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He only meant that there was notsuch a variety of people to be met with in the country as in the town,which you must acknowledge to be true.<>
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I do not like to boastof my own child, but to be sure, Jane--one does not often see anybodybetter looking.<>
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But if it be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, Iam convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Darcy only smiled; and the general pause which ensued made Elizabethtremble lest her mother should be exposing herself again.<>
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She was veryequal, therefore, to address Mr. Bingley on the subject of the ball, andabruptly reminded him of his promise; adding, that it would be the mostshameful thing in the world if he did not keep it.<>
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But you would not wish to be dancing when she is ill.<>
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"Oh! yes--it would be much better towait till Jane was well, and by that time most likely Captain Carterwould be at Meryton again.<>
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I shall tell ColonelForster it will be quite a shame if he does not.<>
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Bennet and her daughters then departed, and Elizabeth returnedinstantly to Jane, leaving her own and her relations' behaviour to theremarks of the two ladies and Mr. Darcy; the latter of whom, however,could not be prevailed on to join in their censure of her, in spite ofall Miss Bingley's witticisms on fine eyes.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "How delighted Miss Darcy will be to receive such a letter!"He made no answer.<>
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Bennet this morning that if you ever resolved upon quitting Netherfieldyou should be gone in five minutes, you meant it to be a sort ofpanegyric, of compliment to yourself--and yet what is there so verylaudable in a precipitance which must leave very necessary businessundone, and can be of no real advantage to yourself or anyone else?""Nay," cried Bingley, "this is too much, to remember at night all thefoolish things that were said in the morning.<>
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And yet, upon my honour,I believe what I said of myself to be true, and I believe it at thismoment.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I dare say you believed it; but I am by no means convinced thatyou would be gone with such celerity.<>
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Your conduct would be quite asdependent on chance as that of any man I know; and if, as you weremounting your horse, a friend were to say, 'Bingley, you had betterstay till next week,' you would probably do it, you would probably notgo--and at another word, might stay a month.<>
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But in general and ordinary cases between friend and friend,where one of them is desired by the other to change a resolution of novery great moment, should you think ill of that person for complyingwith the desire, without waiting to be argued into it?""Will it not be advisable, before we proceed on this subject, toarrange with rather more precision the degree of importance which is toappertain to this request, as well as the degree of intimacy subsistingbetween the parties?""By all means," cried Bingley; "let us hear all the particulars, notforgetting their comparative height and size; for that will have moreweight in the argument, Miss Bennet, than you may be aware of.<>
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If you and MissBennet will defer yours till I am out of the room, I shall be verythankful; and then you may say whatever you like of me.<>
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She hardly knew how to suppose that she could be an object ofadmiration to so great a man; and yet that he should look at herbecause he disliked her, was still more strange.<>
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He reallybelieved, that were it not for the inferiority of her connections, heshould be in some danger.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Miss Bingley saw, or suspected enough to be jealous; and her greatanxiety for the recovery of her dear friend Jane received someassistance from her desire of getting rid of Elizabeth.<>
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Do let the portraits of your uncle and aunt Phillips be placedin the gallery at Pemberley.<>
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As for your Elizabeth's picture, you must not have it taken, forwhat painter could do justice to those beautiful eyes?""It would not be easy, indeed, to catch their expression, but theircolour and shape, and the eyelashes, so remarkably fine, might becopied.<>
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The picturesque would be spoilt by admitting afourth.<>
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The first half-hour was spent in piling up the fire, lest sheshould suffer from the change of room; and she removed at his desireto the other side of the fireplace, that she might be further fromthe door.<>
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At length, quite exhausted by the attempt to beamused with her own book, which she had only chosen because it was thesecond volume of his, she gave a great yawn and said, "How pleasantit is to spend an evening in this way! I declare after all there is noenjoyment like reading! How much sooner one tires of anything than of abook! When I have a house of my own, I shall be miserable if I have notan excellent library.<>
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She then yawned again, threw aside her book, andcast her eyes round the room in quest for some amusement; when hearingher brother mentioning a ball to Miss Bennet, she turned suddenlytowards him and said:"By the bye, Charles, are you really serious in meditating a dance atNetherfield? I would advise you, before you determine on it, to consultthe wishes of the present party; I am much mistaken if there arenot some among us to whom a ball would be rather a punishment than apleasure.<>
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It would surely be muchmore rational if conversation instead of dancing were made the order ofthe day.<>
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"What could he mean? She was dying to know what could be hismeaning?"--and asked Elizabeth whether she could at all understand him?"Not at all," was her answer; "but depend upon it, he means to be severeon us, and our surest way of disappointing him will be to ask nothingabout it.<>
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Intimateas you are, you must know how it is to be done.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Mr. Darcy is not to be laughed at!" cried Elizabeth.<>
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The wisest and the best of men--nay, the wisest and best of theiractions--may be rendered ridiculous by a person whose first object inlife is a joke.<>
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But pride--where there is a realsuperiority of mind, pride will be always under good regulation.<>
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My temperwould perhaps be called resentful.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Chapter 12In consequence of an agreement between the sisters, Elizabeth wrote thenext morning to their mother, to beg that the carriage might be sent forthem in the course of the day.<>
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Against staying longer, however, Elizabeth was positivelyresolved--nor did she much expect it would be asked; and fearful, on thecontrary, as being considered as intruding themselves needlessly long,she urged Jane to borrow Mr. Bingley's carriage immediately, and atlength it was settled that their original design of leaving Netherfieldthat morning should be mentioned, and the request made.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) The master of the house heard with real sorrow that they were to go sosoon, and repeatedly tried to persuade Miss Bennet that it would not besafe for her--that she was not enough recovered; but Jane was firm whereshe felt herself to be right.<>
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He wisely resolved to be particularly careful that no sign of admirationshould now escape him, nothing that could elevate her with the hopeof influencing his felicity; sensible that if such an idea had beensuggested, his behaviour during the last day must have material weightin confirming or crushing it.<>
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Much had been done and much had been saidin the regiment since the preceding Wednesday; several of the officershad dined lately with their uncle, a private had been flogged, and ithad actually been hinted that Colonel Forster was going to be married.<>
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"A gentleman and a stranger! It is Mr.Bingley, I am sure! Well, I am sure I shall be extremely glad to see Mr.Bingley.<>
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I do think it is the hardest thingin the world, that your estate should be entailed away from your ownchildren; and I am sure, if I had been you, I should have tried long agoto do something or other about it.<>
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But if you will listen to his letter, you may perhaps be a littlesoftened by his manner of expressing himself.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Dear Sir,--"The disagreement subsisting between yourself and my late honouredfather always gave me much uneasiness, and since I have had themisfortune to lose him, I have frequently wished to heal the breach; butfor some time I was kept back by my own doubts, fearing lest it mightseem disrespectful to his memory for me to be on good terms with anyonewith whom it had always pleased him to be at variance.<>
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--My mind, however, is now made up on the subject, for havingreceived ordination at Easter, I have been so fortunate as to bedistinguished by the patronage of the Right Honourable Lady Catherine deBourgh, widow of Sir Lewis de Bourgh, whose bounty and beneficence haspreferred me to the valuable rectory of this parish, where it shall bemy earnest endeavour to demean myself with grateful respect towards herladyship, and be ever ready to perform those rites and ceremonies whichare instituted by the Church of England.<>
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As a clergyman, moreover, Ifeel it my duty to promote and establish the blessing of peace inall families within the reach of my influence; and on these grounds Iflatter myself that my present overtures are highly commendable, andthat the circumstance of my being next in the entail of Longbourn estatewill be kindly overlooked on your side, and not lead you to reject theoffered olive-branch.<>
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I cannot be otherwise than concerned at being themeans of injuring your amiable daughters, and beg leave to apologise forit, as well as to assure you of my readiness to make them every possibleamends--but of this hereafter.<>
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"He seems to be a mostconscientious and polite young man, upon my word, and I doubt not willprove a valuable acquaintance, especially if Lady Catherine should be soindulgent as to let him come to us again.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "There is some sense in what he says about the girls, however, and ifhe is disposed to make them any amends, I shall not be the person todiscourage him.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "He must be an oddity, I think," said she.<>
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--Could he be a sensible man, sir?""No, my dear, I think not.<>
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Mr. Bennet indeed said little; but theladies were ready enough to talk, and Mr. Collins seemed neither inneed of encouragement, nor inclined to be silent himself.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "You are very kind, I am sure; and I wish with all my heart it mayprove so, for else they will be destitute enough.<>
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There is no knowing how estateswill go when once they come to be entailed.<>
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I have more than once observed to Lady Catherine, thather charming daughter seemed born to be a duchess, and that the mostelevated rank, instead of giving her consequence, would be adorned byher.<>
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May I askwhether these pleasing attentions proceed from the impulse of themoment, or are the result of previous study?""They arise chiefly from what is passing at the time, and though Isometimes amuse myself with suggesting and arranging such little elegantcompliments as may be adapted to ordinary occasions, I always wish togive them as unstudied an air as possible.<>
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Mr. Collins readilyassented, and a book was produced; but, on beholding it (for everythingannounced it to be from a circulating library), he started back, andbegging pardon, protested that he never read novels.<>
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It amazesme, I confess; for, certainly, there can be nothing so advantageous tothem as instruction.<>
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Bennet before breakfast, aconversation beginning with his parsonage-house, and leading naturallyto the avowal of his hopes, that a mistress might be found for it atLongbourn, produced from her, amid very complaisant smiles and generalencouragement, a caution against the very Jane he had fixed on.<>
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"As toher younger daughters, she could not take upon her to say--she couldnot positively answer--but she did not know of any prepossession; hereldest daughter, she must just mention--she felt it incumbent on herto hint, was likely to be very soon engaged.<>
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In his library he had beenalways sure of leisure and tranquillity; and though prepared, as he toldElizabeth, to meet with folly and conceit in every other room of thehouse, he was used to be free from them there; his civility, therefore,was most prompt in inviting Mr. Collins to join his daughters in theirwalk; and Mr. Collins, being in fact much better fitted for a walkerthan a reader, was extremely pleased to close his large book, and go.<>
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The attention ofthe younger ones was then no longer to be gained by him.<>
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What could be the meaning of it? It was impossible toimagine; it was impossible not to long to know.<>
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Shereceived him with her very best politeness, which he returned withas much more, apologising for his intrusion, without any previousacquaintance with her, which he could not help flattering himself,however, might be justified by his relationship to the young ladies whointroduced him to her notice.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) As they walked home, Elizabeth related to Jane what she had seen passbetween the two gentlemen; but though Jane would have defended eitheror both, had they appeared to be in the wrong, she could no more explainsuch behaviour than her sister.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Mr. Wickham was the happy man towards whom almost every female eye wasturned, and Elizabeth was the happy woman by whom he finally seatedhimself; and the agreeable manner in which he immediately fell intoconversation, though it was only on its being a wet night, made her feelthat the commonest, dullest, most threadbare topic might be renderedinteresting by the skill of the speaker.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I know little of the game at present," said he, "but I shall be gladto improve myself, for in my situation in life--" Mrs.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "You may well be surprised, Miss Bennet, at such an assertion, afterseeing, as you probably might, the very cold manner of our meetingyesterday.<>
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I have known himtoo long and too well to be a fair judge.<>
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It is impossible for meto be impartial.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I cannot pretend to be sorry," said Wickham, after a shortinterruption, "that he or that any man should not be estimated beyondtheir deserts; but with him I believe it does not often happen.<>
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Theworld is blinded by his fortune and consequence, or frightened by hishigh and imposing manners, and sees him only as he chooses to be seen.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I should take him, even on my slight acquaintance, to be anill-tempered man.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I wonder," said he, at the next opportunity of speaking, "whether he islikely to be in this country much longer.<>
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I hope your plans in favour of the ----shire willnot be affected by his being in the neighbourhood.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Oh! no--it is not for me to be driven away by Mr. Darcy.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Good heavens!" cried Elizabeth; "but how could that be? How could hiswill be disregarded? Why did you not seek legal redress?""There was just such an informality in the terms of the bequest as togive me no hope from law.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "This is quite shocking! He deserves to be publicly disgraced.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Some time or other he will be--but it shall not be by me.<>
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His dispositionmust be dreadful.<>
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Myfather began life in the profession which your uncle, Mr. Phillips,appears to do so much credit to--but he gave up everything to be ofuse to the late Mr. Darcy and devoted all his time to the care of thePemberley property.<>
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"How abominable! I wonder that the verypride of this Mr. Darcy has not made him just to you! If from no bettermotive, that he should not have been too proud to be dishonest--fordishonesty I must call it.<>
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It has often led him to be liberal and generous, to give his moneyfreely, to display hospitality, to assist his tenants, and relieve thepoor.<>
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He can be a conversible companion if he thinks it worthhis while.<>
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Vain indeed must be all her attentions, vain and useless heraffection for his sister and her praise of himself, if he were alreadyself-destined for another.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I believe her to be both in a great degree," replied Wickham; "I havenot seen her for many years, but I very well remember that I never likedher, and that her manners were dictatorial and insolent.<>
---------------
There could be no conversation in the noiseof Mrs.<>
---------------
Jane listened with astonishment and concern; sheknew not how to believe that Mr. Darcy could be so unworthy of Mr.Bingley's regard; and yet, it was not in her nature to question theveracity of a young man of such amiable appearance as Wickham.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Very true, indeed; and now, my dear Jane, what have you got to say onbehalf of the interested people who have probably been concerned in thebusiness? Do clear them too, or we shall be obliged to think ill ofsomebody.<>
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My dearest Lizzy, do but consider in what a disgraceful lightit places Mr. Darcy, to be treating his father's favourite in sucha manner, one whom his father had promised to provide for.<>
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No man of common humanity, no man who had any value for hischaracter, could be capable of it.<>
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Can his most intimate friends be soexcessively deceived in him? Oh! no.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I am by no means of the opinion, I assure you," said he, "that a ballof this kind, given by a young man of character, to respectable people,can have any evil tendency; and I am so far from objecting to dancingmyself, that I shall hope to be honoured with the hands of all my faircousins in the course of the evening; and I take this opportunity ofsoliciting yours, Miss Elizabeth, for the two first dances especially,a preference which I trust my cousin Jane will attribute to the rightcause, and not to any disrespect for her.<>
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Elizabeth, however, did not chooseto take the hint, being well aware that a serious dispute must be theconsequence of any reply.<>
---------------
No aunt, no officers, no news could be sought after--the veryshoe-roses for Netherfield were got by proxy.<>
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She had dressed with more thanusual care, and prepared in the highest spirits for the conquest of allthat remained unsubdued of his heart, trusting that it was not more thanmight be won in the course of the evening.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Heaven forbid! That would be the greatest misfortune of all! To finda man agreeable whom one is determined to hate! Do not wish me such anevil.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) When the dancing recommenced, however, and Darcy approached to claim herhand, Charlotte could not help cautioning her in a whisper, not to be asimpleton, and allow her fancy for Wickham to make her appear unpleasantin the eyes of a man ten times his consequence.<>
---------------
Butnow we may be silent.<>
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It would look odd to beentirely silent for half an hour together; and yet for the advantage ofsome, conversation ought to be so arranged, as that they may have thetrouble of saying as little as possible.<>
---------------
We are each of an unsocial,taciturn disposition, unwilling to speak, unless we expect to saysomething that will amaze the whole room, and be handed down toposterity with all the eclat of a proverb.<>
---------------
"How near it may be to mine, I cannot pretend to say.<>
---------------
At length Darcy spoke, and in aconstrained manner said, "Mr. Wickham is blessed with such happy mannersas may ensure his making friends--whether he may be equally capable ofretaining them, is less certain.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I am sorry you think so; but if that be the case, there can at least beno want of subject.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "And never allow yourself to be blinded by prejudice?""I hope not.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "It is particularly incumbent on those who never change their opinion,to be secure of judging properly at first.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "His guilt and his descent appear by your account to be the same," saidElizabeth angrily; "for I have heard you accuse him of nothing worsethan of being the son of Mr. Darcy's steward, and of that, I canassure you, he informed me himself.<>
---------------
But perhaps you havebeen too pleasantly engaged to think of any third person; in which caseyou may be sure of my pardon.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) She then changed the discourse to one more gratifying to each, and onwhich there could be no difference of sentiment.<>
---------------
I believe him to be Lady Catherine's nephew.<>
---------------
It will be in my power toassure him that her ladyship was quite well yesterday se'nnight.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Elizabeth tried hard to dissuade him from such a scheme, assuring himthat Mr. Darcy would consider his addressing him without introductionas an impertinent freedom, rather than a compliment to his aunt; thatit was not in the least necessary there should be any notice on eitherside; and that if it were, it must belong to Mr. Darcy, the superior inconsequence, to begin the acquaintance.<>
---------------
Mr. Collins listened to herwith the determined air of following his own inclination, and, when sheceased speaking, replied thus:"My dear Miss Elizabeth, I have the highest opinion in the world inyour excellent judgement in all matters within the scope of yourunderstanding; but permit me to say, that there must be a widedifference between the established forms of ceremony amongst the laity,and those which regulate the clergy; for, give me leave to observe thatI consider the clerical office as equal in point of dignity withthe highest rank in the kingdom--provided that a proper humility ofbehaviour is at the same time maintained.<>
---------------
Pardon me for neglecting toprofit by your advice, which on every other subject shall be my constantguide, though in the case before us I consider myself more fitted byeducation and habitual study to decide on what is right than a younglady like yourself.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I have no reason, I assure you," said he, "to be dissatisfied with myreception.<>
---------------
His being such a charming young man, and so rich, and living butthree miles from them, were the first points of self-gratulation; andthen it was such a comfort to think how fond the two sisters were ofJane, and to be certain that they must desire the connection as much asshe could do.<>
---------------
It was, moreover, such a promising thing for her youngerdaughters, as Jane's marrying so greatly must throw them in the way ofother rich men; and lastly, it was so pleasant at her time of life to beable to consign her single daughters to the care of their sister, thatshe might not be obliged to go into company more than she liked.<>
---------------
Sheconcluded with many good wishes that Lady Lucas might soon be equallyfortunate, though evidently and triumphantly believing there was nochance of it.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "What is Mr. Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him? I amsure we owe him no such particular civility as to be obliged to saynothing he may not like to hear.<>
---------------
What advantage can it be for youto offend Mr. Darcy? You will never recommend yourself to his friend byso doing!"Nothing that she could say, however, had any influence.<>
---------------
Elizabeth'seyes were fixed on her with most painful sensations, and she watched herprogress through the several stanzas with an impatience which was veryill rewarded at their close; for Mary, on receiving, amongst the thanksof the table, the hint of a hope that she might be prevailed on tofavour them again, after the pause of half a minute began another.<>
---------------
She looked at her father to entreat hisinterference, lest Mary should be singing all night.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "If I," said Mr. Collins, "were so fortunate as to be able to sing, Ishould have great pleasure, I am sure, in obliging the company with anair; for I consider music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectlycompatible with the profession of a clergyman.<>
---------------
I do not mean, however,to assert that we can be justified in devoting too much of our timeto music, for there are certainly other things to be attended to.<>
---------------
In the first place, he must makesuch an agreement for tithes as may be beneficial to himself and notoffensive to his patron.<>
---------------
He must write his own sermons; and the timethat remains will not be too much for his parish duties, and the careand improvement of his dwelling, which he cannot be excused from makingas comfortable as possible.<>
---------------
" And with a bow to Mr. Darcy, he concluded his speech, which hadbeen spoken so loud as to be heard by half the room.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) To Elizabeth it appeared that, had her family made an agreement toexpose themselves as much as they could during the evening, it wouldhave been impossible for them to play their parts with more spirit orfiner success; and happy did she think it for Bingley and her sisterthat some of the exhibition had escaped his notice, and that hisfeelings were not of a sort to be much distressed by the folly which hemust have witnessed.<>
---------------
She felt it to be theprobable consequence of her allusions to Mr. Wickham, and rejoiced init.<>
---------------
I am sure Lizzywill be very happy--I am sure she can have no objection.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Elizabeth would not oppose such an injunction--and a moment'sconsideration making her also sensible that it would be wisest to get itover as soon and as quietly as possible, she sat down again and tried toconceal, by incessant employment the feelings which were divided betweendistress and diversion.<>
---------------
You can hardly doubt thepurport of my discourse, however your natural delicacy may lead you todissemble; my attentions have been too marked to be mistaken.<>
---------------
But before I am run away with by my feelings on thissubject, perhaps it would be advisable for me to state my reasons formarrying--and, moreover, for coming into Hertfordshire with the designof selecting a wife, as I certainly did.<>
---------------
Choose properly, choosea gentlewoman for my sake; and for your own, let her be an active,useful sort of person, not brought up high, but able to make a smallincome go a good way.<>
---------------
Thus much for my generalintention in favour of matrimony; it remains to be told why my viewswere directed towards Longbourn instead of my own neighbourhood, where Ican assure you there are many amiable young women.<>
---------------
But the fact is, thatbeing, as I am, to inherit this estate after the death of your honouredfather (who, however, may live many years longer), I could not satisfymyself without resolving to choose a wife from among his daughters, thatthe loss to them might be as little as possible, when the melancholyevent takes place--which, however, as I have already said, may notbe for several years.<>
---------------
To fortune I am perfectly indifferent, andshall make no demand of that nature on your father, since I am wellaware that it could not be complied with; and that one thousand poundsin the four per cents, which will not be yours till after your mother'sdecease, is all that you may ever be entitled to.<>
---------------
On that head,therefore, I shall be uniformly silent; and you may assure yourself thatno ungenerous reproach shall ever pass my lips when we are married.<>
---------------
And you may be certain when I have the honour ofseeing her again, I shall speak in the very highest terms of yourmodesty, economy, and other amiable qualification.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Indeed, Mr. Collins, all praise of me will be unnecessary.<>
---------------
" And rising as shethus spoke, she would have quitted the room, had Mr. Collins not thusaddressed her:"When I do myself the honour of speaking to you next on the subject, Ishall hope to receive a more favourable answer than you have now givenme; though I am far from accusing you of cruelty at present, because Iknow it to be the established custom of your sex to reject a man onthe first application, and perhaps you have even now said as much toencourage my suit as would be consistent with the true delicacy of thefemale character.<>
---------------
My situation in life, my connectionswith the family of de Bourgh, and my relationship to your own, arecircumstances highly in my favour; and you should take it into furtherconsideration, that in spite of your manifold attractions, it is by nomeans certain that another offer of marriage may ever be made you.<>
---------------
I wouldrather be paid the compliment of being believed sincere.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) To such perseverance in wilful self-deception Elizabeth would makeno reply, and immediately and in silence withdrew; determined, ifhe persisted in considering her repeated refusals as flatteringencouragement, to apply to her father, whose negative might be utteredin such a manner as to be decisive, and whose behaviour at least couldnot be mistaken for the affectation and coquetry of an elegant female.<>
---------------
Mr. Collinsreceived and returned these felicitations with equal pleasure, and thenproceeded to relate the particulars of their interview, with the resultof which he trusted he had every reason to be satisfied, since therefusal which his cousin had steadfastly given him would naturally flowfrom her bashful modesty and the genuine delicacy of her character.<>
---------------
Bennet; she would have beenglad to be equally satisfied that her daughter had meant to encouragehim by protesting against his proposals, but she dared not believe it,and could not help saying so.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Pardon me for interrupting you, madam," cried Mr. Collins; "but ifshe is really headstrong and foolish, I know not whether she wouldaltogether be a very desirable wife to a man in my situation, whonaturally looks for happiness in the marriage state.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Let her be called down.<>
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I shall be glad to have thelibrary to myself as soon as may be.<>
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I shall not be able to keepyou--and so I warn you.<>
---------------
Bennet began the projectedconversation: "Oh! Mr. Collins!""My dear madam," replied he, "let us be for ever silent on this point.<>
---------------
Far be it from me," he presently continued, in a voice that marked hisdispleasure, "to resent the behaviour of your daughter.<>
---------------
My conduct may, I fear, be objectionable in having accepted mydismission from your daughter's lips instead of your own.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I found," said he, "as the time drew near that I had better not meetMr. Darcy; that to be in the same room, the same party with him for somany hours together, might be more than I could bear, and that scenesmight arise unpleasant to more than myself.<>
---------------
" To these highflownexpressions Elizabeth listened with all the insensibility of distrust;and though the suddenness of their removal surprised her, she sawnothing in it really to lament; it was not to be supposed that theirabsence from Netherfield would prevent Mr. Bingley's being there; and asto the loss of their society, she was persuaded that Jane must cease toregard it, in the enjoyment of his.<>
---------------
But may we nothope that the period of future happiness to which Miss Bingley looksforward may arrive earlier than she is aware, and that the delightfulintercourse you have known as friends will be renewed with yet greatersatisfaction as sisters? Mr. Bingley will not be detained in London bythem.<>
---------------
I will read it to you:""When my brother left us yesterday, he imagined that the business whichtook him to London might be concluded in three or four days; but as weare certain it cannot be so, and at the same time convinced that whenCharles gets to town he will be in no hurry to leave it again, we havedetermined on following him thither, that he may not be obliged to spendhis vacant hours in a comfortless hotel.<>
---------------
I sincerely hope your Christmas in Hertfordshire mayabound in the gaieties which that season generally brings, and that yourbeaux will be so numerous as to prevent your feeling the loss of thethree of whom we shall deprive you.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Why will you think so? It must be his own doing.<>
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"Is it not clear enough? Does it not expressly declare thatCaroline neither expects nor wishes me to be her sister; that she isperfectly convinced of her brother's indifference; and that if shesuspects the nature of my feelings for him, she means (most kindly!) toput me on my guard? Can there be any other opinion on the subject?""Yes, there can; for mine is totally different.<>
---------------
But,my dearest Jane, you cannot seriously imagine that because Miss Bingleytells you her brother greatly admires Miss Darcy, he is in the smallestdegree less sensible of your merit than when he took leave of you onTuesday, or that it will be in her power to persuade him that, insteadof being in love with you, he is very much in love with her friend.<>
---------------
Believe her to be deceived, by all means.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "But, my dear sister, can I be happy, even supposing the best, inaccepting a man whose sisters and friends are all wishing him to marryelsewhere?""You must decide for yourself," said Elizabeth; "and if, upon maturedeliberation, you find that the misery of disobliging his two sisters ismore than equivalent to the happiness of being his wife, I advise you byall means to refuse him.<>
---------------
"You must know thatthough I should be exceedingly grieved at their disapprobation, I couldnot hesitate.<>
---------------
Afterlamenting it, however, at some length, she had the consolation that Mr.Bingley would be soon down again and soon dining at Longbourn, and theconclusion of all was the comfortable declaration, that though he hadbeen invited only to a family dinner, she would take care to have twofull courses.<>
---------------
He was anxious to avoid the notice of his cousins,from a conviction that if they saw him depart, they could not fail toconjecture his design, and he was not willing to have the attempt knowntill its success might be known likewise; for though feeling almostsecure, and with reason, for Charlotte had been tolerably encouraging,he was comparatively diffident since the adventure of Wednesday.<>
---------------
Lady Lucas began directly to calculate, with moreinterest than the matter had ever excited before, how many years longerMr. Bennet was likely to live; and Sir William gave it as his decidedopinion, that whenever Mr. Collins should be in possession of theLongbourn estate, it would be highly expedient that both he and his wifeshould make their appearance at St.<>
---------------
Mr. Collins, to be sure, was neither sensiblenor agreeable; his society was irksome, and his attachment to her mustbe imaginary.<>
---------------
But still he would be her husband.<>
---------------
Without thinking highlyeither of men or matrimony, marriage had always been her object; it wasthe only provision for well-educated young women of small fortune,and however uncertain of giving happiness, must be their pleasantestpreservative from want.<>
---------------
Elizabeth would wonder,and probably would blame her; and though her resolution was not to beshaken, her feelings must be hurt by such a disapprobation.<>
---------------
A promise of secrecy was of course verydutifully given, but it could not be kept without difficulty; for thecuriosity excited by his long absence burst forth in such very directquestions on his return as required some ingenuity to evade, and he wasat the same time exercising great self-denial, for he was longing topublish his prosperous love.<>
---------------
Bennet, with great politeness and cordiality,said how happy they should be to see him at Longbourn again, wheneverhis engagements might allow him to visit them.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "My dear madam," he replied, "this invitation is particularlygratifying, because it is what I have been hoping to receive; andyou may be very certain that I shall avail myself of it as soon aspossible.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "You cannot be too much upon your guard.<>
---------------
Risk anything rather than herdispleasure; and if you find it likely to be raised by your coming to usagain, which I should think exceedingly probable, stay quietly at home,and be satisfied that we shall take no offence.<>
---------------
As for my fair cousins, thoughmy absence may not be long enough to render it necessary, I shall nowtake the liberty of wishing them health and happiness, not excepting mycousin Elizabeth.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) The possibility of Mr. Collins's fancying himself in love with herfriend had once occurred to Elizabeth within the last day or two; butthat Charlotte could encourage him seemed almost as far frompossibility as she could encourage him herself, and her astonishment wasconsequently so great as to overcome at first the bounds of decorum, andshe could not help crying out:"Engaged to Mr. Collins! My dear Charlotte--impossible!"The steady countenance which Miss Lucas had commanded in telling herstory, gave way to a momentary confusion here on receiving so direct areproach; though, as it was no more than she expected, she soon regainedher composure, and calmly replied:"Why should you be surprised, my dear Eliza? Do you think it incrediblethat Mr. Collins should be able to procure any woman's good opinion,because he was not so happy as to succeed with you?"But Elizabeth had now recollected herself, and making a strong effortfor it, was able to assure with tolerable firmness that the prospect oftheir relationship was highly grateful to her, and that she wished herall imaginable happiness.<>
---------------
"You must be surprised,very much surprised--so lately as Mr. Collins was wishing to marryyou.<>
---------------
She had always felt that Charlotte's opinion of matrimony wasnot exactly like her own, but she had not supposed it to be possiblethat, when called into action, she would have sacrificed every betterfeeling to worldly advantage.<>
---------------
Charlotte the wife of Mr. Collins was amost humiliating picture! And to the pang of a friend disgracing herselfand sunk in her esteem, was added the distressing conviction that itwas impossible for that friend to be tolerably happy in the lot she hadchosen.<>
---------------
Bennet, with more perseverance than politeness,protested he must be entirely mistaken; and Lydia, always unguarded andoften uncivil, boisterously exclaimed:"Good Lord! Sir William, how can you tell such a story? Do not you knowthat Mr. Collins wants to marry Lizzy?"Nothing less than the complaisance of a courtier could have bornewithout anger such treatment; but Sir William's good breeding carriedhim through it all; and though he begged leave to be positive as to thetruth of his information, he listened to all their impertinence with themost forbearing courtesy.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Elizabeth, feeling it incumbent on her to relieve him from so unpleasanta situation, now put herself forward to confirm his account, bymentioning her prior knowledge of it from Charlotte herself; andendeavoured to put a stop to the exclamations of her mother and sistersby the earnestness of her congratulations to Sir William, in which shewas readily joined by Jane, and by making a variety of remarks on thehappiness that might be expected from the match, the excellent characterof Mr. Collins, and the convenient distance of Hunsford from London.<>
---------------
In the first place, she persisted in disbelievingthe whole of the matter; secondly, she was very sure that Mr. Collinshad been taken in; thirdly, she trusted that they would never behappy together; and fourthly, that the match might be broken off.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Mr. Bennet's emotions were much more tranquil on the occasion, and suchas he did experience he pronounced to be of a most agreeable sort; forit gratified him, he said, to discover that Charlotte Lucas, whom he hadbeen used to think tolerably sensible, was as foolish as his wife, andmore foolish than his daughter!Jane confessed herself a little surprised at the match; but she saidless of her astonishment than of her earnest desire for their happiness;nor could Elizabeth persuade her to consider it as improbable.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Lady Lucas could not be insensible of triumph on being able to retorton Mrs.<>
---------------
Herdisappointment in Charlotte made her turn with fonder regard to hersister, of whose rectitude and delicacy she was sure her opinion couldnever be shaken, and for whose happiness she grew daily more anxious,as Bingley had now been gone a week and nothing more was heard of hisreturn.<>
---------------
After discharginghis conscience on that head, he proceeded to inform them, with manyrapturous expressions, of his happiness in having obtained the affectionof their amiable neighbour, Miss Lucas, and then explained that it wasmerely with the view of enjoying her society that he had been so readyto close with their kind wish of seeing him again at Longbourn, whitherhe hoped to be able to return on Monday fortnight; for Lady Catherine,he added, so heartily approved his marriage, that she wished it to takeplace as soon as possible, which he trusted would be an unanswerableargument with his amiable Charlotte to name an early day for making himthe happiest of men.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Even Elizabeth began to fear--not that Bingley was indifferent--but thathis sisters would be successful in keeping him away.<>
---------------
The united efforts of his two unfeeling sistersand of his overpowering friend, assisted by the attractions of MissDarcy and the amusements of London might be too much, she feared, forthe strength of his attachment.<>
---------------
Whenever Charlotte came to seethem, she concluded her to be anticipating the hour of possession; andwhenever she spoke in a low voice to Mr. Collins, was convinced thatthey were talking of the Longbourn estate, and resolving to turn herselfand her daughters out of the house, as soon as Mr. Bennet were dead.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Indeed, Mr. Bennet," said she, "it is very hard to think that CharlotteLucas should ever be mistress of this house, that I should be forced tomake way for her, and live to see her take her place in it!""My dear, do not give way to such gloomy thoughts.<>
---------------
Let us flatter ourselves that I may be the survivor.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Let us be thankful that you are preserved from a state of suchinsensibility.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I never can be thankful, Mr. Bennet, for anything about the entail.<>
---------------
Had his own happiness, however,been the only sacrifice, he might have been allowed to sport with it inwhatever manner he thought best, but her sister's was involved in it, asshe thought he must be sensible himself.<>
---------------
It was a subject, in short,on which reflection would be long indulged, and must be unavailing.<>
---------------
He will be forgot, and we shallall be as we were before.<>
---------------
The more I seeof the world, the more am I dissatisfied with it; and every day confirmsmy belief of the inconsistency of all human characters, and of thelittle dependence that can be placed on the appearance of merit orsense.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "To oblige you, I would try to believe almost anything, but no one elsecould be benefited by such a belief as this; for were I persuaded thatCharlotte had any regard for him, I should only think worse of herunderstanding than I now do of her heart.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I must think your language too strong in speaking of both," repliedJane; "and I hope you will be convinced of it by seeing them happytogether.<>
---------------
We must not be so ready to fancyourselves intentionally injured.<>
---------------
We must not expect a lively young manto be always so guarded and circumspect.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "If it is designedly done, they cannot be justified; but I have no ideaof there being so much design in the world as some persons imagine.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I am far from attributing any part of Mr. Bingley's conduct to design,"said Elizabeth; "but without scheming to do wrong, or to make othersunhappy, there may be error, and there may be misery.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Beyond a doubt, they do wish him to choose Miss Darcy," replied Jane;"but this may be from better feelings than you are supposing.<>
---------------
But, whatever may be their own wishes, it is very unlikelythey should have opposed their brother's.<>
---------------
Let me take it inthe best light, in the light in which it may be understood.<>
---------------
Bennet's bestcomfort was that Mr. Bingley must be down again in the summer.<>
---------------
Next tobeing married, a girl likes to be crossed a little in love now and then.<>
---------------
The pain of separation, however, might be alleviated on hisside, by preparations for the reception of his bride; as he had reasonto hope, that shortly after his return into Hertfordshire, the day wouldbe fixed that was to make him the happiest of men.<>
---------------
It makes me very nervous and poorly, to be thwartedso in my own family, and to have neighbours who think of themselvesbefore anybody else.<>
---------------
But do you think shewould be prevailed upon to go back with us? Change of scene might beof service--and perhaps a little relief from home may be as useful asanything.<>
---------------
But does not Janecorrespond with his sister? She will not be able to help calling.<>
---------------
It was possible, and sometimes she thought it probable, thathis affection might be reanimated, and the influence of his friendssuccessfully combated by the more natural influence of Jane'sattractions.<>
---------------
When the engagement was for home, some of the officers alwaysmade part of it--of which officers Mr. Wickham was sure to be one; andon these occasions, Mrs.<>
---------------
Without supposing them,from what she saw, to be very seriously in love, their preferenceof each other was plain enough to make her a little uneasy; andshe resolved to speak to Elizabeth on the subject before she leftHertfordshire, and represent to her the imprudence of encouraging suchan attachment.<>
---------------
Seriously, I would have you be on your guard.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Yes, and I hope to engage you to be serious likewise.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Well, then, you need not be under any alarm.<>
---------------
He shall not be in love with me, if Ican prevent it.<>
---------------
But he is, beyond all comparison,the most agreeable man I ever saw--and if he becomes really attached tome--I believe it will be better that he should not.<>
---------------
Oh! that abominable Mr. Darcy! My father's opinion of me doesme the greatest honour, and I should be miserable to forfeit it.<>
---------------
In short, my dear aunt, Ishould be very sorry to be the means of making any of you unhappy; butsince we see every day that where there is affection, young peopleare seldom withheld by immediate want of fortune from entering intoengagements with each other, how can I promise to be wiser than so manyof my fellow-creatures if I am tempted, or how am I even to know that itwould be wisdom to resist? All that I can promise you, therefore, is notto be in a hurry.<>
---------------
I will not be in a hurry to believe myself his firstobject.<>
---------------
When I am in company with him, I will not be wishing.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Perhaps it will be as well if you discourage his coming here so veryoften.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "As I did the other day," said Elizabeth with a conscious smile: "verytrue, it will be wise in me to refrain from that.<>
---------------
But really, and upon myhonour, I will try to do what I think to be the wisest; and now I hopeyou are satisfied.<>
---------------
His marriage wasnow fast approaching, and she was at length so far resigned as to thinkit inevitable, and even repeatedly to say, in an ill-natured tone, thatshe "wished they might be happy.<>
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" Thursday was to be the wedding day,and on Wednesday Miss Lucas paid her farewell visit; and when sherose to take leave, Elizabeth, ashamed of her mother's ungracious andreluctant good wishes, and sincerely affected herself, accompanied herout of the room.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "My father and Maria are coming to me in March," added Charlotte, "and Ihope you will consent to be of the party.<>
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Indeed, Eliza, you will be aswelcome as either of them.<>
---------------
Elizabeth soon heard from her friend; and theircorrespondence was as regular and frequent as it had ever been; thatit should be equally unreserved was impossible.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Jane had already written a few lines to her sister to announce theirsafe arrival in London; and when she wrote again, Elizabeth hoped itwould be in her power to say something of the Bingleys.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "My dearest Lizzy will, I am sure, be incapable of triumphing in herbetter judgement, at my expense, when I confess myself to have beenentirely deceived in Miss Bingley's regard for me.<>
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I do not at all comprehend her reason forwishing to be intimate with me; but if the same circumstances were tohappen again, I am sure I should be deceived again.<>
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I need not explain myself farther; and though we knowthis anxiety to be quite needless, yet if she feels it, it will easilyaccount for her behaviour to me; and so deservedly dear as he is tohis sister, whatever anxiety she must feel on his behalf is natural andamiable.<>
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I am sure you will be very comfortable there.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) This letter gave Elizabeth some pain; but her spirits returned as sheconsidered that Jane would no longer be duped, by the sister at least.<>
---------------
Nothing, on the contrary, could be more natural; and while able tosuppose that it cost him a few struggles to relinquish her, she wasready to allow it a wise and desirable measure for both, and could verysincerely wish him happy.<>
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There can be no love in all this.<>
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Mywatchfulness has been effectual; and though I certainly should be a moreinteresting object to all my acquaintances were I distractedly in lovewith him, I cannot say that I regret my comparative insignificance.<>
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Importance may sometimes be purchased too dearly.<>
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Therewas novelty in the scheme, and as, with such a mother and suchuncompanionable sisters, home could not be faultless, a little changewas not unwelcome for its own sake.<>
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His present pursuit could not make him forget thatElizabeth had been the first to excite and to deserve his attention, thefirst to listen and to pity, the first to be admired; and in his mannerof bidding her adieu, wishing her every enjoyment, reminding her ofwhat she was to expect in Lady Catherine de Bourgh, and trusting theiropinion of her--their opinion of everybody--would always coincide, therewas a solicitude, an interest which she felt must ever attach her tohim with a most sincere regard; and she parted from him convinced that,whether married or single, he must always be her model of the amiableand pleasing.<>
---------------
Sir William Lucas, and his daughter Maria, agood-humoured girl, but as empty-headed as himself, had nothing to saythat could be worth hearing, and were listened to with about as muchdelight as the rattle of the chaise.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) It was a journey of only twenty-four miles, and they began it so earlyas to be in Gracechurch Street by noon.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "But my dear Elizabeth," she added, "what sort of girl is Miss King? Ishould be sorry to think our friend mercenary.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Pray, my dear aunt, what is the difference in matrimonial affairs,between the mercenary and the prudent motive? Where does discretion end,and avarice begin? Last Christmas you were afraid of his marrying me,because it would be imprudent; and now, because he is trying to geta girl with only ten thousand pounds, you want to find out that he ismercenary.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "No--why should he? If it were not allowable for him to gain myaffections because I had no money, what occasion could there be formaking love to a girl whom he did not care about, and who was equallypoor?""But there seems an indelicacy in directing his attentions towards herso soon after this event.<>
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He shall bemercenary, and she shall be foolish.<>
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I should be sorry, you know,to think ill of a young man who has lived so long in Derbyshire.<>
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Whatare young men to rocks and mountains? Oh! what hours of transportwe shall spend! And when we do return, it shall not be like othertravellers, without being able to give one accurate idea of anything.<>
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Lakes, mountains, and rivers shall not be jumbled together in ourimaginations; nor when we attempt to describe any particular scene,will we begin quarreling about its relative situation.<>
---------------
Let ourfirst effusions be less insupportable than those of the generality oftravellers.<>
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But of all the views which his garden, or whichthe country or kingdom could boast, none were to be compared with theprospect of Rosings, afforded by an opening in the trees that borderedthe park nearly opposite the front of his house.<>
---------------
When Mr. Collins could beforgotten, there was really an air of great comfort throughout, and byCharlotte's evident enjoyment of it, Elizabeth supposed he must be oftenforgotten.<>
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She is all affability and condescension, and Idoubt not but you will be honoured with some portion of her noticewhen service is over.<>
---------------
She openedthe door and met Maria in the landing place, who, breathless withagitation, cried out--"Oh, my dear Eliza! pray make haste and come into the dining-room, forthere is such a sight to be seen! I will not tell you what it is.<>
---------------
Who would have thought that she could be so thin and small?""She is abominably rude to keep Charlotte out of doors in all this wind.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) At length there was nothing more to be said; the ladies drove on, andthe others returned into the house.<>
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The power of displaying the grandeur of his patroness to his wonderingvisitors, and of letting them see her civility towards himself and hiswife, was exactly what he had wished for; and that an opportunityof doing it should be given so soon, was such an instance of LadyCatherine's condescension, as he knew not how to admire enough.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) While they were dressing, he came two or three times to their differentdoors, to recommend their being quick, as Lady Catherine very muchobjected to be kept waiting for her dinner.<>
---------------
Every park has its beauty and its prospects; andElizabeth saw much to be pleased with, though she could not be in suchraptures as Mr. Collins expected the scene to inspire, and was butslightly affected by his enumeration of the windows in front of thehouse, and his relation of what the glazing altogether had originallycost Sir Lewis de Bourgh.<>
---------------
She was not rendered formidable bysilence; but whatever she said was spoken in so authoritative a tone,as marked her self-importance, and brought Mr. Wickham immediately toElizabeth's mind; and from the observation of the day altogether, shebelieved Lady Catherine to be exactly what he represented.<>
---------------
She asked her, at different times, how many sistersshe had, whether they were older or younger than herself, whether any ofthem were likely to be married, whether they were handsome, where theyhad been educated, what carriage her father kept, and what had beenher mother's maiden name? Elizabeth felt all the impertinence ofher questions but answered them very composedly.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Oh! then--some time or other we shall be happy to hear you.<>
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I always say that nothing is to be done in education without steadyand regular instruction, and nobody but a governess can give it.<>
---------------
Theyounger ones out before the elder ones are married! Your younger sistersmust be very young?""Yes, my youngest is not sixteen.<>
---------------
But really, ma'am, I think it would be very hard uponyounger sisters, that they should not have their share of society andamusement, because the elder may not have the means or inclination tomarry early.<>
---------------
And to be kept back on such a motive! I think it wouldnot be very likely to promote sisterly affection or delicacy of mind.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Lady Catherine seemed quite astonished at not receiving a direct answer;and Elizabeth suspected herself to be the first creature who had everdared to trifle with so much dignified impertinence.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "You cannot be more than twenty, I am sure, therefore you need notconceal your age.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Very few days passed in which Mr. Collins did not walk to Rosings, andnot many in which his wife did not think it necessary to go likewise;and till Elizabeth recollected that there might be other family livingsto be disposed of, she could not understand the sacrifice of so manyhours.<>
---------------
Elizabeth had heard soon after her arrival that Mr. Darcy wasexpected there in the course of a few weeks, and though there were notmany of her acquaintances whom she did not prefer, his coming wouldfurnish one comparatively new to look at in their Rosings parties, andshe might be amused in seeing how hopeless Miss Bingley's designs on himwere, by his behaviour to his cousin, for whom he was evidentlydestined by Lady Catherine, who talked of his coming with the greatestsatisfaction, spoke of him in terms of the highest admiration, andseemed almost angry to find that he had already been frequently seen byMiss Lucas and herself.<>
---------------
Collins, and whatever might be his feelings toward herfriend, met her with every appearance of composure.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) It was some days, however, before theyreceived any invitation thither--for while there were visitors in thehouse, they could not be necessary; and it was not till Easter-day,almost a week after the gentlemen's arrival, that they were honoured bysuch an attention, and then they were merely asked on leaving church tocome there in the evening.<>
---------------
It cannot be done too much; and when I next writeto her, I shall charge her not to neglect it on any account.<>
---------------
I oftentell young ladies that no excellence in music is to be acquired withoutconstant practice.<>
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She would be in nobody's way, you know, in that partof the house.<>
---------------
Elizabeth saw what he was doing, and at the firstconvenient pause, turned to him with an arch smile, and said:"You mean to frighten me, Mr. Darcy, by coming in all this state to hearme? I will not be alarmed though your sister does play so well.<>
---------------
Thereis a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at thewill of others.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "True; and nobody can ever be introduced in a ball-room.<>
---------------
But then Ihave always supposed it to be my own fault--because I will not take thetrouble of practising.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) He seemed astonished too on finding her alone, and apologised for hisintrusion by letting her know that he had understood all the ladies wereto be within.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "If he means to be but little at Netherfield, it would be better forthe neighbourhood that he should give up the place entirely, for then wemight possibly get a settled family there.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I should not be surprised," said Darcy, "if he were to give it up assoon as any eligible purchase offers.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Mr. Collins appears to be very fortunate in his choice of a wife.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "It must be very agreeable for her to be settled within so easy adistance of her own family and friends.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) As he spoke there was a sort of smile which Elizabeth fancied sheunderstood; he must be supposing her to be thinking of Jane andNetherfield, and she blushed as she answered:"I do not mean to say that a woman may not be settled too near herfamily.<>
---------------
The far and the near must be relative, and depend on manyvarying circumstances.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "What can be the meaning of this?" said Charlotte, as soon as he wasgone.<>
---------------
"My dear, Eliza, he must be in love with you, or he would neverhave called us in this familiar way.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) But when Elizabeth told of his silence; it did not seem very likely,even to Charlotte's wishes, to be the case; and after variousconjectures, they could at last only suppose his visit to proceed fromthe difficulty of finding anything to do, which was the more probablefrom the time of year.<>
---------------
Within doors therewas Lady Catherine, books, and a billiard-table, but gentlemen cannotalways be within doors; and in the nearness of the Parsonage, or thepleasantness of the walk to it, or of the people who lived in it, thetwo cousins found a temptation from this period of walking thitheralmost every day.<>
---------------
It could not be for society, as he frequently sat thereten minutes together without opening his lips; and when he did speak,it seemed the effect of necessity rather than of choice--a sacrificeto propriety, not a pleasure to himself.<>
---------------
Collins did not think it right to press the subject, from the danger ofraising expectations which might only end in disappointment; for in heropinion it admitted not of a doubt, that all her friend's dislike wouldvanish, if she could suppose him to be in her power.<>
---------------
Collins's happiness; and that in speaking ofRosings and her not perfectly understanding the house, he seemed toexpect that whenever she came into Kent again she would be stayingthere too.<>
---------------
A younger son, you know, must be inured to self-denial anddependence.<>
---------------
She directly replied:"You need not be frightened.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "What is it you mean?""It is a circumstance which Darcy could not wish to be generally known,because if it were to get round to the lady's family, it would be anunpleasant thing.<>
---------------
What he told me was merely this: that he congratulated himselfon having lately saved a friend from the inconveniences of a mostimprudent marriage, but without mentioning names or any otherparticulars, and I only suspected it to be Bingley from believinghim the kind of young man to get into a scrape of that sort, and fromknowing them to have been together the whole of last summer.<>
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Why was he to be the judge?""You are rather disposed to call his interference officious?""I do not see what right Mr. Darcy had to decide on the propriety of hisfriend's inclination, or why, upon his own judgement alone, he was todetermine and direct in what manner his friend was to be happy.<>
---------------
It is not to be supposedthat there was much affection in the case.<>
---------------
It was not to be supposed that any otherpeople could be meant than those with whom she was connected.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "To Jane herself," she exclaimed, "there could be no possibility ofobjection; all loveliness and goodness as she is!--her understandingexcellent, her mind improved, and her manners captivating.<>
---------------
Neithercould anything be urged against my father, who, though with somepeculiarities, has abilities Mr. Darcy himself need not disdain, andrespectability which he will probably never reach.<>
---------------
It was some consolationto think that his visit to Rosings was to end on the day after thenext--and, a still greater, that in less than a fortnight she shouldherself be with Jane again, and enabled to contribute to the recovery ofher spirits, by all that affection could do.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) She could not think of Darcy's leaving Kent without remembering thathis cousin was to go with him; but Colonel Fitzwilliam had made it clearthat he had no intentions at all, and agreeable as he was, she did notmean to be unhappy about him.<>
---------------
He spoke well; but there were feelings besidesthose of the heart to be detailed; and he was not more eloquent on thesubject of tenderness than of pride.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) In spite of her deeply-rooted dislike, she could not be insensible tothe compliment of such a man's affection, and though her intentions didnot vary for an instant, she was at first sorry for the pain he was toreceive; till, roused to resentment by his subsequent language, shelost all compassion in anger.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) He concluded withrepresenting to her the strength of that attachment which, in spiteof all his endeavours, he had found impossible to conquer; and withexpressing his hope that it would now be rewarded by her acceptance ofhis hand.<>
---------------
Such a circumstance couldonly exasperate farther, and, when he ceased, the colour rose into hercheeks, and she said:"In such cases as this, it is, I believe, the established mode toexpress a sense of obligation for the sentiments avowed, howeverunequally they may be returned.<>
---------------
At length, with a voice of forced calmness, he said:"And this is all the reply which I am to have the honour of expecting!I might, perhaps, wish to be informed why, with so little endeavour atcivility, I am thus rejected.<>
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She went on:"From the very beginning--from the first moment, I may almost say--ofmy acquaintance with you, your manners, impressing me with the fullestbelief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain ofthe feelings of others, were such as to form the groundwork ofdisapprobation on which succeeding events have built so immovable adislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were thelast man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.<>
---------------
I perfectly comprehend yourfeelings, and have now only to be ashamed of what my own have been.<>
---------------
She had turned away; but on hearing herself called, thoughin a voice which proved it to be Mr. Darcy, she moved again towards thegate.<>
---------------
I write without anyintention of paining you, or humbling myself, by dwelling on wisheswhich, for the happiness of both, cannot be too soon forgotten; and theeffort which the formation and the perusal of this letter must occasion,should have been spared, had not my character required it to be writtenand read.<>
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Wilfully andwantonly to have thrown off the companion of my youth, the acknowledgedfavourite of my father, a young man who had scarcely any otherdependence than on our patronage, and who had been brought up to expectits exertion, would be a depravity, to which the separation of two youngpersons, whose affection could be the growth of only a few weeks, couldbear no comparison.<>
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But from the severity of that blame which was lastnight so liberally bestowed, respecting each circumstance, I shall hopeto be in the future secured, when the following account of my actionsand their motives has been read.<>
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If, in the explanation of them, whichis due to myself, I am under the necessity of relating feelings whichmay be offensive to yours, I can only say that I am sorry.<>
---------------
The necessitymust be obeyed, and further apology would be absurd.<>
---------------
If it be so, if I have been misled by such error to inflictpain on her, your resentment has not been unreasonable.<>
---------------
I did not believeher to be indifferent because I wished it; I believed it on impartialconviction, as truly as I wished it in reason.<>
---------------
My objections to themarriage were not merely those which I last night acknowledged to havethe utmost force of passion to put aside, in my own case; the want ofconnection could not be so great an evil to my friend as to me.<>
---------------
These causes must be stated, though briefly.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "The part which I acted is now to be explained.<>
---------------
His sisters' uneasinesshad been equally excited with my own; our coincidence of feeling wassoon discovered, and, alike sensible that no time was to be lost indetaching their brother, we shortly resolved on joining him directly inLondon.<>
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But whatever may be the sentiments which Mr. Wickhamhas created, a suspicion of their nature shall not prevent me fromunfolding his real character--it adds even another motive.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "My excellent father died about five years ago; and his attachment toMr. Wickham was to the last so steady, that in his will he particularlyrecommended it to me, to promote his advancement in the best mannerthat his profession might allow--and if he took orders, desired that avaluable family living might be his as soon as it became vacant.<>
---------------
His own father did not longsurvive mine, and within half a year from these events, Mr. Wickhamwrote to inform me that, having finally resolved against taking orders,he hoped I should not think it unreasonable for him to expect some moreimmediate pecuniary advantage, in lieu of the preferment, by which hecould not be benefited.<>
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He had some intention, he added, of studyinglaw, and I must be aware that the interest of one thousand pounds wouldbe a very insufficient support therein.<>
---------------
I rather wished, than believedhim to be sincere; but, at any rate, was perfectly ready to accede tohis proposal.<>
---------------
I knew that Mr. Wickham ought not to be a clergyman; thebusiness was therefore soon settled--he resigned all claim to assistancein the church, were it possible that he could ever be in a situation toreceive it, and accepted in return three thousand pounds.<>
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Hehad found the law a most unprofitable study, and was now absolutelyresolved on being ordained, if I would present him to the living inquestion--of which he trusted there could be little doubt, as he waswell assured that I had no other person to provide for, and I could nothave forgotten my revered father's intentions.<>
---------------
She was then but fifteen, which must be herexcuse; and after stating her imprudence, I am happy to add, that I owedthe knowledge of it to herself.<>
---------------
I know not in what manner, under what form of falsehood hehad imposed on you; but his success is not perhaps to be wonderedat.<>
---------------
Ignorant as you previously were of everything concerning either,detection could not be in your power, and suspicion certainly not inyour inclination.<>
---------------
If your abhorrence of meshould make my assertions valueless, you cannot be prevented bythe same cause from confiding in my cousin; and that there may bethe possibility of consulting him, I shall endeavour to find someopportunity of putting this letter in your hands in the course of themorning.<>
---------------
But such as they were, it may well be supposed how eagerlyshe went through them, and what a contrariety of emotion they excited.<>
---------------
Her feelings as she read were scarcely to be defined.<>
---------------
With amazement didshe first understand that he believed any apology to be in his power;and steadfastly was she persuaded, that he could have no explanationto give, which a just sense of shame would not conceal.<>
---------------
His belief of her sister's insensibility sheinstantly resolved to be false; and his account of the real, the worstobjections to the match, made her too angry to have any wish of doinghim justice.<>
---------------
She wishedto discredit it entirely, repeatedly exclaiming, "This must be false!This cannot be! This must be the grossest falsehood!"--and when she hadgone through the whole letter, though scarcely knowing anything of thelast page or two, put it hastily away, protesting that she would notregard it, that she would never look in it again.<>
---------------
Every lingering struggle in his favour grew fainterand fainter; and in farther justification of Mr. Darcy, she could notbut allow that Mr. Bingley, when questioned by Jane, had long agoasserted his blamelessness in the affair; that proud and repulsive aswere his manners, she had never, in the whole course of theiracquaintance--an acquaintance which had latterly brought them muchtogether, and given her a sort of intimacy with his ways--seen anythingthat betrayed him to be unprincipled or unjust--anything that spoke himof irreligious or immoral habits; that among his own connections he wasesteemed and valued--that even Wickham had allowed him merit as abrother, and that she had often heard him speak so affectionately of hissister as to prove him capable of some amiable feeling; that had hisactions been what Mr. Wickham represented them, so gross a violation ofeverything right could hardly have been concealed from the world; andthat friendship between a person capable of it, and such an amiable manas Mr. Bingley, was incomprehensible.<>
---------------
How could she deny thatcredit to his assertions in one instance, which she had been obliged togive in the other? He declared himself to be totally unsuspicious of hersister's attachment; and she could not help remembering what Charlotte'sopinion had always been.<>
---------------
It soothed,but it could not console her for the contempt which had thus beenself-attracted by the rest of her family; and as she consideredthat Jane's disappointment had in fact been the work of her nearestrelations, and reflected how materially the credit of both must be hurtby such impropriety of conduct, she felt depressed beyond anything shehad ever known before.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) She was immediately told that the two gentlemen from Rosings had eachcalled during her absence; Mr. Darcy, only for a few minutes, to takeleave--but that Colonel Fitzwilliam had been sitting with them at leastan hour, hoping for her return, and almost resolving to walk after hertill she could be found.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Chapter 37The two gentlemen left Rosings the next morning, and Mr. Collins havingbeen in waiting near the lodges, to make them his parting obeisance, wasable to bring home the pleasing intelligence, of their appearing in verygood health, and in as tolerable spirits as could be expected, after themelancholy scene so lately gone through at Rosings.<>
---------------
But I am particularlyattached to these young men, and know them to be so much attached tome! They were excessively sorry to go! But so they always are.<>
---------------
Mrs. Collins will be very glad of yourcompany, I am sure.<>
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I must be in townnext Saturday.<>
---------------
Therecan be no occasion for your going so soon.<>
---------------
And if you will stayanother month complete, it will be in my power to take one of you asfar as London, for I am going there early in June, for a week; and asDawson does not object to the barouche-box, there will be very good roomfor one of you--and indeed, if the weather should happen to be cool, Ishould not object to taking you both, as you are neither of you large.<>
---------------
Young women should always be properlyguarded and attended, according to their situation in life.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Lady Catherine had many other questions to ask respecting their journey,and as she did not answer them all herself, attention was necessary,which Elizabeth believed to be lucky for her; or, with a mind sooccupied, she might have forgotten where she was.<>
---------------
Elizabeth had frequentlyunited with Jane in an endeavour to check the imprudence of Catherineand Lydia; but while they were supported by their mother's indulgence,what chance could there be of improvement? Catherine, weak-spirited,irritable, and completely under Lydia's guidance, had been alwaysaffronted by their advice; and Lydia, self-willed and careless, wouldscarcely give them a hearing.<>
---------------
Whilethere was an officer in Meryton, they would flirt with him; and whileMeryton was within a walk of Longbourn, they would be going thereforever.<>
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Howgrievous then was the thought that, of a situation so desirable in everyrespect, so replete with advantage, so promising for happiness, Jane hadbeen deprived, by the folly and indecorum of her own family!When to these recollections was added the development of Wickham'scharacter, it may be easily believed that the happy spirits which hadseldom been depressed before, were now so much affected as to make italmost impossible for her to appear tolerably cheerful.<>
---------------
Collins youhave been a daily witness of; and altogether I trust it does not appearthat your friend has drawn an unfortunate--but on this point it will beas well to be silent.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) At length the chaise arrived, the trunks were fastened on, the parcelsplaced within, and it was pronounced to be ready.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Elizabeth made no objection; the door was then allowed to be shut, andthe carriage drove off.<>
---------------
But Jane was to go home with her, and atLongbourn there would be leisure enough for observation.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) And when her sisters abused it as ugly, she added, with perfectunconcern, "Oh! but there were two or three much uglier in the shop; andwhen I have bought some prettier-coloured satin to trim it with fresh, Ithink it will be very tolerable.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "They are going to be encamped near Brighton; and I do so want papa totake us all there for the summer! It would be such a delicious scheme;and I dare say would hardly cost anything at all.<>
---------------
Mamma would like togo too of all things! Only think what a miserable summer else we shallhave!""Yes," thought Elizabeth, "that would be a delightful scheme indeed,and completely do for us at once.<>
---------------
"I am glad I bought mybonnet, if it is only for the fun of having another bandbox! Well, nowlet us be quite comfortable and snug, and talk and laugh all the wayhome.<>
---------------
Jane will be quite an old maid soon, I declare.<>
---------------
She is almost three-and-twenty! Lord, how ashamed I should be of notbeing married before three-and-twenty! My aunt Phillips wants you so toget husbands, you can't think.<>
---------------
Lord!how I should like to be married before any of you; and then I wouldchaperon you about to all the balls.<>
---------------
And thenwe were so merry all the way home! we talked and laughed so loud, thatanybody might have heard us ten miles off!"To this Mary very gravely replied, "Far be it from me, my dear sister,to depreciate such pleasures! They would doubtless be congenial with thegenerality of female minds.<>
---------------
It should not be said that the Miss Bennets couldnot be at home half a day before they were in pursuit of the officers.<>
---------------
In a fortnight they were to go--and once gone, she hopedthere could be nothing more to plague her on his account.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Chapter 40Elizabeth's impatience to acquaint Jane with what had happened couldno longer be overcome; and at length, resolving to suppress everyparticular in which her sister was concerned, and preparing her to besurprised, she related to her the next morning the chief of the scenebetween Mr. Darcy and herself.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "This will not do," said Elizabeth; "you never will be able to make bothof them good for anything.<>
---------------
Take your choice, but you must be satisfiedwith only one.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) It was some time, however, before a smile could be extorted from Jane.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "And yet I meant to be uncommonly clever in taking so decided a disliketo him, without any reason.<>
---------------
One may be continuallyabusive without saying anything just; but one cannot always be laughingat a man without now and then stumbling on something witty.<>
---------------
I want to be told whether Iought, or ought not, to make our acquaintances in general understandWickham's character.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Miss Bennet paused a little, and then replied, "Surely there can be nooccasion for exposing him so dreadfully.<>
---------------
What is your opinion?""That it ought not to be attempted.<>
---------------
On the contrary, every particularrelative to his sister was meant to be kept as much as possible tomyself; and if I endeavour to undeceive people as to the rest of hisconduct, who will believe me? The general prejudice against Mr. Darcyis so violent, that it would be the death of half the good people inMeryton to attempt to place him in an amiable light.<>
---------------
Wickham will soon be gone; and therefore it will not signify toanyone here what he really is.<>
---------------
Some time hence it will be all found out,and then we may laugh at their stupidity in not knowing it before.<>
---------------
"And then," said she, "if that veryimprobable event should ever take place, I shall merely be able totell what Bingley may tell in a much more agreeable manner himself.<>
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Theliberty of communication cannot be mine till it has lost all its value!"She was now, on being settled at home, at leisure to observe the realstate of her sister's spirits.<>
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Well, my comfort is, I am sure Jane willdie of a broken heart; and then he will be sorry for what he has done.<>
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They will never be distressedfor money.<>
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Well, if they can be easy with anestate that is not lawfully their own, so much the better.<>
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"How can you be smiling so,Lizzy?"Their affectionate mother shared all their grief; she remembered whatshe had herself endured on a similar occasion, five-and-twenty yearsago.<>
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Elizabeth tried to be diverted by them; but all senseof pleasure was lost in shame.<>
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Bennet, and the mortification of Kitty, are scarcelyto be described.<>
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I have just as muchright to be asked as she has, and more too, for I am two years older.<>
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He heard her attentively, and then said:"Lydia will never be easy until she has exposed herself in some publicplace or other, and we can never expect her to do it with solittle expense or inconvenience to her family as under the presentcircumstances.<>
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"What, has she frightened awaysome of your lovers? Poor little Lizzy! But do not be cast down.<>
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Suchsqueamish youths as cannot bear to be connected with a little absurdityare not worth a regret.<>
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Ourimportance, our respectability in the world must be affected by thewild volatility, the assurance and disdain of all restraint which markLydia's character.<>
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If you, my dearfather, will not take the trouble of checking her exuberant spirits, andof teaching her that her present pursuits are not to be the business ofher life, she will soon be beyond the reach of amendment.<>
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Her characterwill be fixed, and she will, at sixteen, be the most determined flirtthat ever made herself or her family ridiculous; a flirt, too, in theworst and meanest degree of flirtation; without any attraction beyondyouth and a tolerable person; and, from the ignorance and emptinessof her mind, wholly unable to ward off any portion of that universalcontempt which her rage for admiration will excite.<>
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Vain,ignorant, idle, and absolutely uncontrolled! Oh! my dear father, can yousuppose it possible that they will not be censured and despised whereverthey are known, and that their sisters will not be often involved in thedisgrace?"Mr. Bennet saw that her whole heart was in the subject, andaffectionately taking her hand said in reply:"Do not make yourself uneasy, my love.<>
---------------
Wherever you and Jane are knownyou must be respected and valued; and you will not appear to lessadvantage for having a couple of--or I may say, three--very sillysisters.<>
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Colonel Forster is a sensible man, and willkeep her out of any real mischief; and she is luckily too poor to be anobject of prey to anybody.<>
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At Brighton she will be of less importanceeven as a common flirt than she has been here.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) With this answer Elizabeth was forced to be content; but her own opinioncontinued the same, and she left him disappointed and sorry.<>
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She lost all concern for him infinding herself thus selected as the object of such idle and frivolousgallantry; and while she steadily repressed it, could not but feel thereproof contained in his believing, that however long, and for whatevercause, his attentions had been withdrawn, her vanity would be gratified,and her preference secured at any time by their renewal.<>
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His pride, in that direction,may be of service, if not to himself, to many others, for it must onlydeter him from such foul misconduct as I have suffered by.<>
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Bennet was diffuse in her good wishes for the felicity of her daughter,and impressive in her injunctions that she should not miss theopportunity of enjoying herself as much as possible--advice whichthere was every reason to believe would be well attended to; and inthe clamorous happiness of Lydia herself in bidding farewell, the moregentle adieus of her sisters were uttered without being heard.<>
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Their partiesabroad were less varied than before, and at home she had a mother andsister whose constant repinings at the dullness of everything aroundthem threw a real gloom over their domestic circle; and, though Kittymight in time regain her natural degree of sense, since the disturbersof her brain were removed, her other sister, from whose dispositiongreater evil might be apprehended, was likely to be hardened in allher folly and assurance by a situation of such double danger as awatering-place and a camp.<>
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It was consequently necessary toname some other period for the commencement of actual felicity--to havesome other point on which her wishes and hopes might be fixed, and byagain enjoying the pleasure of anticipation, console herself for thepresent, and prepare for another disappointment.<>
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Were the whole arrangement complete, my disappointment would be certain.<>
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A scheme of which every part promises delight cannever be successful; and general disappointment is only warded off bythe defence of some little peculiar vexation.<>
---------------
Forster called her, and they were going off tothe camp; and from her correspondence with her sister, there was stillless to be learnt--for her letters to Kitty, though rather longer, weremuch too full of lines under the words to be made public.<>
---------------
Bennetwas restored to her usual querulous serenity; and, by the middle ofJune, Kitty was so much recovered as to be able to enter Meryton withouttears; an event of such happy promise as to make Elizabeth hope that bythe following Christmas she might be so tolerably reasonable as not tomention an officer above once a day, unless, by some cruel and maliciousarrangement at the War Office, another regiment should be quartered inMeryton.<>
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Mr. Gardiner would be prevented by business fromsetting out till a fortnight later in July, and must be in London againwithin a month, and as that left too short a period for them to go sofar, and see so much as they had proposed, or at least to see it withthe leisure and comfort they had built on, they were obliged to give upthe Lakes, and substitute a more contracted tour, and, according to thepresent plan, were to go no farther northwards than Derbyshire.<>
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In thatcounty there was enough to be seen to occupy the chief of their threeweeks; and to Mrs.<>
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But itwas her business to be satisfied--and certainly her temper to be happy;and all was soon right again.<>
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The children, two girls of six and eight years old, and twoyounger boys, were to be left under the particular care of theircousin Jane, who was the general favourite, and whose steady sense andsweetness of temper exactly adapted her for attending to them in everyway--teaching them, playing with them, and loving them.<>
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It would be dreadful! She blushed at the very idea, andthought it would be better to speak openly to her aunt than to run sucha risk.<>
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But against this there were objections; and she finally resolvedthat it could be the last resource, if her private inquiries to theabsence of the family were unfavourably answered.<>
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They wereall of them warm in their admiration; and at that moment she felt thatto be mistress of Pemberley might be something!They descended the hill, crossed the bridge, and drove to the door; and,while examining the nearer aspect of the house, all her apprehension ofmeeting its owner returned.<>
---------------
Her keenest attention was awakened; she longed to hear more, and wasgrateful to her uncle for saying:"There are very few people of whom so much can be said.<>
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"Can this be Mr. Darcy?" thought she.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Yes, ma'am, that he was indeed; and his son will be just like him--justas affable to the poor.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Perhaps we might be deceived.<>
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"Whatevercan give his sister any pleasure is sure to be done in a moment.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) The picture-gallery, and two or three of the principal bedrooms, wereall that remained to be shown.<>
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Elizabeth walked in quest ofthe only face whose features would be known to her.<>
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What praise is more valuable than the praiseof an intelligent servant? As a brother, a landlord, a master, sheconsidered how many people's happiness were in his guardianship!--howmuch of pleasure or pain was it in his power to bestow!--how much ofgood or evil must be done by him! Every idea that had been broughtforward by the housekeeper was favourable to his character, and as shestood before the canvas on which he was represented, and fixed hiseyes upon herself, she thought of his regard with a deeper sentiment ofgratitude than it had ever raised before; she remembered its warmth, andsoftened its impropriety of expression.<>
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Mr. Gardiner expressed a wishof going round the whole park, but feared it might be beyond a walk.<>
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With a glance, she sawthat he had lost none of his recent civility; and, to imitate hispoliteness, she began, as they met, to admire the beauty of the place;but she had not got beyond the words "delightful," and "charming," whensome unlucky recollections obtruded, and she fancied that praise ofPemberley from her might be mischievously construed.<>
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"What will be his surprise," thoughtshe, "when he knows who they are? He takes them now for people offashion.<>
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Elizabeth could not but be pleased,could not but triumph.<>
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Elizabeth said nothing, but it gratified her exceedingly; the complimentmust be all for herself.<>
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Her astonishment, however, was extreme, andcontinually was she repeating, "Why is he so altered? From what canit proceed? It cannot be for me--it cannot be for my sake that hismanners are thus softened.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) After walking some time in this way, the two ladies in front, the twogentlemen behind, on resuming their places, after descending tothe brink of the river for the better inspection of some curiouswater-plant, there chanced to be a little alteration.<>
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She wished himto know that she had been assured of his absence before she came to theplace, and accordingly began by observing, that his arrival had beenvery unexpected--"for your housekeeper," she added, "informed us thatyou would certainly not be here till to-morrow; and indeed, before weleft Bakewell, we understood that you were not immediately expectedin the country.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "There is also one other person in the party," he continued after apause, "who more particularly wishes to be known to you.<>
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She immediately feltthat whatever desire Miss Darcy might have of being acquainted with hermust be the work of her brother, and, without looking farther, it wassatisfactory; it was gratifying to know that his resentment had not madehim think really ill of her.<>
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She wanted to talk, butthere seemed to be an embargo on every subject.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) The observations of her uncle and aunt now began; and each of thempronounced him to be infinitely superior to anything they had expected.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "There is something a little stately in him, to be sure," replied heraunt, "but it is confined to his air, and is not unbecoming.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "To be sure, Lizzy," said her aunt, "he is not so handsome as Wickham;or, rather, he has not Wickham's countenance, for his featuresare perfectly good.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "But perhaps he may be a little whimsical in his civilities," repliedher uncle.<>
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But, to be sure, thegood lady who showed us his house did give him a most flaming character!I could hardly help laughing aloud sometimes.<>
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Inconfirmation of this, she related the particulars of all the pecuniarytransactions in which they had been connected, without actually namingher authority, but stating it to be such as might be relied on.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) The occurrences of the day were too full of interest to leave Elizabethmuch attention for any of these new friends; and she could do nothingbut think, and think with wonder, of Mr. Darcy's civility, and, aboveall, of his wishing her to be acquainted with his sister.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Chapter 44Elizabeth had settled it that Mr. Darcy would bring his sister to visither the very day after her reaching Pemberley; and was consequentlyresolved not to be out of sight of the inn the whole of that morning.<>
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Bingleywas ready, Georgiana was eager, and Darcy determined, to be pleased.<>
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But,though this might be imaginary, she could not be deceived as to hisbehaviour to Miss Darcy, who had been set up as a rival to Jane.<>
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Eager to be alone, and fearful of inquiries or hints from heruncle and aunt, she stayed with them only long enough to hear theirfavourable opinion of Bingley, and then hurried away to dress.<>
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They couldnot be untouched by his politeness; and had they drawn his characterfrom their own feelings and his servant's report, without any referenceto any other account, the circle in Hertfordshire to which he was knownwould not have recognized it for Mr. Darcy.<>
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They hadnothing to accuse him of but pride; pride he probably had, and if not,it would certainly be imputed by the inhabitants of a small market-townwhere the family did not visit.<>
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No; hatred had vanished long ago, and shehad almost as long been ashamed of ever feeling a dislike against him,that could be so called.<>
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The respect created by the conviction of hisvaluable qualities, though at first unwillingly admitted, had for sometime ceased to be repugnant to her feeling; and it was now heightenedinto somewhat of a friendlier nature, by the testimony so highly inhis favour, and bringing forward his disposition in so amiable a light,which yesterday had produced.<>
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But above all, above respect and esteem,there was a motive within her of goodwill which could not be overlooked.<>
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Such a change in a man of so muchpride exciting not only astonishment but gratitude--for to love, ardentlove, it must be attributed; and as such its impression on her was of asort to be encouraged, as by no means unpleasing, though it could not beexactly defined.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) It had been settled in the evening between the aunt and the niece, thatsuch a striking civility as Miss Darcy's in coming to see them on thevery day of her arrival at Pemberley, for she had reached it only to alate breakfast, ought to be imitated, though it could not be equalled,by some exertion of politeness on their side; and, consequently, thatit would be highly expedient to wait on her at Pemberley the followingmorning.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Chapter 45Convinced as Elizabeth now was that Miss Bingley's dislike of her hadoriginated in jealousy, she could not help feeling how unwelcome herappearance at Pemberley must be to her, and was curious to know with howmuch civility on that lady's side the acquaintance would now be renewed.<>
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Annesley, agenteel, agreeable-looking woman, whose endeavour to introduce some kindof discourse proved her to be more truly well-bred than either of theothers; and between her and Mrs.<>
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This observation would not have prevented herfrom trying to talk to the latter, had they not been seated at aninconvenient distance; but she was not sorry to be spared the necessityof saying much.<>
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She wished, shefeared that the master of the house might be amongst them; and whethershe wished or feared it most, she could scarcely determine.<>
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No sooner did he appear than Elizabeth wiselyresolved to be perfectly easy and unembarrassed; a resolution the morenecessary to be made, but perhaps not the more easily kept, because shesaw that the suspicions of the whole party were awakened against them,and that there was scarcely an eye which did not watch his behaviourwhen he first came into the room.<>
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MissBingley saw all this likewise; and, in the imprudence of anger, took thefirst opportunity of saying, with sneering civility:"Pray, Miss Eliza, are not the ----shire Militia removed from Meryton?They must be a great loss to your family.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Elizabeth's collected behaviour, however, soon quieted his emotion; andas Miss Bingley, vexed and disappointed, dared not approach nearer toWickham, Georgiana also recovered in time, though not enough to be ableto speak any more.<>
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The one missent must first be attended to; it had beenwritten five days ago.<>
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I must conclude, for I cannot be long from my poormother.<>
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I am afraid you will not be able to make it out, but I hardlyknow what I have written.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "By this time, my dearest sister, you have received my hurried letter; Iwish this may be more intelligible, but though not confined for time, myhead is so bewildered that I cannot answer for being coherent.<>
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DearestLizzy, I hardly know what I would write, but I have bad news for you,and it cannot be delayed.<>
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Imprudent as the marriage between Mr. Wickhamand our poor Lydia would be, we are now anxious to be assured it hastaken place, for there is but too much reason to fear they are not goneto Scotland.<>
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Many circumstances might makeit more eligible for them to be married privately in town than to pursuetheir first plan; and even if he could form such a design against ayoung woman of Lydia's connections, which is not likely, can I supposeher so lost to everything? Impossible! I grieve to find, however, thatColonel F.<>
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Could sheexert herself, it would be better; but this is not to be expected.<>
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In such an exigence, myuncle's advice and assistance would be everything in the world; he willimmediately comprehend what I must feel, and I rely upon his goodness.<>
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I must findMr. Gardiner this moment, on business that cannot be delayed; I have notan instant to lose.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Elizabeth hesitated, but her knees trembled under her and she felt howlittle would be gained by her attempting to pursue them.<>
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It cannot be concealed from anyone.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "And what has been done, what has been attempted, to recover her?""My father is gone to London, and Jane has written to beg my uncle'simmediate assistance; and we shall be off, I hope, in half-an-hour.<>
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Butnothing can be done--I know very well that nothing can be done.<>
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How issuch a man to be worked on? How are they even to be discovered? I havenot the smallest hope.<>
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Itwas, on the contrary, exactly calculated to make her understand her ownwishes; and never had she so honestly felt that she could have lovedhim, as now, when all love must be vain.<>
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Would to Heaven that anythingcould be either said or done on my part that might offer consolation tosuch distress! But I will not torment you with vain wishes, which mayseem purposely to ask for your thanks.<>
---------------
Conceal the unhappy truth aslong as it is possible, I know it cannot be long.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) If gratitude and esteem are good foundations of affection, Elizabeth'schange of sentiment will be neither improbable nor faulty.<>
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But ifotherwise--if regard springing from such sources is unreasonable orunnatural, in comparison of what is so often described as arising ona first interview with its object, and even before two words have beenexchanged, nothing can be said in her defence, except that she had givensomewhat of a trial to the latter method in her partiality for Wickham,and that its ill success might, perhaps, authorise her to seek the otherless interesting mode of attachment.<>
---------------
For such an attachmentas this she might have sufficient charms; and though she did not supposeLydia to be deliberately engaging in an elopement without the intentionof marriage, she had no difficulty in believing that neither her virtuenor her understanding would preserve her from falling an easy prey.<>
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The mischief of neglect andmistaken indulgence towards such a girl--oh! how acutely did she nowfeel it!She was wild to be at home--to hear, to see, to be upon the spot toshare with Jane in the cares that must now fall wholly upon her, in afamily so deranged, a father absent, a mother incapable of exertion, andrequiring constant attendance; and though almost persuaded that nothingcould be done for Lydia, her uncle's interference seemed of the utmostimportance, and till he entered the room her impatience was severe.<>
---------------
Gardiner could not but be deeplyafflicted.<>
---------------
"But what is to be done about Pemberley?"cried Mrs.<>
---------------
"John told us Mr. Darcy was here when you sent forus; was it so?""Yes; and I told him we should not be able to keep our engagement.<>
---------------
Had Elizabeth been at leisureto be idle, she would have remained certain that all employment wasimpossible to one so wretched as herself; but she had her share ofbusiness as well as her aunt, and amongst the rest there were notes tobe written to all their friends at Lambton, with false excuses for theirsudden departure.<>
---------------
An hour, however, saw the whole completed; and Mr.Gardiner meanwhile having settled his account at the inn, nothingremained to be done but to go; and Elizabeth, after all the misery ofthe morning, found herself, in a shorter space of time than she couldhave supposed, seated in the carriage, and on the road to Longbourn.<>
---------------
Could he expect that her friendswould not step forward? Could he expect to be noticed again by theregiment, after such an affront to Colonel Forster? His temptation isnot adequate to the risk!""Do you really think so?" cried Elizabeth, brightening up for a moment.<>
---------------
Gardiner, "I begin to be of your uncle'sopinion.<>
---------------
It is really too great a violation of decency, honour, andinterest, for him to be guilty of.<>
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If, indeed, it should be so! But Idare not hope it.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Oh! but their removing from the chaise into a hackney coach is sucha presumption! And, besides, no traces of them were to be found on theBarnet road.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Well, then--supposing them to be in London.<>
---------------
They may be there, thoughfor the purpose of concealment, for no more exceptional purpose.<>
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It isnot likely that money should be very abundant on either side; and itmight strike them that they could be more economically, though lessexpeditiously, married in London than in Scotland.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "But why all this secrecy? Why any fear of detection? Why must theirmarriage be private? Oh, no, no--this is not likely.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "But does Lydia know nothing of this? can she be ignorant of what youand Jane seem so well to understand?""Oh, yes!--that, that is the worst of all.<>
---------------
As that was thecase, neither Jane, to whom I related the whole, nor I, thought itnecessary to make our knowledge public; for of what use couldit apparently be to any one, that the good opinion which all theneighbourhood had of him should then be overthrown? And even when it wassettled that Lydia should go with Mrs.<>
---------------
I can remember no symptom of affection on eitherside; and had anything of the kind been perceptible, you must be awarethat ours is not a family on which it could be thrown away.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) It may be easily believed, that however little of novelty could be addedto their fears, hopes, and conjectures, on this interesting subject, byits repeated discussion, no other could detain them from it long, duringthe whole of the journey.<>
---------------
"But now that my dear uncle is come, I hopeeverything will be well.<>
---------------
Bennet, to whose apartment they all repaired, after a few minutes'conversation together, received them exactly as might be expected; withtears and lamentations of regret, invectives against the villainousconduct of Wickham, and complaints of her own sufferings and ill-usage;blaming everybody but the person to whose ill-judging indulgence theerrors of her daughter must principally be owing.<>
---------------
Poor dear child!And now here's Mr. Bennet gone away, and I know he will fight Wickham,wherever he meets him and then he will be killed, and what is to becomeof us all? The Collinses will turn us out before he is cold in hisgrave, and if you are not kind to us, brother, I do not know what weshall do.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) They all exclaimed against such terrific ideas; and Mr. Gardiner, aftergeneral assurances of his affection for her and all her family, told herthat he meant to be in London the very next day, and would assist Mr.Bennet in every endeavour for recovering Lydia.<>
---------------
As soon as I get to town I shall go to my brother, and makehim come home with me to Gracechurch Street; and then we may consulttogether as to what is to be done.<>
---------------
As for Mary, she wasmistress enough of herself to whisper to Elizabeth, with a countenanceof grave reflection, soon after they were seated at table:"This is a most unfortunate affair, and will probably be much talked of.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Then, perceiving in Elizabeth no inclination of replying, she added,"Unhappy as the event must be for Lydia, we may draw from it this usefullesson: that loss of virtue in a female is irretrievable; that onefalse step involves her in endless ruin; that her reputation is no lessbrittle than it is beautiful; and that she cannot be too much guarded inher behaviour towards the undeserving of the other sex.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) In the afternoon, the two elder Miss Bennets were able to be forhalf-an-hour by themselves; and Elizabeth instantly availed herself ofthe opportunity of making any inquiries, which Jane was equally eager tosatisfy.<>
---------------
After joining in general lamentations over the dreadful sequelof this event, which Elizabeth considered as all but certain, and MissBennet could not assert to be wholly impossible, the former continuedthe subject, by saying, "But tell me all and everything about it whichI have not already heard.<>
---------------
He believed him to be imprudent and extravagant.<>
---------------
And since this sadaffair has taken place, it is said that he left Meryton greatly in debt;but I hope this may be false.<>
---------------
I should never be happy without him, so thinkit no harm to be off.<>
---------------
"What a letter is this, to be written at such a moment!But at least it shows that she was serious on the subject of theirjourney.<>
---------------
But to be guarded at such a time isvery difficult.<>
---------------
Kitty is slight and delicate; and Mary studies so much, that her hoursof repose should not be broken in on.<>
---------------
AndLady Lucas has been very kind; she walked here on Wednesday morning tocondole with us, and offered her services, or any of her daughters', ifthey should be of use to us.<>
---------------
Let them triumph over us at a distance, and be satisfied.<>
---------------
His principal object must be to discover thenumber of the hackney coach which took them from Clapham.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) If he could anyhowdiscover at what house the coachman had before set down his fare, hedetermined to make inquiries there, and hoped it might not be impossibleto find out the stand and number of the coach.<>
---------------
I do not know of anyother designs that he had formed; but he was in such a hurry to be gone,and his spirits so greatly discomposed, that I had difficulty in findingout even so much as this.<>
---------------
They were forced to conclude that he had no pleasing intelligence tosend; but even of that they would have been glad to be certain.<>
---------------
Gardiner and the children were to remain in Hertfordshire a fewdays longer, as the former thought her presence might be serviceableto her nieces.<>
---------------
He was declared to be in debtto every tradesman in the place, and his intrigues, all honoured withthe title of seduction, had been extended into every tradesman's family.<>
---------------
There was also a postscript to this effect:"I have written to Colonel Forster to desire him to find out, ifpossible, from some of the young man's intimates in the regiment,whether Wickham has any relations or connections who would be likely toknow in what part of town he has now concealed himself.<>
---------------
If there wereanyone that one could apply to with a probability of gaining such aclue as that, it might be of essential consequence.<>
---------------
It was possible, however, that some ofhis companions in the ----shire might be able to give more information;and though she was not very sanguine in expecting it, the applicationwas a something to look forward to.<>
---------------
Through letters,whatever of good or bad was to be told would be communicated, and everysucceeding day was expected to bring some news of importance.<>
---------------
Collins and myselfsincerely sympathise with you and all your respectable family, inyour present distress, which must be of the bitterest kind, becauseproceeding from a cause which no time can remove.<>
---------------
No arguments shall bewanting on my part that can alleviate so severe a misfortune--or thatmay comfort you, under a circumstance that must be of all others themost afflicting to a parent's mind.<>
---------------
Bennet, I am inclined to thinkthat her own disposition must be naturally bad, or she could not beguilty of such an enormity, at so early an age.<>
---------------
Howsoever that may be,you are grievously to be pitied; in which opinion I am not only joinedby Mrs.<>
---------------
They agree with me in apprehending thatthis false step in one daughter will be injurious to the fortunes ofall the others; for who, as Lady Catherine herself condescendingly says,will connect themselves with such a family? And this consideration leadsme moreover to reflect, with augmented satisfaction, on a certain eventof last November; for had it been otherwise, I must have been involvedin all your sorrow and disgrace.<>
---------------
There was no one, therefore,who could be pointed out as likely to give any news of him.<>
---------------
Colonel Forster believed that more than athousand pounds would be necessary to clear his expenses at Brighton.<>
---------------
Renderedspiritless by the ill-success of all their endeavours, he had yieldedto his brother-in-law's entreaty that he would return to his family, andleave it to him to do whatever occasion might suggest to be advisablefor continuing their pursuit.<>
---------------
Gardiner began to wish to be at home, it was settled that sheand the children should go to London, at the same time that Mr. Bennetcame from it.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "You must not be too severe upon yourself," replied Elizabeth.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Do you suppose them to be in London?""Yes; where else can they be so well concealed?""And Lydia used to want to go to London," added Kitty.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "She is happy then," said her father drily; "and her residence therewill probably be of some duration.<>
---------------
I would not trust you so near it as Eastbournefor fifty pounds! No, Kitty, I have at last learnt to be cautious, andyou will feel the effects of it.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Well, and what news does it bring--good or bad?""What is there of good to be expected?" said he, taking the letter fromhis pocket.<>
---------------
They are not married, nor can I find therewas any intention of being so; but if you are willing to perform theengagements which I have ventured to make on your side, I hope it willnot be long before they are.<>
---------------
I shall send this byexpress, that no time may be lost in bringing me your answer.<>
---------------
The world has been deceived in that respect; and I am happy to say therewill be some little money, even when all his debts are discharged, tosettle on my niece, in addition to her own fortune.<>
---------------
If, as I concludewill be the case, you send me full powers to act in your name throughoutthe whole of this business, I will immediately give directions toHaggerston for preparing a proper settlement.<>
---------------
There will not be thesmallest occasion for your coming to town again; therefore stay quiet atLongbourn, and depend on my diligence and care.<>
---------------
Send back your answer asfast as you can, and be careful to write explicitly.<>
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We have judged itbest that my niece should be married from this house, of which I hopeyou will approve.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "No; but it must be done soon.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I dislike it very much," he replied; "but it must be done.<>
---------------
There is nothing else to be done.<>
---------------
His debts to be discharged, and something still to remain! Oh!it must be my uncle's doings! Generous, good man, I am afraid he hasdistressed himself.<>
---------------
I should be sorry to think so ill of him,in the very beginning of our relationship.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "And they are really to be married!" cried Elizabeth, as soon as theywere by themselves.<>
---------------
By this time she isactually with them! If such goodness does not make her miserable now,she will never deserve to be happy! What a meeting for her, when shefirst sees my aunt!""We must endeavour to forget all that has passed on either side," saidJane: "I hope and trust they will yet be happy.<>
---------------
To know that her daughterwould be married was enough.<>
---------------
"This is delightful indeed! She willbe married! I shall see her again! She will be married at sixteen!My good, kind brother! I knew how it would be.<>
---------------
My dear, dearLydia! How merry we shall be together when we meet!"Her eldest daughter endeavoured to give some relief to the violence ofthese transports, by leading her thoughts to the obligations which Mr.Gardiner's behaviour laid them all under.<>
---------------
We will settle with your father about the moneyafterwards; but the things should be ordered immediately.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) She was then proceeding to all the particulars of calico, muslin, andcambric, and would shortly have dictated some very plentiful orders, hadnot Jane, though with some difficulty, persuaded her to wait till herfather was at leisure to be consulted.<>
---------------
One day's delay, she observed,would be of small importance; and her mother was too happy to be quiteso obstinate as usual.<>
---------------
Girls, can I doanything for you in Meryton? Oh! Here comes Hill! My dear Hill, have youheard the good news? Miss Lydia is going to be married; and you shallall have a bowl of punch to make merry at her wedding.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Poor Lydia's situation must, at best, be bad enough; but that it wasno worse, she had need to be thankful.<>
---------------
Had he done his duty in thatrespect, Lydia need not have been indebted to her uncle for whateverof honour or credit could now be purchased for her.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) He was seriously concerned that a cause of so little advantage to anyoneshould be forwarded at the sole expense of his brother-in-law, and hewas determined, if possible, to find out the extent of his assistance,and to discharge the obligation as soon as he could.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) When first Mr. Bennet had married, economy was held to be perfectlyuseless, for, of course, they were to have a son.<>
---------------
The son was to joinin cutting off the entail, as soon as he should be of age, and the widowand younger children would by that means be provided for.<>
---------------
This event had at last been despaired of, but it was thentoo late to be saving.<>
---------------
But in what proportions it should be divided amongst thelatter depended on the will of the parents.<>
---------------
This was one point, withregard to Lydia, at least, which was now to be settled, and Mr. Bennetcould have no hesitation in acceding to the proposal before him.<>
---------------
He had never before supposedthat, could Wickham be prevailed on to marry his daughter, it wouldbe done with so little inconvenience to himself as by the presentarrangement.<>
---------------
He would scarcely be ten pounds a year the loser by thehundred that was to be paid them; for, what with her board and pocketallowance, and the continual presents in money which passed to herthrough her mother's hands, Lydia's expenses had been very little withinthat sum.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) That it would be done with such trifling exertion on his side, too, wasanother very welcome surprise; for his wish at present was to have aslittle trouble in the business as possible.<>
---------------
To be sure, it would have been more for the advantageof conversation had Miss Lydia Bennet come upon the town; or, as thehappiest alternative, been secluded from the world, in some distantfarmhouse.<>
---------------
But there was much to be talked of in marrying her; and thegood-natured wishes for her well-doing which had proceeded before fromall the spiteful old ladies in Meryton lost but a little of their spiritin this change of circumstances, because with such an husband her miserywas considered certain.<>
---------------
That his anger could be carried to such a point of inconceivableresentment as to refuse his daughter a privilege without which hermarriage would scarcely seem valid, exceeded all she could believepossible.<>
---------------
Had Lydia's marriage beenconcluded on the most honourable terms, it was not to be supposed thatMr. Darcy would connect himself with a family where, to every otherobjection, would now be added an alliance and relationship of thenearest kind with a man whom he so justly scorned.<>
---------------
She became jealous of his esteem, when she could nolonger hope to be benefited by it.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) What a triumph for him, as she often thought, could he know that theproposals which she had proudly spurned only four months ago, would nowhave been most gladly and gratefully received! He was as generous, shedoubted not, as the most generous of his sex; but while he was mortal,there must be a triumph.<>
---------------
An union of a different tendency, andprecluding the possibility of the other, was soon to be formed in theirfamily.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) How Wickham and Lydia were to be supported in tolerable independence,she could not imagine.<>
---------------
To Mr. Bennet'sacknowledgments he briefly replied, with assurance of his eagerness topromote the welfare of any of his family; and concluded with entreatiesthat the subject might never be mentioned to him again.<>
---------------
Hepromises fairly; and I hope among different people, where they may eachhave a character to preserve, they will both be more prudent.<>
---------------
Haggerston has our directions,and all will be completed in a week.<>
---------------
She is well, and begs to be dutifully remembered toyou and your mother.<>
---------------
Lydia's being settled in the North,just when she had expected most pleasure and pride in her company,for she had by no means given up her plan of their residing inHertfordshire, was a severe disappointment; and, besides, it was such apity that Lydia should be taken from a regiment where she was acquaintedwith everybody, and had so many favourites.<>
---------------
Forster," said she, "it will be quite shockingto send her away! And there are several of the young men, too, that shelikes very much.<>
---------------
The officers may not be so pleasant in General ----'sregiment.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) His daughter's request, for such it might be considered, of beingadmitted into her family again before she set off for the North,received at first an absolute negative.<>
---------------
But Jane and Elizabeth,who agreed in wishing, for the sake of their sister's feelings andconsequence, that she should be noticed on her marriage by her parents,urged him so earnestly yet so rationally and so mildly, to receive herand her husband at Longbourn, as soon as they were married, that he wasprevailed on to think as they thought, and act as they wished.<>
---------------
And theirmother had the satisfaction of knowing that she would be able to showher married daughter in the neighbourhood before she was banished to theNorth.<>
---------------
Good gracious! when I went away, I am sureI had no more idea of being married till I came back again! though Ithought it would be very good fun if I was.<>
---------------
Elizabeth lookedexpressively at Lydia; but she, who never heard nor saw anything ofwhich she chose to be insensible, gaily continued, "Oh! mamma, do thepeople hereabouts know I am married to-day? I was afraid they might not;and we overtook William Goulding in his curricle, so I was determined heshould know it, and so I let down the side-glass next to him, and tookoff my glove, and let my hand just rest upon the window frame, so thathe might see the ring, and then I bowed and smiled like anything.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) It was not to be supposed that time would give Lydia that embarrassmentfrom which she had been so wholly free at first.<>
---------------
Must it be so?""Oh, lord! yes;--there is nothing in that.<>
---------------
Weshall be at Newcastle all the winter, and I dare say there will be someballs, and I will take care to get good partners for them all.<>
---------------
Bennet regretted that their stay would be so short; andshe made the most of the time by visiting about with her daughter, andhaving very frequent parties at home.<>
---------------
She had scarcely needed herpresent observation to be satisfied, from the reason of things, thattheir elopement had been brought on by the strength of her love, ratherthan by his; and she would have wondered why, without violently caringfor her, he chose to elope with her at all, had she not felt certainthat his flight was rendered necessary by distress of circumstances; andif that were the case, he was not the young man to resist an opportunityof having a companion.<>
---------------
He was her dear Wickham on everyoccasion; no one was to be put in competition with him.<>
---------------
Are not youcurious to hear how it was managed?""No really," replied Elizabeth; "I think there cannot be too little saidon the subject.<>
---------------
And it was settled that we should all be there by eleveno'clock.<>
---------------
I longedto know whether he would be married in his blue coat.<>
---------------
To be sure London wasrather thin, but, however, the Little Theatre was open.<>
---------------
Well, I was so frightened Idid not know what to do, for my uncle was to give me away; and if wewere beyond the hour, we could not be married all day.<>
---------------
However,I recollected afterwards that if he had been prevented going, thewedding need not be put off, for Mr. Darcy might have done as well.<>
---------------
I promisedthem so faithfully! What will Wickham say? It was to be such a secret!""If it was to be secret," said Jane, "say not another word on thesubject.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Thank you," said Lydia, "for if you did, I should certainly tell youall, and then Wickham would be angry.<>
---------------
Pray write instantly, and let me understand it--unless it is,for very cogent reasons, to remain in the secrecy which Lydia seemsto think necessary; and then I must endeavour to be satisfied withignorance.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Not that I shall, though," she added to herself, as she finishedthe letter; "and my dear aunt, if you do not tell me in an honourablemanner, I shall certainly be reduced to tricks and stratagems to find itout.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Jane's delicate sense of honour would not allow her to speak toElizabeth privately of what Lydia had let fall; Elizabeth was gladof it;--till it appeared whether her inquiries would receive anysatisfaction, she had rather be without a confidante.<>
---------------
Don't think me angry,however, for I only mean to let you know that I had not imagined suchinquiries to be necessary on your side.<>
---------------
But if you are reallyinnocent and ignorant, I must be more explicit.<>
---------------
She would not betray her trust, I suppose, without bribery andcorruption, for she really did know where her friend was to be found.<>
---------------
His first object with her, heacknowledged, had been to persuade her to quit her present disgracefulsituation, and return to her friends as soon as they could be prevailedon to receive her, offering his assistance, as far as it would go.<>
---------------
She was sure they should be married some time orother, and it did not much signify when.<>
---------------
ThoughMr. Bennet was not imagined to be very rich, he would have been ableto do something for him, and his situation must have been benefited bymarriage.<>
---------------
Under such circumstances, however, he was not likelyto be proof against the temptation of immediate relief.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "They met several times, for there was much to be discussed.<>
---------------
He did not judgeyour father to be a person whom he could so properly consult as youruncle, and therefore readily postponed seeing him till after thedeparture of the former.<>
---------------
Nothing was to be done that he did not do himself; though I am sure (andI do not speak it to be thanked, therefore say nothing about it), youruncle would most readily have settled the whole.<>
---------------
But at last your unclewas forced to yield, and instead of being allowed to be of use to hisniece, was forced to put up with only having the probable credit of it,which went sorely against the grain; and I really believe your letterthis morning gave him great pleasure, because it required an explanationthat would rob him of his borrowed feathers, and give the praise whereit was due.<>
---------------
His debts are to be paid, amounting, I believe, to considerablymore than a thousand pounds, another thousand in addition to her ownsettled upon her, and his commission purchased.<>
---------------
The reason why allthis was to be done by him alone, was such as I have given above.<>
---------------
Perhaps there was some truthin this; though I doubt whether his reserve, or anybody's reserve,can be answerable for the event.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "When all this was resolved on, he returned again to his friends, whowere still staying at Pemberley; but it was agreed that he should be inLondon once more when the wedding took place, and all money matters werethen to receive the last finish.<>
---------------
Will you be very angry with me, mydear Lizzy, if I take this opportunity of saying (what I was never boldenough to say before) how much I like him.<>
---------------
I shall never be quite happytill I have been all round the park.<>
---------------
A low phaeton, with a nice littlepair of ponies, would be the very thing.<>
---------------
The vague and unsettled suspicions which uncertainty hadproduced of what Mr. Darcy might have been doing to forward her sister'smatch, which she had feared to encourage as an exertion of goodness toogreat to be probable, and at the same time dreaded to be just, from thepain of obligation, were proved beyond their greatest extent to be true!He had followed them purposely to town, he had taken on himself allthe trouble and mortification attendant on such a research; in whichsupplication had been necessary to a woman whom he must abominate anddespise, and where he was reduced to meet, frequently meet, reasonwith, persuade, and finally bribe, the man whom he always most wished toavoid, and whose very name it was punishment to him to pronounce.<>
---------------
He had,to be sure, done much.<>
---------------
It was reasonable that he should feel he had beenwrong; he had liberality, and he had the means of exercising it; andthough she would not place herself as his principal inducement, shecould, perhaps, believe that remaining partiality for her might assisthis endeavours in a cause where her peace of mind must be materiallyconcerned.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "You certainly do," she replied with a smile; "but it does not followthat the interruption must be unwelcome.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I should be sorry indeed, if it were.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I almost envy you the pleasure, and yet I believe it would be too muchfor me, or else I could take it in my way to Newcastle.<>
---------------
I wonder what he can be doing there.<>
---------------
"It must be something particular, to take him there at thistime of year.<>
---------------
One ought not torepine;--but, to be sure, it would have been such a thing for me! Thequiet, the retirement of such a life would have answered all my ideasof happiness! But it was not to be.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I did hear, too, that there was a time, when sermon-making was notso palatable to you as it seems to be at present; that you actuallydeclared your resolution of never taking orders, and that the businesshad been compromised accordingly.<>
---------------
In future, I hope we shall be always of onemind.<>
---------------
Lydia does not leave me because she is married,but only because her husband's regiment happens to be so far off.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) But the spiritless condition which this event threw her into was shortlyrelieved, and her mind opened again to the agitation of hope, by anarticle of news which then began to be in circulation.<>
---------------
She wasgoing to the butcher's, she told me, on purpose to order in some meat onWednesday, and she has got three couple of ducks just fit to be killed.<>
---------------
I was only confused for the moment, because I felt thatI should be looked at.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) In spite of what her sister declared, and really believed to be herfeelings in the expectation of his arrival, Elizabeth could easilyperceive that her spirits were affected by it.<>
---------------
But it ended innothing, and I will not be sent on a fool's errand again.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) His wife represented to him how absolutely necessary such an attentionwould be from all the neighbouring gentlemen, on his returning toNetherfield.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Well, all I know is, that it will be abominably rude if you do not waiton him.<>
---------------
That willmake thirteen with ourselves, so there will be just room at table forhim.<>
---------------
As the day of his arrival drew near,--"I begin to be sorry that he comes at all," said Jane to her sister.<>
---------------
"Itwould be nothing; I could see him with perfect indifference, but I canhardly bear to hear it thus perpetually talked of.<>
---------------
Bennet, through the assistance of servants,contrived to have the earliest tidings of it, that the period of anxietyand fretfulness on her side might be as long as it could.<>
---------------
She countedthe days that must intervene before their invitation could be sent;hopeless of seeing him before.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "La!" replied Kitty, "it looks just like that man that used to be withhim before.<>
---------------
Well, any friend ofMr. Bingley's will always be welcome here, to be sure; but else I mustsay that I hate the very sight of him.<>
---------------
To Jane, he could be only a man whose proposals she had refused,and whose merit she had undervalued; but to her own more extensiveinformation, he was the person to whom the whole family were indebtedfor the first of benefits, and whom she regarded herself with aninterest, if not quite so tender, at least as reasonable and just aswhat Jane felt for Bingley.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) The colour which had been driven from her face, returned for half aminute with an additional glow, and a smile of delight added lustre toher eyes, as she thought for that space of time that his affection andwishes must still be unshaken.<>
---------------
But she would not be secure.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Let me first see how he behaves," said she; "it will then be earlyenough for expectation.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) She sat intently at work, striving to be composed, and without daring tolift up her eyes, till anxious curiosity carried them to the face ofher sister as the servant was approaching the door.<>
---------------
But, perhaps he could not in her mother'spresence be what he was before her uncle and aunt.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Could I expect it to be otherwise!" said she.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I began to be afraid you would never come back again.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "It is a delightful thing, to be sure, to have a daughter well married,"continued her mother, "but at the same time, Mr. Bingley, it is veryhard to have her taken such a way from me.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Elizabeth, who knew this to be levelled at Mr. Darcy, was in suchmisery of shame, that she could hardly keep her seat.<>
---------------
I am sure he will be vastly happy to oblige you, andwill save all the best of the covies for you.<>
---------------
When first he came in, he had spoken to her but little;but every five minutes seemed to be giving her more of his attention.<>
---------------
Jane was anxious that nodifference should be perceived in her at all, and was really persuadedthat she talked as much as ever.<>
---------------
Bennet had been strongly inclined to ask them to stay and dinethere that day; but, though she always kept a very good table, she didnot think anything less than two courses could be good enough for a manon whom she had such anxious designs, or satisfy the appetite and prideof one who had ten thousand a year.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Why, if he came only to be silent, grave, and indifferent," said she,"did he come at all?"She could settle it in no way that gave her pleasure.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "He could be still amiable, still pleasing, to my uncle and aunt, whenhe was in town; and why not to me? If he fears me, why come hither? Ifhe no longer cares for me, why silent? Teasing, teasing, man! I willthink no more about him.<>
---------------
I know my own strength, and I shall never be embarrassed again byhis coming.<>
---------------
It will then be publiclyseen that, on both sides, we meet only as common and indifferentacquaintance.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "My dear Lizzy, you cannot think me so weak, as to be in danger now?""I think you are in very great danger of making him as much in love withyou as ever.<>
---------------
He bore it with noble indifference, and she would have imagined thatBingley had received his sanction to be happy, had she not seen his eyeslikewise turned towards Mr. Darcy, with an expression of half-laughingalarm.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) His behaviour to her sister was such, during dinner time, as showed anadmiration of her, which, though more guarded than formerly, persuadedElizabeth, that if left wholly to himself, Jane's happiness, and hisown, would be speedily secured.<>
---------------
Her mother's ungraciousness,made the sense of what they owed him more painful to Elizabeth's mind;and she would, at times, have given anything to be privileged to tellhim that his kindness was neither unknown nor unfelt by the whole of thefamily.<>
---------------
She followed him withher eyes, envied everyone to whom he spoke, had scarcely patience enoughto help anybody to coffee; and then was enraged against herself forbeing so silly!"A man who has once been refused! How could I ever be foolish enough toexpect a renewal of his love? Is there one among the sex, who would notprotest against such a weakness as a second proposal to the same woman?There is no indignity so abhorrent to their feelings!"She was a little revived, however, by his bringing back his coffee cuphimself; and she seized the opportunity of saying:"Is your sister at Pemberley still?""Yes, she will remain there till Christmas.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) When the tea-things were removed, and the card-tables placed, the ladiesall rose, and Elizabeth was then hoping to be soon joined by him,when all her views were overthrown by seeing him fall a victim to hermother's rapacity for whist players, and in a few moments after seatedwith the rest of the party.<>
---------------
Bennet, in short, was in very great spirits; she had seen enough ofBingley's behaviour to Jane, to be convinced that she would get him atlast; and her expectations of advantage to her family, when in a happyhumour, were so far beyond reason, that she was quite disappointed atnot seeing him there again the next day, to make his proposals.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "How hard it is in some cases to be believed!""And how impossible in others!""But why should you wish to persuade me that I feel more than Iacknowledge?""That is a question which I hardly know how to answer.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Next time you call," said she, "I hope we shall be more lucky.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) He should be particularly happy at any time, etc.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "We will be down as soon as we can," said Jane; "but I dare say Kitty isforwarder than either of us, for she went up stairs half an hour ago.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Oh! hang Kitty! what has she to do with it? Come be quick, be quick!Where is your sash, my dear?"But when her mother was gone, Jane would not be prevailed on to go downwithout one of her sisters.<>
---------------
Not a word passedbetween the sisters concerning Bingley; but Elizabeth went to bed inthe happy belief that all must speedily be concluded, unless Mr. Darcyreturned within the stated time.<>
---------------
She will be down in a moment, I dare say.<>
---------------
They shook hands withgreat cordiality; and then, till her sister came down, she had to listento all he had to say of his own happiness, and of Jane's perfections;and in spite of his being a lover, Elizabeth really believed all hisexpectations of felicity to be rationally founded, because they had forbasis the excellent understanding, and super-excellent disposition ofJane, and a general similarity of feeling and taste between her andhimself.<>
---------------
You will be a very happy woman.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "You are a good girl;" he replied, "and I have great pleasure inthinking you will be so happily settled.<>
---------------
You areeach of you so complying, that nothing will ever be resolved on; soeasy, that every servant will cheat you; and so generous, that you willalways exceed your income.<>
---------------
I always said it must be so, at last.<>
---------------
Her youngersisters soon began to make interest with her for objects of happinesswhich she might in future be able to dispense.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Bingley, from this time, was of course a daily visitor at Longbourn;coming frequently before breakfast, and always remaining till aftersupper; unless when some barbarous neighbour, who could not be enoughdetested, had given him an invitation to dinner which he thought himselfobliged to accept.<>
---------------
But when they see,as I trust they will, that their brother is happy with me, they willlearn to be contented, and we shall be on good terms again; though wecan never be what we once were to each other.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Would you believe it, Lizzy, that when he went to town last November,he really loved me, and nothing but a persuasion of my beingindifferent would have prevented his coming down again!""He made a little mistake to be sure; but it is to the credit of hismodesty.<>
---------------
"Oh! Lizzy, why am I thus singled from my family, and blessedabove them all! If I could but see you as happy! If there were butsuch another man for you!""If you were to give me forty such men, I never could be so happy asyou.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) The situation of affairs in the Longbourn family could not be long asecret.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) The Bennets were speedily pronounced to be the luckiest family in theworld, though only a few weeks before, when Lydia had first run away,they had been generally proved to be marked out for misfortune.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) They were of course all intending to be surprised; but theirastonishment was beyond their expectation; and on the part of Mrs.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "This must be a most inconvenient sitting room for the evening, insummer; the windows are full west.<>
---------------
Bennet, with great civility, begged her ladyship to take somerefreshment; but Lady Catherine very resolutely, and not very politely,declined eating anything; and then, rising up, said to Elizabeth,"Miss Bennet, there seemed to be a prettyish kind of a little wildernesson one side of your lawn.<>
---------------
I should be glad to take a turn in it, if youwill favour me with your company.<>
---------------
I think she will be pleased with the hermitage.<>
---------------
As they passed through thehall, Lady Catherine opened the doors into the dining-parlour anddrawing-room, and pronouncing them, after a short survey, to be decentlooking rooms, walked on.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) As soon as they entered the copse, Lady Catherine began in the followingmanner:--"You can be at no loss, Miss Bennet, to understand the reason of myjourney hither.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Miss Bennet," replied her ladyship, in an angry tone, "you ought toknow, that I am not to be trifled with.<>
---------------
I was told that not only yoursister was on the point of being most advantageously married, but thatyou, that Miss Elizabeth Bennet, would, in all likelihood, be soonafterwards united to my nephew, my own nephew, Mr. Darcy.<>
---------------
Though Iknow it must be a scandalous falsehood, though I would not injure himso much as to suppose the truth of it possible, I instantly resolvedon setting off for this place, that I might make my sentiments known toyou.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "If you believed it impossible to be true," said Elizabeth, colouringwith astonishment and disdain, "I wonder you took the trouble of comingso far.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Your coming to Longbourn, to see me and my family," said Elizabethcoolly, "will be rather a confirmation of it; if, indeed, such a reportis in existence.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "If! Do you then pretend to be ignorant of it? Has it not beenindustriously circulated by yourselves? Do you not know that such areport is spread abroad?""I never heard that it was.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "This is not to be borne.<>
---------------
Hashe, has my nephew, made you an offer of marriage?""Your ladyship has declared it to be impossible.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "It ought to be so; it must be so, while he retains the use of hisreason.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "If I have, I shall be the last person to confess it.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "But you are not entitled to know mine; nor will such behaviour as this,ever induce me to be explicit.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Let me be rightly understood.<>
---------------
While in their cradles, we plannedthe union: and now, at the moment when the wishes of both sisters wouldbe accomplished in their marriage, to be prevented by a young woman ofinferior birth, of no importance in the world, and wholly unallied tothe family! Do you pay no regard to the wishes of his friends? To histacit engagement with Miss de Bourgh? Are you lost to every feeling ofpropriety and delicacy? Have you not heard me say that from his earliesthours he was destined for his cousin?""Yes, and I had heard it before.<>
---------------
Yes,Miss Bennet, interest; for do not expect to be noticed by his family orfriends, if you wilfully act against the inclinations of all.<>
---------------
Your alliance will be a disgrace; your name will never even be mentionedby any of us.<>
---------------
You are to understand, Miss Bennet, that I camehere with the determined resolution of carrying my purpose; nor willI be dissuaded from it.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I will not be interrupted.<>
---------------
Is this to be endured! But it must not, shall not be.<>
---------------
(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Whatever my connections may be," said Elizabeth, "if your nephew doesnot object to them, they can be nothing to you.<>
---------------
I am not to be intimidated intoanything so wholly unreasonable.<>
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Your ladyship wants Mr. Darcy to marryyour daughter; but would my giving you the wished-for promise make theirmarriage at all more probable? Supposing him to be attached to me, wouldmy refusing to accept his hand make him wish to bestow it on his cousin?Allow me to say, Lady Catherine, that the arguments with which you havesupported this extraordinary application have been as frivolous as theapplication was ill-judged.<>
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You have widely mistaken my character, ifyou think I can be worked on by such persuasions as these.<>
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I must beg,therefore, to be importuned no farther on the subject.<>
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And issuch a girl to be my nephew's sister? Is her husband, is the son of hislate father's steward, to be his brother? Heaven and earth!--of what areyou thinking? Are the shades of Pemberley to be thus polluted?""You can now have nothing further to say," she resentfully answered.<>
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No principle of eitherwould be violated by my marriage with Mr. Darcy.<>
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Do not imagine, Miss Bennet, that yourambition will ever be gratified.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Chapter 57The discomposure of spirits which this extraordinary visit threwElizabeth into, could not be easily overcome; nor could she, for manyhours, learn to think of it less than incessantly.<>
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It was a rational scheme, to be sure! but from what the reportof their engagement could originate, Elizabeth was at a loss to imagine;till she recollected that his being the intimate friend of Bingley,and her being the sister of Jane, was enough, at a time when theexpectation of one wedding made everybody eager for another, to supplythe idea.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) If he had been wavering before as to what he should do, which had oftenseemed likely, the advice and entreaty of so near a relation mightsettle every doubt, and determine him at once to be as happy as dignityunblemished could make him.<>
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It suddenly struck her that itmight be from Lady Catherine; and she anticipated with dismay all theconsequent explanations.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) The colour now rushed into Elizabeth's cheeks in the instantaneousconviction of its being a letter from the nephew, instead of the aunt;and she was undetermined whether most to be pleased that he explainedhimself at all, or offended that his letter was not rather addressed toherself; when her father continued:"You look conscious.<>
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I thought it my dutyto give the speediest intelligence of this to my cousin, that she andher noble admirer may be aware of what they are about, and not runhastily into a marriage which has not been properly sanctioned.<>
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Mr.Collins moreover adds, 'I am truly rejoiced that my cousin Lydia's sadbusiness has been so well hushed up, and am only concerned that theirliving together before the marriage took place should be so generallyknown.<>
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You ought certainly to forgive them,as a Christian, but never to admit them in your sight, or allow theirnames to be mentioned in your hearing.<>
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You are not going to be missish,I hope, and pretend to be affronted at an idle report.<>
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Bennet had timeto tell him of their having seen his aunt, of which her daughter satin momentary dread, Bingley, who wanted to be alone with Jane, proposedtheir all walking out.<>
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Very little was said by either; Kittywas too much afraid of him to talk; Elizabeth was secretly forming adesperate resolution; and perhaps he might be doing the same.<>
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Now was themoment for her resolution to be executed, and, while her courage washigh, she immediately said:"Mr. Darcy, I am a very selfish creature; and, for the sake of givingrelief to my own feelings, care not how much I may be wounding yours.<>
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Gardinerwas so little to be trusted.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "If you will thank me," he replied, "let it be for yourself alone.<>
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Thehappiness which this reply produced, was such as he had probably neverfelt before; and he expressed himself on the occasion as sensibly and aswarmly as a man violently in love can be supposed to do.<>
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I knew enough of your disposition to be certain that,had you been absolutely, irrevocably decided against me, you would haveacknowledged it to Lady Catherine, frankly and openly.<>
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"The conduct of neither, if strictly examined,will be irreproachable; but since then, we have both, I hope, improvedin civility.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "I cannot be so easily reconciled to myself.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "The letter shall certainly be burnt, if you believe it essential to thepreservation of my regard; but, though we have both reason to think myopinions not entirely unalterable, they are not, I hope, quite so easilychanged as that implies.<>
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The feelingsof the person who wrote, and the person who received it, are nowso widely different from what they were then, that every unpleasantcircumstance attending it ought to be forgotten.<>
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Yourretrospections must be so totally void of reproach, that the contentmentarising from them is not of philosophy, but, what is much better, ofinnocence.<>
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Painful recollections will intrudewhich cannot, which ought not, to be repelled.<>
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Unfortunately an only son (for many years an only child), I was spoiltby my parents, who, though good themselves (my father, particularly, allthat was benevolent and amiable), allowed, encouraged, almost taughtme to be selfish and overbearing; to care for none beyond my own familycircle; to think meanly of all the rest of the world; to wish at leastto think meanly of their sense and worth compared with my own.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Your surprise could not be greater than mine in being noticed by you.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) She expressed her gratitude again, but it was too painful a subject toeach, to be dwelt on farther.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) After walking several miles in a leisurely manner, and too busy to knowanything about it, they found at last, on examining their watches, thatit was time to be at home.<>
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She remembered that he had yet to learn to be laughed at,and it was rather too early to begin.<>
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In anticipating the happinessof Bingley, which of course was to be inferior only to his own, hecontinued the conversation till they reached the house.<>
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Darcy was not of a disposition in which happiness overflows in mirth;and Elizabeth, agitated and confused, rather knew that she was happythan felt herself to be so; for, besides the immediate embarrassment,there were other evils before her.<>
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She anticipated what would be feltin the family when her situation became known; she was aware that noone liked him but Jane; and even feared that with the others it was adislike which not all his fortune and consequence might do away.<>
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I know it to be impossible.<>
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That is all to be forgot.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Good Heaven! can it be really so! Yet now I must believe you," criedJane.<>
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"My dear, dear Lizzy, I would--I do congratulate you--but are youcertain? forgive the question--are you quite certain that you can behappy with him?""There can be no doubt of that.<>
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It is settled between us already, thatwe are to be the happiest couple in the world.<>
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I amafraid you will be angry.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "My dearest sister, now be serious.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Another entreaty that she would be serious, however, produced thedesired effect; and she soon satisfied Jane by her solemn assurancesof attachment.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Now I am quite happy," said she, "for you will be as happy as myself.<>
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Were it for nothing but his love of you,I must always have esteemed him; but now, as Bingley's friend and yourhusband, there can be only Bingley and yourself more dear to me.<>
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Bennet, as she stood at a window the nextmorning, "if that disagreeable Mr. Darcy is not coming here again withour dear Bingley! What can he mean by being so tiresome as to be alwayscoming here? I had no notion but he would go a-shooting, or something orother, and not disturb us with his company.<>
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What shall we do with him?Lizzy, you must walk out with him again, that he may not be in Bingley'sway.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) Elizabeth could hardly help laughing at so convenient a proposal; yetwas really vexed that her mother should be always giving him such anepithet.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "It may do very well for the others," replied Mr. Bingley; "but I amsure it will be too much for Kitty.<>
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Bennet followed her, saying:"I am quite sorry, Lizzy, that you should be forced to have thatdisagreeable man all to yourself.<>
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She could not determine how her motherwould take it; sometimes doubting whether all his wealth and grandeurwould be enough to overcome her abhorrence of the man.<>
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But whether shewere violently set against the match, or violently delighted with it, itwas certain that her manner would be equally ill adapted to do creditto her sense; and she could no more bear that Mr. Darcy should hearthe first raptures of her joy, than the first vehemence of herdisapprobation.<>
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She did not fear her father's opposition, but he was going tobe made unhappy; and that it should be through her means--that she,his favourite child, should be distressing him by her choice, should befilling him with fears and regrets in disposing of her--was a wretchedreflection, and she sat in misery till Mr. Darcy appeared again, when,looking at him, she was a little relieved by his smile.<>
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We all know him to be a proud, unpleasant sort of man; butthis would be nothing if you really liked him.<>
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I know that you could be neither happy norrespectable, unless you truly esteemed your husband; unless you lookedup to him as a superior.<>
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If this be the case, he deserves you.<>
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I shall offer to pay him to-morrow; he will rant and storm abouthis love for you, and there will be an end of the matter.<>
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Every thing was too recent forgaiety, but the evening passed tranquilly away; there was no longeranything material to be dreaded, and the comfort of ease and familiaritywould come in time.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) This was enough to prove that her approbation need not be doubted: andElizabeth, rejoicing that such an effusion was heard only by herself,soon went away.<>
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You must and shall be married by a special licence.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) This was a sad omen of what her mother's behaviour to the gentlemanhimself might be; and Elizabeth found that, though in the certainpossession of his warmest affection, and secure of her relations'consent, there was still something to be wished for.<>
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Now be sincere;did you admire me for my impertinence?""For the liveliness of your mind, I did.<>
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To be sure, you knew no actual good of me--but nobody thinksof that when they fall in love.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "How unlucky that you should have a reasonable answer to give, and thatI should be so reasonable as to admit it! But I wonder how long youwould have gone on, if you had been left to yourself.<>
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The moral will be perfectly fair.<>
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(Jane Austen - Pride and prejudice ) "Lady Catherine has been of infinite use, which ought to make her happy,for she loves to be of use.<>
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But tell me, what did you come down toNetherfield for? Was it merely to ride to Longbourn and be embarrassed?or had you intended any more serious consequence?""My real purpose was to see you, and to judge, if I could, whether Imight ever hope to make you love me.<>
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But itought to be done, and if you will give me a sheet of paper, it shall bedone directly.<>
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ButI have an aunt, too, who must not be longer neglected.<>
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How could I be so silly as to wish it! Youridea of the ponies is delightful.<>
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Phillips, as well as her sister, stood intoo much awe of him to speak with the familiarity which Bingley's goodhumour encouraged, yet, whenever she did speak, she must be vulgar.<>
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Elizabeth did all she could to shieldhim from the frequent notice of either, and was ever anxious to keephim to herself, and to those of her family with whom he might conversewithout mortification; and though the uncomfortable feelings arisingfrom all this took from the season of courtship much of its pleasure, itadded to the hope of the future; and she looked forward with delight tothe time when they should be removed from society so little pleasingto either, to all the comfort and elegance of their family party atPemberley.<>
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He bore with philosophy the conviction thatElizabeth must now become acquainted with whatever of his ingratitudeand falsehood had before been unknown to her; and in spite of everything, was not wholly without hope that Darcy might yet be prevailed onto make his fortune.<>
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If you love Mr. Darcy half as well as I do my dearWickham, you must be very happy.<>
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Such relief, however, as it was in her power to afford, by the practiceof what might be called economy in her own private expences, shefrequently sent them.<>
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It had always been evident to her that such anincome as theirs, under the direction of two persons so extravagant intheir wants, and heedless of the future, must be very insufficient totheir support; and whenever they changed their quarters, either Jane orherself were sure of being applied to for some little assistancetowards discharging their bills.<>
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Lydia wasoccasionally a visitor there, when her husband was gone to enjoy himselfin London or Bath; and with the Bingleys they both of them frequentlystaid so long, that even Bingley's good humour was overcome, and heproceeded so far as to talk of giving them a hint to be gone.<>
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THE PICKWICKIANS The first ray of light which illumines the gloom, and converts into adazzling brilliancy that obscurity in which the earlier history of thepublic career of the immortal Pickwick would appear to be involved, isderived from the perusal of the following entry in the Transactions ofthe Pickwick Club, which the editor of these papers feels the highestpleasure in laying before his readers, as a proof of the carefulattention, indefatigable assiduity, and nice discrimination, with whichhis search among the multifarious documents confided to him has beenconducted.<>
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, are hereby nominated andappointed members of the same; and that they be requested to forward,from time to time, authenticated accounts of their journeys andinvestigations, of their observations of character and manners, and ofthe whole of their adventures, together with all tales and papers towhich local scenery or associations may give rise, to the Pickwick Club,stationed in London.<>
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) He had feltsome pride--he acknowledged it freely, and let his enemies make the mostof it--he had felt some pride when he presented his Tittlebatian Theoryto the world; it might be celebrated or it might not.<>
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) He would take the assertion of that honourablePickwickian whose voice he had just heard--it was celebrated; but ifthe fame of that treatise were to extend to the farthest confines of theknown world, the pride with which he should reflect on the authorship ofthat production would be as nothing compared with the pride with whichhe looked around him, on this, the proudest moment of his existence.<>
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)'Mr. PICKWICK would not put up to be put down by clamour.<>
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) He wished to know whether this disgraceful contest between twomembers of that club should be allowed to continue.<>
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He begged it to be at onceunderstood, that his own observations had been merely intended to bear aPickwickian construction.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) As wellmight I be content to gaze on Goswell Street for ever, without oneeffort to penetrate to the hidden countries which on every side surroundit.<>
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His long, black hair escaped in negligent waves from beneatheach side of his old pinched-up hat; and glimpses of his bare wristsmight be observed between the tops of his gloves and the cuffs of hiscoat sleeves.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'The principal productions of these towns,' says Mr. Pickwick, 'appearto be soldiers, sailors, Jews, chalk, shrimps, officers, and dockyardmen.<>
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And yet this fine fellowwas the very first to go down to the house next morning and express hisreadiness to overlook the matter, and forget what had occurred!'The consumption of tobacco in these towns,' continues Mr. Pickwick,'must be very great, and the smell which pervades the streets must beexceedingly delicious to those who are extremely fond of smoking.<>
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Mr. Tupman again expressed an earnest wish to be present at thefestivity; but meeting with no response in the darkened eye of Mr.Snodgrass, or the abstracted gaze of Mr. Pickwick, he applied himselfwith great interest to the port wine and dessert, which had just beenplaced on the table.<>
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I should be very happy to lend you a change of apparel forthe purpose,' said Mr. Tracy Tupman, 'but you are rather slim, and Iam--Rather fat--grown-up Bacchus--cut the leaves--dismounted from the tub,and adopted kersey, eh?--not double distilled, but double milled--ha!ha! pass the wine.<>
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Like a gas-lamp in the street, with the windin the pipe, he had exhibited for a moment an unnatural brilliancy, thensank so low as to be scarcely discernible; after a short interval, hehad burst out again, to enlighten for a moment; then flickered with anuncertain, staggering sort of light, and then gone out altogether.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The temptation to be present at the ball, and to form his firstimpressions of the beauty of the Kentish ladies, was strong upon Mr.Tupman.<>
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He, DoctorSlammer, of the 97th, to be extinguished in a moment, by a man whomnobody had ever seen before, and whom nobody knew even now! DoctorSlammer--Doctor Slammer of the 97th rejected! Impossible! It could notbe! Yes, it was; there they were.<>
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There was the widowbefore him, bouncing bodily here and there, with unwonted vigour; andMr. Tracy Tupman hopping about, with a face expressive of the mostintense solemnity, dancing (as a good many people do) as if a quadrillewere not a thing to be laughed at, but a severe trial to the feelings,which it requires inflexible resolution to encounter.<>
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Very odd!' said Mr. Winkle; 'I'll be down directly.<>
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You will not be surprised, sir, when I inform you that I have calledhere this morning on behalf of my friend, Doctor Slammer, of the 97th.<>
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He commissioned me to say, that should this be pleaded as an excusefor your behaviour, he will consent to accept a written apology, to bepenned by you, from my dictation.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'It must be so,' said Mr. Winkle, letting the coat fall from his hands.<>
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If you will take the trouble to turn into the field which borders thetrench, take the foot-path to the left when you arrive at an angle ofthe fortification, and keep straight on, till you see me, I will precedeyou to a secluded place, where the affair can be conducted without fearof interruption.<>
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It is extraordinary howcool any party but the principal can be in such cases.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'The consequences may be dreadful,' said Mr. Winkle.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'If I fall,' said Mr. Winkle, 'or if the doctor falls, you, my dearfriend, will be tried as an accessory before the fact.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Snodgrass,' he said, stopping suddenly, 'do not let me be balked inthis matter--do not give information to the local authorities--do notobtain the assistance of several peace officers, to take either me orDoctor Slammer, of the 97th Regiment, at present quartered in ChathamBarracks, into custody, and thus prevent this duel!--I say, do not.<>
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The only question is,whether the gentleman, being on the ground, must not be considered, asa matter of form, to be the individual who insulted our friend, DoctorSlammer, yesterday evening, whether he is really that individualor not;' and having delivered this suggestion, with a very sage andmysterious air, the man with the camp-stool took a large pinch ofsnuff, and looked profoundly round, with the air of an authority in suchmatters.<>
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Pray be quiet, Payne,' said the doctor's second.<>
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Why did you notcommunicate this fact to me this morning, Sir?To be sure--to be sure,' said the man with the camp-stool indignantly.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I entreat you to be quiet, Payne,' said the other.<>
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With great pleasure,' said the little doctor; 'will ten o'clock be toolate to look in for half an hour?Oh dear, no,' said Mr. Winkle.<>
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I shall be most happy to introduce youto my friends, Mr. Pickwick and Mr. Tupman.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'You will be sure to come?' said Mr. Snodgrass.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'To be before the footlights,' continued the dismal man, 'is likesitting at a grand court show, and admiring the silken dresses ofthe gaudy throng; to be behind them is to be the people who make thatfinery, uncared for and unknown, and left to sink or swim, to starve orlive, as fortune wills it.<>
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Neglected disease and hopeless poverty were as certain to be hisportion as death itself, if he persevered in the same course; yet he didpersevere, and the result may be guessed.<>
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" He drew me closer to him, as he said in a deep alarmed whisper,"Jem, she must be an evil spirit--a devil! Hush! I know she is.<>
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There was arattling noise in the throat--a glare of the eye--a short stifledgroan--and he fell back--dead!'It would afford us the highest gratification to be enabled to record Mr.Pickwick's opinion of the foregoing anecdote.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Do be quiet, Payne,' interposed the lieutenant.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Sorry to have placed you in this disagreeable situation,' saidLieutenant Tappleton, addressing Mr. Pickwick; 'allow me to suggest,that the best way of avoiding a recurrence of such scenes in future willbe to be more select in the choice of your companions.<>
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The Pickwick papers areour New River Head; and we may be compared to the New River Company.<>
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The manoeuvres of half a dozen regiments were to be inspected bythe eagle eye of the commander-in-chief; temporary fortifications hadbeen erected, the citadel was to be attacked and taken, and a mine wasto be sprung.<>
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These, and other practical witticisms, coupled withthe unaccountable absence of Mr. Tupman (who had suddenly disappeared,and was nowhere to be found), rendered their situation upon the wholerather more uncomfortable than pleasing or desirable.<>
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The military bands struck upaltogether; the horses stood upon two legs each, cantered backwards, andwhisked their tails about in all directions; the dogs barked, the mobscreamed, the troops recovered, and nothing was to be seen on eitherside, as far as the eye could reach, but a long perspective of red coatsand white trousers, fixed and motionless.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Can anything be finer or more delightful?' he inquired of Mr. Winkle.<>
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A man must not be precipitate, or he runs over it; he must not rushinto the opposite extreme, or he loses it altogether.<>
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The best way is tokeep gently up with the object of pursuit, to be wary and cautious, towatch your opportunity well, get gradually before it, then make a rapiddive, seize it by the crown, and stick it firmly on your head; smilingpleasantly all the time, as if you thought it as good a joke as anybodyelse.<>
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Well, Sir, and how areyou? You do look uncommon well, to be sure.<>
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And how are you, sir (to Mr. Winkle)? Well, Iam glad to hear you say you are well; very glad I am, to be sure.<>
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And now you allknow each other, let's be comfortable and happy, and see what'sgoing forward; that's what I say.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Oh, you naughty man--but really, if their complexions were alittle better, don't you think they would be nice-looking girls--bycandlelight?Yes; I think they would,' said Mr. Tupman, with an air of indifference.<>
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Well, so she does; it can't be denied; and, certainly,if there is one thing more than another that makes a girl look ugly itis stooping.<>
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" How well might it be applied to our everyday existence.<>
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God! what would I forfeit to have the days of my childhood restored, orto be able to forget them for ever!You have seen much trouble, sir,' said Mr. Pickwick compassionately.<>
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What's to be done?' said Mr. Snodgrass.<>
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Let them be atthe door by eleven,' said Mr. Pickwick.<>
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The 'poor fellow' was proof against flattery; the moreMr. Winkle tried to get nearer him, the more he sidled away; and,notwithstanding all kinds of coaxing and wheedling, there were Mr.Winkle and the horse going round and round each other for ten minutes,at the end of which time each was at precisely the same distance fromthe other as when they first commenced--an unsatisfactory sort of thingunder any circumstances, but particularly so in a lonely road, where noassistance can be procured.<>
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The results may be guessed.<>
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The next thing to be done was tounharness the horse.<>
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Therewas one old lady who always had about half a dozen cards to pay for, atwhich everybody laughed, regularly every round; and when the old ladylooked cross at having to pay, they laughed louder than ever; on whichthe old lady's face gradually brightened up, till at last she laughedlouder than any of them, Then, when the spinster aunt got 'matrimony,'the young ladies laughed afresh, and the Spinster aunt seemed disposedto be pettish; till, feeling Mr. Tupman squeezing her hand under thetable, she brightened up too, and looked rather knowing, as if matrimonyin reality were not quite so far off as some people thought for;whereupon everybody laughed again, and especially old Mr. Wardle, whoenjoyed a joke as much as the youngest.<>
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The wall must be crumbled, the stone decayed, To pleasure his dainty whim; And the mouldering dust that years have made, Is a merry meal for him.<>
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Heaven forgive me the supposition, if it be an uncharitableone, but I do firmly and in my soul believe, that the man systematicallytried for many years to break her heart; but she bore it all for herchild's sake, and, however strange it may seem to many, for his father'stoo; for brute as he was, and cruelly as he had treated her, shehad loved him once; and the recollection of what he had been to her,awakened feelings of forbearance and meekness under suffering in herbosom, to which all God's creatures, but women, are strangers.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'They were poor--they could not be otherwise when the man pursued suchcourses; but the woman's unceasing and unwearied exertions, early andlate, morning, noon, and night, kept them above actual want.<>
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Neighbours were askind as they were wont to be of old, but she shunned their greetingswith averted head.<>
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A day passed away and his mother was not there; anotherflew by, and she came not near him; a third evening arrived, and yet hehad not seen her--, and in four-and-twenty hours he was to be separatedfrom her, perhaps for ever.<>
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I heard, with pity andcompassion, the repentant man devise a thousand little plans for hercomfort and support when he returned; but I knew that many months beforehe could reach his place of destination, his mother would be no longerof this world.<>
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it had been arranged previously to the convict's departure, that heshould write to his mother as soon as he could obtain permission, andthat the letter should be addressed to me.<>
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Many yearspassed over without any intelligence of him; and when more than halfhis term of transportation had expired, and I had received no letter, Iconcluded him to be dead, as, indeed, I almost hoped he might be.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Edmunds, however, had been sent a considerable distance up the countryon his arrival at the settlement; and to this circumstance, perhaps,may be attributed the fact, that though several letters were despatched,none of them ever reached my hands.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'The last soft light of the setting sun had fallen on the earth, castinga rich glow on the yellow corn sheaves, and lengthening the shadows ofthe orchard trees, as he stood before the old house--the home of hisinfancy--to which his heart had yearned with an intensity of affectionnot to be described, through long and weary years of captivity andsorrow.<>
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They were merry too; and he well knew that his poor old mothercould not be cheerful, and he away.<>
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What washis loneliness in the wild, thick woods, where man was never seen, tothis!'He felt that in the distant land of his bondage and infamy, he hadthought of his native place as it was when he left it; and not as itwould be when he returned.<>
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He wasstaring hard at the stranger, and though his eyes were lustreless andheavy at first, they appeared to glow with an unnatural and alarmedexpression after they had been fixed upon him for a short time, untilthey seemed to be starting from their sockets.<>
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Joe--Joe!'The fat boy, who under the exciting influence of the morning did notappear to be more than three parts and a fraction asleep, emerged fromthe house.<>
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Mr. Winkle responded with a forced smile, and took up the spare gun withan expression of countenance which a metaphysical rook, impressed witha foreboding of his approaching death by violence, may be supposedto assume.<>
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Mr. Pickwick and his friendscowered involuntarily to escape damage from the heavy fall of rooks,which they felt quite certain would be occasioned by the devastatingbarrel of their friend.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) To describe the confusion that ensued would be impossible.<>
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To tellhow Mr. Pickwick in the first transports of emotion called Mr. Winkle'Wretch!' how Mr. Tupman lay prostrate on the ground; and how Mr. Winkleknelt horror-stricken beside him; how Mr. Tupman called distractedlyupon some feminine Christian name, and then opened first one eye, andthen the other, and then fell back and shut them both--all this would beas difficult to describe in detail, as it would be to depict the gradualrecovering of the unfortunate individual, the binding up of his armwith pocket-handkerchiefs, and the conveying him back by slow degreessupported by the arms of his anxious friends.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Don't be frightened,' called out the old host, fearful of alarming hisdaughters.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Don't be frightened,' said the host.<>
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Oh, say youare not dead!Don't be a fool, Rachael,' interposed Mr. Wardle, rather more roughlythan was consistent with the poetic nature of the scene.<>
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I shall be better presently.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The arm was examined, the wound dressed, and pronounced to be a veryslight one; and the minds of the company having been thus satisfied,they proceeded to satisfy their appetites with countenances to which anexpression of cheerfulness was again restored.<>
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I, sir,' replied Mr. Pickwick, 'am delighted to view any sportswhich may be safely indulged in, and in which the impotent effects ofunskilful people do not endanger human life.<>
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The great man withdrew his eyes after a few minutes,and added: 'Shall we be justified in leaving our wounded friend to thecare of the ladies?You cannot leave me in better hands,' said Mr. Tupman.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) It was therefore settled that Mr. Tupman should be left at home incharge of the females; and that the remainder of the guests, under theguidance of Mr. Wardle, should proceed to the spot where was to be heldthat trial of skill, which had roused all Muggleton from its torpor, andinoculated Dingley Dell with a fever of excitement.<>
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A few boys were making their way to thecricket-field; and two or three shopkeepers who were standing at theirdoors looked as if they should like to be making their way to the samespot, as indeed to all appearance they might have done, without losingany great amount of custom thereby.<>
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Mr. Pickwick having paused tomake these observations, to be noted down at a more convenient period,hastened to rejoin his friends, who had turned out of the main street,and were already within sight of the field of battle.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Several dozen of 'How-are-you's?' hailed the old gentleman's arrival;and a general raising of the straw hats, and bending forward of theflannel jackets, followed his introduction of his guests as gentlemenfrom London, who were extremely anxious to witness the proceedings ofthe day, with which, he had no doubt, they would be greatly delighted.<>
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Mr. Pickwick was sufficiently versed in the stranger's system ofstenography to infer from this rapid and disjointed communicationthat he had, somehow or other, contracted an acquaintance with theAll-Muggletons, which he had converted, by a process peculiar tohimself, into that extent of good-fellowship on which a generalinvitation may be easily founded.<>
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The advantage was too greatto be recovered.<>
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'It must be rather awarm pursuit in such a climate,' observed Mr. Pickwick.<>
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I shall be very happy, I am sure,' said Mr. Pickwick.<>
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) Let menot be considered as wishing to detract from the merits of the formergentlemen.<>
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) Every gentleman who hears me, is probably acquaintedwith the reply made by an individual, who--to use an ordinary figure ofspeech--"hung out" in a tub, to the emperor Alexander:--"if I were notDiogenes," said he, "I would be Alexander.<>
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" I can well imagine thesegentlemen to say, "If I were not Dumkins I would be Luffey; if I werenot Podder I would be Struggles.<>
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But had heragitation arisen from an amiable and feminine sensibility which wouldhave been equally irrepressible in any case; or had it been called forthby a more ardent and passionate feeling, which he, of all men living,could alone awaken? These were the doubts which racked his brain ashe lay extended on the sofa; these were the doubts which he determinedshould be at once and for ever resolved.<>
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Could such an individual be found--' said the lady.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'But he CAN be found,' said the ardent Mr. Tupman, interposing.<>
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Theold lady had gone to bed; Isabella Wardle devoted herself exclusively toMr. Trundle; the spinster's attentions were reserved for Mr. Tupman;and Emily's thoughts appeared to be engrossed by some distantobject--possibly they were with the absent Snodgrass.<>
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Could they have been waylaidand robbed? Should they send men and lanterns in every direction bywhich they could be supposed likely to have travelled home? or shouldthey--Hark! there they were.<>
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The new visitor was very talkative, and the number ofhis anecdotes was only to be exceeded by the extent of his politeness.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) This sounded like a very bloodthirsty mode of showing one's gratitude;and as the old lady did not precisely understand the process by whichsuch a result was to be attained, all her former horrors returned.<>
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Mybrother will be furious.<>
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Never!' and, by way of showing that he had no desire to be questionedfurther, he drew a chair close to that of the spinster aunt and satdown.<>
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Can I,' said Mr. Jingle, fixing his eyes on the aunt's face--'can Isee--lovely creature--sacrificed at the shrine--heartless avarice!' Heappeared to be struggling with various conflicting emotions for a fewseconds, and then said in a low voice--'Tupman only wants your money.<>
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Does Rachael still wish it?Of course--she don't like it--but must be done--avert suspicion--afraidof her brother--says there's no help for it--only a few days more--whenold folks blinded--crown your happiness.<>
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Anything more?Nothing, only add how ardently I long for the time when I may call hermine, and all dissimulation may be unnecessary.<>
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So was Mr. Tupman, for Mr. Jingle hadtold him that his affair would soon be brought to a crisis.<>
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So were Mr. Jingle and Miss Wardle, for reasons ofsufficient importance in this eventful history to be narrated in anotherchapter.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I won't be held!' cried the old man.<>
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It will be rather unpleasant going at this rate in the dark, won't it?'inquired Mr. Pickwick.<>
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The hostler had somehow or other mislaid the key of the stable, and evenwhen that was found, two sleepy helpers put the wrong harness on thewrong horses, and the whole process of harnessing had to be gone throughafresh.<>
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Had Mr. Pickwick been alone, these multiplied obstacles wouldhave completely put an end to the pursuit at once, but old Wardle wasnot to be so easily daunted; and he laid about him with such heartygood-will, cuffing this man, and pushing that; strapping a buckle here,and taking in a link there, that the chaise was ready in a muchshorter time than could reasonably have been expected, under so manydifficulties.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Never mind,' replied his companion, 'it will soon be over.<>
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Jingle's voice could be plainly heard, even above the din of the wheels,urging on the boys.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) After a very few seconds of bewilderment and confusion, in which nothingbut the plunging of horses, and breaking of glass could be made out, Mr.Pickwick felt himself violently pulled out from among the ruins of thechaise; and as soon as he had gained his feet, extricated his head fromthe skirts of his greatcoat, which materially impeded the usefulness ofhis spectacles, the full disaster of the case met his view.<>
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He drew his breath hard, and coloured up to the very tips of hisspectacles, as he said, slowly and emphatically--'If ever I meet that man again, I'll--Yes, yes,' interrupted Wardle, 'that's all very well; but whilewe stand talking here, they'll get their licence, and be married inLondon.<>
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Can't be helped,' said Wardle, 'we must walk it, Pickwick.<>
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Great, rambling queer old places they are, withgalleries, and passages, and staircases, wide enough and antiquatedenough to furnish materials for a hundred ghost stories, supposing weshould ever be reduced to the lamentable necessity of inventing any,and that the world should exist long enough to exhaust the innumerableveracious legends connected with old London Bridge, and its adjacentneighbourhood on the Surrey side.<>
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When we add that a few boys in smock-frocks were lying asleepon heavy packages, wool-packs, and other articles that were scatteredabout on heaps of straw, we have described as fully as need be thegeneral appearance of the yard of the White Hart Inn, High Street,Borough, on the particular morning in question.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Come, don't be a fool, Sam,' said the girl coaxingly, 'the gentlemanwants his boots directly.<>
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The eleven bootsis to be called at half-past eight and the shoe at nine.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Sam,' cried the landlady, 'where's that lazy, idle--why, Sam--oh, thereyou are; why don't you answer?Vouldn't be gen-teel to answer, till you'd done talking,' replied Samgruffly.<>
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A widower he wos, and fat enough for anything--uncommon fat,to be sure.<>
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--"To be sure, we did," saysthe touter, "you're a babby to him--this way, sir--this way!"--and sureenough my father walks arter him, like a tame monkey behind a horgan,into a little back office, vere a teller sat among dirty papers, and tinboxes, making believe he was busy.<>
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Can't--can't we be married before to-morrow morning?' inquiredRachael.<>
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Don't be long,' said the spinster affectionately, as Mr. Jingle stuckthe pinched-up hat on his head.<>
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It will be sufficient for ourpurpose to relate, that escaping the snares of the dragons in whiteaprons, who guard the entrance to that enchanted region, he reached thevicar-general's office in safety and having procured a highly flatteringaddress on parchment, from the Archbishop of Canterbury, to his 'trustyand well-beloved Alfred Jingle and Rachael Wardle, greeting,' hecarefully deposited the mystic document in his pocket, and retraced hissteps in triumph to the Borough.<>
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Mr. SamuelWeller happened to be at that moment engaged in burnishing a pair ofpainted tops, the personal property of a farmer who was refreshinghimself with a slight lunch of two or three pounds of cold beef and apot or two of porter, after the fatigues of the Borough market; and tohim the thin gentleman straightway advanced.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Oh, wery well, Sir,' replied Sam, 'we shan't be bankrupts, and weshan't make our fort'ns.<>
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At its conclusion, the little man took a pinch of snuff from anoblong silver box, and was apparently on the point of renewing theconversation, when one of the plump gentlemen, who in addition to abenevolent countenance, possessed a pair of spectacles, and a pair ofblack gaiters, interfered--'The fact of the matter is,' said the benevolent gentleman, 'that myfriend here (pointing to the other plump gentleman) will give you half aguinea, if you'll answer one or two--Now, my dear sir--my dear Sir,' said the little man, 'pray, allowme--my dear Sir, the very first principle to be observed in these cases,is this: if you place the matter in the hands of a professional man,you must in no way interfere in the progress of the business; you mustrepose implicit confidence in him.<>
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My dear sir, I'm quite certain youcannot be ignorant of the extent of confidence which must be placed inprofessional men.<>
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If any authority can be necessary on such a point, mydear sir, let me refer you to the well-known case in Barnwell and--Never mind George Barnwell,' interrupted Sam, who had remained awondering listener during this short colloquy; 'everybody knows whatsort of a case his was, tho' it's always been my opinion, mind you, thatthe young 'ooman deserved scragging a precious sight more than he did.<>
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I WON'T be taken away,' murmured the spinster aunt.<>
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We must be content to suffer some pecuniary loss.<>
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I'll suffer any, rather than submit to this disgrace, and let her, foolas she is, be made miserable for life,' said Wardle.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I rather think it can be done,' said the bustling little man.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Now, sir,' said the little man, as he carefully closed the door, 'isthere no way of accommodating this matter--step this way, sir, for amoment--into this window, Sir, where we can be alone--there, sir, there,pray sit down, sir.<>
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Don't you think--now, my dear Sir, I put it to you don't youthink--that fifty pounds and liberty would be better than Miss Wardleand expectation?Won't do--not half enough!' said Mr. Jingle, rising.<>
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Good round sum--a man like you could treble it in notime--great deal to be done with fifty pounds, my dear Sir.<>
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More to be done with a hundred and fifty,' replied Mr. Jingle coolly.<>
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INVOLVING ANOTHER JOURNEY, AND AN ANTIQUARIAN DISCOVERY;RECORDING Mr. PICKWICK'S DETERMINATION TO BE PRESENT AT AN ELECTION; ANDCONTAINING A MANUSCRIPT OF THE OLD CLERGYMAN'SA night of quiet and repose in the profound silence of Dingley Dell,and an hour's breathing of its fresh and fragrant air on the ensuingmorning, completely recovered Mr. Pickwick from the effects of hislate fatigue of body and anxiety of mind.<>
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The pleasure was mutual; for who could ever gaze on Mr.Pickwick's beaming face without experiencing the sensation? But still acloud seemed to hang over his companions which that great man could notbut be sensible of, and was wholly at a loss to account for.<>
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Yesterday morning, when a letter was received from Mr. Wardle, statingthat you would be home with his sister at night, the melancholy whichhad hung over our friend during the whole of the previous day, wasobserved to increase.<>
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It had been left in his charge inthe morning, with a strict injunction that it should not be delivereduntil night.<>
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You do not know what it is, at one blow, to be deserted by alovely and fascinating creature, and to fall a victim to the artificesof a villain, who had the grin of cunning beneath the mask offriendship.<>
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The spirit which burns within us, is a porter'sknot, on which to rest the heavy load of worldly cares and troubles; andwhen that spirit fails us, the burden is too heavy to be borne.<>
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However, whether it be the genuine production of a maniac, orfounded upon the ravings of some unhappy being (which I think moreprobable), read it, and judge for yourself.<>
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Mr.Pickwick kissed the young ladies--we were going to say, as if they werehis own daughters, only, as he might possibly have infused a littlemore warmth into the salutation, the comparison would not be quiteappropriate--hugged the old lady with filial cordiality; and patted therosy cheeks of the female servants in a most patriarchal manner, as heslipped into the hands of each some more substantial expression of hisapproval.<>
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Any repetition of his arguments would be useless; for whatlanguage could convey to them that energy and force which their greatoriginator's manner communicated? Whether Mr. Tupman was already tiredof retirement, or whether he was wholly unable to resist the eloquentappeal which was made to him, matters not, he did NOT resist it at last.<>
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It must not be lost.<>
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You wouldn't mind selling it, now?Ah! but who'd buy it?' inquired the man, with an expression of facewhich he probably meant to be very cunning.<>
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The astonishment of the village may be easily imagined, when (the littlestone having been raised with one wrench of a spade) Mr. Pickwick, bydint of great personal exertion, bore it with his own hands to the inn,and after having carefully washed it, deposited it on the table.<>
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The stone was uneven and broken, and the letters werestraggling and irregular, but the following fragment of an inscriptionwas clearly to be deciphered:-- [cross] B I L S T u m P S H I S.<>
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This treasure must be at once depositedwhere it can be thoroughly investigated and properly understood.<>
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Ho! ho! It's a grand thing to be mad! to be peeped at like a wildlion through the iron bars--to gnash one's teeth and howl, through thelong still night, to the merry ring of a heavy chain and to roll andtwine among the straw, transported with such brave music.<>
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Hurrah for themadhouse! Oh, it's a rare place!'I remember days when I was afraid of being mad; when I used to startfrom my sleep, and fall upon my knees, and pray to be spared fromthe curse of my race; when I rushed from the sight of merriment orhappiness, to hide myself in some lonely place, and spend the wearyhours in watching the progress of the fever that was to consume mybrain.<>
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I knew it must be so: that so it always had been, and soit ever would be: and when I cowered in some obscure corner of a crowdedroom, and saw men whisper, and point, and turn their eyes towards me, Iknew they were telling each other of the doomed madman; and I slunk awayagain to mope in solitude.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'But though I had carried my object and killed her, I was restless anddisturbed, and I felt that before long my secret must be known.<>
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"'He jumped suddenly from his chair, brandished it aloft, and bid mestand back--for I took care to be getting closer to him all the time Ispoke.<>
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At the end of the manuscript was written, in another hand, this note:--[The unhappy man whose ravings are recorded above, was a melancholyinstance of the baneful results of energies misdirected in early life,and excesses prolonged until their consequences could never be repaired.<>
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They reached the town about one o'clock (their luggage theyhad directed to be forwarded to the city, from Rochester), and beingfortunate enough to secure places on the outside of a coach, arrived inLondon in sound health and spirits, on that same afternoon.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Blotton, indeed--and the name will be doomed to the undying contemptof those who cultivate the mysterious and the sublime--Mr. Blotton, wesay, with the doubt and cavilling peculiar to vulgar minds, presumed tostate a view of the case, as degrading as ridiculous.<>
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Mr. Blotton, witha mean desire to tarnish the lustre of the immortal name of Pickwick,actually undertook a journey to Cobham in person, and on his return,sarcastically observed in an oration at the club, that he had seen theman from whom the stone was purchased; that the man presumed thestone to be ancient, but solemnly denied the antiquity of theinscription--inasmuch as he represented it to have been rudely carved byhimself in an idle mood, and to display letters intended to bear neithermore or less than the simple construction of--'BILL STUMPS, HIS MARK';and that Mr. Stumps, being little in the habit of original composition,and more accustomed to be guided by the sound of words than by thestrict rules of orthography, had omitted the concluding 'L' of hisChristian name.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The Pickwick Club (as might have been expected from so enlightened aninstitution) received this statement with the contempt it deserved,expelled the presumptuous and ill-conditioned Blotton from the society,and voted Mr. Pickwick a pair of gold spectacles, in token of theirconfidence and approbation: in return for which, Mr. Pickwick caused aportrait of himself to be painted, and hung up in the club room.<>
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Bardell, which may be of material use tome.<>
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Ah, to be sure,' said Mr. Pickwick; 'I never thought of that.<>
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To be sure, so youwill.<>
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I am sure I ought to be a very happy woman,' said Mrs.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'He, too, will have a companion,' resumed Mr. Pickwick, 'a lively one,who'll teach him, I'll be bound, more tricks in a week than he wouldever learn in a year.<>
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We want to know, in the first place,' said Mr. Pickwick, 'whether youhave any reason to be discontented with your present situation.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Call at eight this evening,' said Mr. Pickwick; 'and if the inquiriesare satisfactory, they shall be provided.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Well,' said that suddenly-transformed individual, as he took his seaton the outside of the Eatanswill coach next morning; 'I wonder whetherI'm meant to be a footman, or a groom, or a gamekeeper, or a seedsman.<>
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Knowing the deep reliance to be placed on every noteand statement of Mr. Pickwick's, and not presuming to set up ourrecollection against the recorded declarations of that great man, wehave consulted every authority, bearing upon the subject, to which wecould possibly refer.<>
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Then WE are Blue,' said Mr. Pickwick; but observing that the man lookedrather doubtful at this accommodating announcement, he gave him hiscard, and desired him to present it to Mr. Perker forthwith, if heshould happen to be in the house.<>
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The effect of that is, you see, to prevent our getting at them;and even if we could, it would be of no use, for they keep them verydrunk on purpose.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'The contest,' said Pott, 'shall be prolonged so long as I have healthand strength, and that portion of talent with which I am gifted.<>
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I shall be delighted,' said Mr. Pott.<>
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Pott, that she will be delighted toaccommodate Mr. Pickwick and any one of his friends, if the other twogentlemen and their servant do not object to shifting, as they best can,at the Peacock.<>
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After repeated pressings on the part of Mr. Pott, and repeatedprotestations on that of Mr. Pickwick that he could not think ofincommoding or troubling his amiable wife, it was decided that it wasthe only feasible arrangement that could be made.<>
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Do you play ecarte,Sir?I shall be very happy to learn under your tuition,' replied Mr. Winkle.<>
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But what I look at is the hex-traordinary andwonderful coincidence, that arter what that gen'l'm'n said, my father'scoach should be upset in that wery place, and on that wery day!it is, no doubt, a very extraordinary circumstance indeed,' said Mr.Pickwick.<>
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There aretwenty washed men at the street door for you to shake hands with; andsix children in arms that you're to pat on the head, and inquire the ageof; be particular about the children, my dear sir--it has always a greateffect, that sort of thing.<>
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Very well,' said the Honourable Samuel Slumkey, with a resigned air,'then it must be done.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The proceedings had not yet commenced; and as an inactive crowdis generally disposed to be jocose, this very innocent action wassufficient to awaken their facetiousness.<>
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But after a very few sentences of figurativeeloquence, the pink-faced gentleman got from denouncing those whointerrupted him in the mob, to exchanging defiances with the gentlemenon the hustings; whereupon arose an uproar which reduced him to thenecessity of expressing his feelings by serious pantomime, which he did,and then left the stage to his seconder, who delivered a written speechof half an hour's length, and wouldn't be stopped, because he had sentit all to the Eatanswill GAZETTE, and the Eatanswill GAZETTE had alreadyprinted it, every word.<>
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Both said thatthe trade, the manufactures, the commerce, the prosperity of Eatanswill,would ever be dearer to their hearts than any earthly object; and eachhad it in his power to state, with the utmost confidence, that he wasthe man who would eventually be returned.<>
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Excisable articles were remarkably cheap at all thepublic-houses; and spring vans paraded the streets for the accommodationof voters who were seized with any temporary dizziness in the head--anepidemic which prevailed among the electors, during the contest, toa most alarming extent, and under the influence of which theymight frequently be seen lying on the pavements in a state of utterinsensibility.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I always like to hear a good argument,'continued the bagman, 'a sharpone, like this: it's very improving; but this little argument aboutwomen brought to my mind a story I have heard an old uncle of minetell, the recollection of which, just now, made me say there were rummerthings than women to be met with, sometimes.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) '"Well, damn my straps and whiskers," says Tom Smart (Tom sometimes hadan unpleasant knack of swearing)--"damn my straps and whiskers," saysTom, "if this ain't pleasant, blow me!"'You'll very likely ask me why, as Tom Smart had been pretty well blownalready, he expressed this wish to be submitted to the same processagain.<>
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There was only one drawback to thebeauty of the whole picture, and that was a tall man--a very tallman--in a brown coat and bright basket buttons, and black whiskersand wavy black hair, who was seated at tea with the widow, and whoit required no great penetration to discover was in a fair way ofpersuading her to be a widow no longer, but to confer upon him theprivilege of sitting down in that bar, for and during the wholeremainder of the term of his natural life.<>
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Allthese things passed rapidly through Tom's mind as he sat drinking thehot punch by the roaring fire, and he felt very justly and properlyindignant that the tall man should be in a fair way of keeping such anexcellent house, while he, Tom Smart, was as far off from it as ever.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Up a wide and ancient staircase the smart girl preceded Tom, shadingthe chamber candle with her hand, to protect it from the currents of airwhich in such a rambling old place might have found plenty of room todisport themselves in, without blowing the candle out, but which didblow it out nevertheless--thus affording Tom's enemies an opportunity ofasserting that it was he, and not the wind, who extinguished the candle,and that while he pretended to be blowing it alight again, he was infact kissing the girl.<>
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They got rheumatic about the legs and arms, and went intokitchens and other hospitals; and one of 'em, with long service and hardusage, positively lost his senses--he got so crazy that he was obligedto be burnt.<>
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What would be the consequence? Shewould be deserted and reduced to ruin, and I should catch my death ofcold in some broker's shop.<>
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The chair would not be drawn intoconversation.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Tom surveyed the rooms he passed through, on his way downstairs, withthe scrutinising eye of a landlord; thinking it not impossible, thatbefore long, they and their contents would be his property.<>
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"You deserve avery admirable husband, and whoever he is, he'll be a very lucky man.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) '"Don't be frightened," said Tom Smart.<>
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Leo Hunter--my wife, sir; Iam Mr. Leo Hunter'--the stranger paused, as if he expected that Mr.Pickwick would be overcome by the disclosure; but seeing that heremained perfectly calm, proceeded--'My wife, sir--Mrs.<>
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I shall be extremely happy to make the acquaintance of such a lady,sir,' replied Mr. Pickwick.<>
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Leo Hunter, that that remark fell from yourlips, sir, she will indeed be proud,' said the grave man.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'And if any further ground of objection be wanting,' continued Mr.Pickwick, 'you are too fat, sir.<>
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Sir,' replied Mr. Pickwick, in the same tone, 'it is not half theinsult to you, that your appearance in my presence in a green velvetjacket, with a two-inch tail, would be to me.<>
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His wardrobe was extensive--very extensive--not strictly classicalperhaps, not quite new, nor did it contain any one garment madeprecisely after the fashion of any age or time, but everything was moreor less spangled; and what can be prettier than spangles! It may beobjected that they are not adapted to the daylight, but everybody knowsthat they would glitter if there were lamps; and nothing can be clearerthan that if people give fancy-balls in the day-time, and the dressesdo not show quite as well as they would by night, the fault lies solelywith the people who give the fancy-balls, and is in no wise chargeableon the spangles.<>
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Leo Hunter's grounds,which Mr. Pott, as a delicate acknowledgment of having received aninvitation, had already confidently predicted in the EatanswillGAZETTE 'would present a scene of varied and delicious enchantment--abewildering coruscation of beauty and talent--a lavish and prodigaldisplay of hospitality--above all, a degree of splendour softened by themost exquisite taste; and adornment refined with perfect harmony and thechastest good keeping--compared with which, the fabled gorgeousness ofEastern fairyland itself would appear to be clothed in as many dark andmurky colours, as must be the mind of the splenetic and unmanly beingwho could presume to taint with the venom of his envy, the preparationsmade by the virtuous and highly distinguished lady at whose shrine thishumble tribute of admiration was offered.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'In the first place, here are my little girls; I had almost forgottenthem,' said Minerva, carelessly pointing towards a couple of full-grownyoung ladies, of whom one might be about twenty, and the other a yearor two older, and who were dressed in very juvenile costumes--whetherto make them look young, or their mamma younger, Mr. Pickwick does notdistinctly inform us.<>
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This interesting performancehaving concluded amidst the loud plaudits of the whole company, a boyforthwith proceeded to entangle himself with the rails of a chair,and to jump over it, and crawl under it, and fall down with it, and doeverything but sit upon it, and then to make a cravat of his legs, andtie them round his neck, and then to illustrate the ease with which ahuman being can be made to look like a magnified toad--all which featsyielded high delight and satisfaction to the assembled spectators.<>
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Tell Mr.Fitz-Marshall, my dear, to come up to me directly, to be scolded forcoming so late.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'No, no--I'll do it--shan't be long--back in no time,' replied Jingle.<>
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The count will be delighted withhim.<>
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TOO FULL OF ADVENTURE TO BE BRIEFLY DESCRIBEDThere is no month in the whole year in which nature wears a morebeautiful appearance than in the month of August.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) As the coach rolls swiftly past the fields and orchards which skirtthe road, groups of women and children, piling the fruit in sieves, orgathering the scattered ears of corn, pause for an instant from theirlabour, and shading the sun-burned face with a still browner hand, gazeupon the passengers with curious eyes, while some stout urchin, toosmall to work, but too mischievous to be left at home, scrambles overthe side of the basket in which he has been deposited for security, andkicks and screams with delight.<>
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Intentupon the resolution he had formed, of exposing the real character ofthe nefarious Jingle, in any quarter in which he might be pursuing hisfraudulent designs, he sat at first taciturn and contemplative, broodingover the means by which his purpose could be best attained.<>
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I shall be a gen'l'm'n myself one of these days,perhaps, with a pipe in my mouth, and a summer-house in the back-garden.<>
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Who knows? I shouldn't be surprised for one.<>
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Now, Sam,' said Mr. Pickwick, 'the first thing to be done isto--' 'Order dinner, Sir,' interposed Mr. Weller.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) In half an hour, Mr. Pickwick was seated at a very satisfactory dinner;and in three-quarters Mr. Weller returned with the intelligence that Mr.Charles Fitz-Marshall had ordered his private room to be retained forhim, until further notice.<>
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Then you can arrange what's best to be done, sir, and we can actaccordingly.<>
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As it appeared that this was the best arrangement that could be made, itwas finally agreed upon.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Early on the ensuing morning, Mr. Weller was dispelling all thefeverish remains of the previous evening's conviviality, through theinstrumentality of a halfpenny shower-bath (having induced a younggentleman attached to the stable department, by the offer of that coin,to pump over his head and face, until he was perfectly restored),when he was attracted by the appearance of a young fellow inmulberry-coloured livery, who was sitting on a bench in the yard,reading what appeared to be a hymn-book, with an air of deepabstraction, but who occasionally stole a glance at the individual underthe pump, as if he took some interest in his proceedings, nevertheless.<>
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I hope you are the same,Sir?Why, if I felt less like a walking brandy-bottle I shouldn't be quiteso staggery this mornin',' replied Sam.<>
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Worse than that, my master's going to be married.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'No, no,' said Mr. Trotter, in conclusion, 'that's not to be toldto everybody.<>
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Sam observed the hint; and feeling the delicate manner in whichit was conveyed, ordered the pewter vessel to be refilled, whereat thesmall eyes of the mulberry man glistened.<>
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Instant measures must be taken,' said Mr. Pickwick.<>
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What had better be done, then?' said Mr. Pickwick.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'But this taking him in the very act of elopement, would be a verydifficult thing to accomplish, I fear,' said Mr. Pickwick.<>
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I think it might be very easily done.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Why,' replied Mr. Trotter, 'my master and I, being in the confidence ofthe two servants, will be secreted in the kitchen at ten o'clock.<>
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A post-chaise will be waiting, andaway we go.<>
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Why alone?I thought it very natural,' replied Job, 'that the old lady wouldn'tlike such an unpleasant discovery to be made before more personsthan can possibly be helped.<>
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Well, sir, I have been thinking that if you were waiting in the backgarden alone, and I was to let you in, at the door which opens into it,from the end of the passage, at exactly half-past eleven o'clock, youwould be just in the very moment of time to assist me in frustrating thedesigns of this bad man, by whom I have been unfortunately ensnared.<>
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You will be sure to be near this door that you speak of?You cannot mistake it, Sir; it's the only one that opens into thegarden.<>
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I shall be sure to be there.<>
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Go away, or we shall be overheard.<>
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If he remained where hewas, he might fall the victim of an accident; if he showed himself inthe centre of the garden, he might be consigned to a constable.<>
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Cook,' said the lady abbess, who took care to be on the top stair, thevery last of the group--'cook, why don't you go a little way into thegarden?' 'Please, ma'am, I don't like,' responded the cook.<>
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Thedoor was just going to be closed in consequence, when an inquisitiveboarder, who had been peeping between the hinges, set up a fearfulscreaming, which called back the cook and housemaid, and all the moreadventurous, in no time.<>
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He must be respectable--he keeps a manservant,' said Miss Tomkins tothe writing and ciphering governess.<>
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And if there's any number o' men onthese here premises as has said so, I shall be wery happy to give 'emall a wery convincing proof o' their being mistaken, in this here weryroom, if these wery respectable ladies 'll have the goodness to retire,and order 'em up, one at a time.<>
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Having delivered this defiance withgreat volubility, Mr. Weller struck his open palm emphatically with hisclenched fist, and winked pleasantly on Miss Tomkins, the intensity ofwhose horror at his supposing it within the bounds of possibility thatthere could be any men on the premises of Westgate House Establishmentfor Young Ladies, it is impossible to describe.<>
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But neither in the course of his walk home with his friends,nor afterwards when seated before a blazing fire at the supper he somuch needed, could a single observation be drawn from him.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) THE PARISH CLERK A TALE OF TRUE LOVE'Once upon a time, in a very small country town, at a considerabledistance from London, there lived a little man named Nathaniel Pipkin,who was the parish clerk of the little town, and lived in a little housein the little High Street, within ten minutes' walk from the littlechurch; and who was to be found every day, from nine till four, teachinga little learning to the little boys.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'It IS matter of wonder, though, that anyone of Mr. Nathaniel Pipkin'sretiring disposition, nervous temperament, and most particularlydiminutive income, should from this day forth, have dared to aspire tothe hand and heart of the only daughter of the fiery old Lobbs--of oldLobbs, the great saddler, who could have bought up the whole villageat one stroke of his pen, and never felt the outlay--old Lobbs, who waswell known to have heaps of money, invested in the bank at the nearestmarket town--who was reported to have countless and inexhaustibletreasures hoarded up in the little iron safe with the big keyhole, overthe chimney-piece in the back parlour--and who, it was well known,on festive occasions garnished his board with a real silver teapot,cream-ewer, and sugar-basin, which he was wont, in the pride of hisheart, to boast should be his daughter's property when she found a manto her mind.<>
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I repeat it, to be matter of profound astonishment andintense wonder, that Nathaniel Pipkin should have had the temerity tocast his eyes in this direction.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Well! Day after day, when school was over, and the pupils gone, didNathaniel Pipkin sit himself down at the front window, and, while hefeigned to be reading a book, throw sidelong glances over the way insearch of the bright eyes of Maria Lobbs; and he hadn't sat there manydays, before the bright eyes appeared at an upper window, apparentlydeeply engaged in reading too.<>
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When they stopped togather a hedge flower, or listen to a bird, Nathaniel Pipkin stoppedtoo, and pretended to be absorbed in meditation, as indeed he reallywas; for he was thinking what on earth he should ever do, when theyturned back, as they inevitably must in time, and meet him face to face.<>
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There was something in Kate's manner that was not to be resisted, and soNathaniel Pipkin complied with the invitation; and after a great dealof blushing on his part, and immoderate laughter on that of the wickedlittle cousin, Nathaniel Pipkin went down on his knees on the dewygrass, and declared his resolution to remain there for ever, unless hewere permitted to rise the accepted lover of Maria Lobbs.<>
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At length, Maria Lobbs beingmore strenuously urged by the love-worn little man, turned away herhead, and whispered her cousin to say, or at all events Kate did say,that she felt much honoured by Mr. Pipkin's addresses; that her hand andheart were at her father's disposal; but that nobody could be insensibleto Mr. Pipkin's merits.<>
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It'sa delightful thing to see affection in families, but it may be carriedrather too far, and Nathaniel Pipkin could not help thinking that MariaLobbs must be very particularly fond of her relations, if she paid asmuch attention to all of them as to this individual cousin.<>
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On this occasion,however, and as if expressly in compliment to any follower of Mr.Pickwick's, he unbent, relaxed, stepped down from his pedestal,and walked upon the ground, benignly adapting his remarks to thecomprehension of the herd, and seeming in outward form, if not inspirit, to be one of them.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Such having been the demeanour of this celebrated public charactertowards Mr. Winkle, it will be readily imagined that considerablesurprise was depicted on the countenance of the latter gentleman, when,as he was sitting alone in the breakfast-room, the door was hastilythrown open, and as hastily closed, on the entrance of Mr. Pott, who,stalking majestically towards him, and thrusting aside his profferedhand, ground his teeth, as if to put a sharper edge on what he was aboutto utter, and exclaimed, in a saw-like voice--'Serpent!Sir!' exclaimed Mr. Winkle, starting from his chair.<>
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Pleasantry, sir!--But--no, I will be calm; I will be calm,Sir;' in proof of his calmness, Mr. Pott flung himself into a chair, andfoamed at the mouth.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) There appears nothing very tremendous in this little sentence, 'Upon myword, sir,' when it comes to be read; but the tone of voice in which itwas delivered, and the look that accompanied it, both seeming to bearreference to some revenge to be thereafter visited upon the head ofPott, produced their effect upon him.<>
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I know he'll be thedeath on you, ma'am.<>
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Oh, sir, you should be careful--youshould indeed; you don't know what harm you may do missis; you'll besorry for it one day, I know--I've always said so.<>
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Pott, 'now, after all, to be treated in this way;to be reproached and insulted in the presence of a third party, andthat party almost a stranger.<>
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I'll be separated, Goodwin!It would certainly serve him right, ma'am,' said Goodwin.<>
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Pott grew morehysterical, requested to be informed why she was ever born, and requiredsundry other pieces of information of a similar description.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'If I ever do come back, and mix myself up with these peopleagain,'thought Mr. Winkle, as he wended his way to the Peacock, 'I shalldeserve to be horsewhipped myself--that's all.<>
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Don't hangback, or look sentimental about it; it can't be helped, old fellow.<>
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But don't be frightened,' said the good-humoured oldman; 'it's only Trundle there, and Bella.<>
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You must be hungry after your ride.<>
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Mercyon us! what's this? It must be a jest; it--it--can't be true.<>
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'Ofher heart,' said Wardle, with a smile, 'you should certainly be the bestjudge.<>
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It's Captain Boldwig's land; butthere'll be nobody to interrupt us, and there's a fine bit of turfthere.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I won't suffer this barrow to be moved another step,' said Mr.Pickwick, resolutely, 'unless Winkle carries that gun of his in adifferent manner.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I don't care whether it's unsportsmanlike or not,' replied Mr.Pickwick; 'I am not going to be shot in a wheel-barrow, for the sake ofappearances, to please anybody.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'We shall very likely be up with another covey in five minutes,' saidthe long gamekeeper.<>
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With the quickness and penetration of a man ofgenius, he had at once observed that the two great points to be attainedwere--first, to discharge his piece without injury to himself, and,secondly, to do so, without danger to the bystanders--obviously, thebest thing to do, after surmounting the difficulty of firing at all, wasto shut his eyes firmly, and fire into the air.<>
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"Ah," says he, "I do--a good many," says he, "You must be wery fond o'cats," says I.<>
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"That I'll never be a party to the combinationo' the butchers, to keep up the price o' meat," says he.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The basket having been repacked, and it being found perfectly impossibleto awaken Mr. Pickwick from his torpor, some discussion took placewhether it would be better for Mr. Weller to wheel his master backagain, or to leave him where he was, until they should all be ready toreturn.<>
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The latter course was at length decided on; and as the furtherexpedition was not to exceed an hour's duration, and as Mr. Wellerbegged very hard to be one of the party, it was determined to leave Mr.Pickwick asleep in the barrow, and to call for him on their return.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Pickwick had not been asleep half an hour when little CaptainBoldwig, followed by the two gardeners, came striding along as fast ashis size and importance would let him; and when he came near the oaktree, Captain Boldwig paused and drew a long breath, and looked at theprospect as if he thought the prospect ought to be highly gratifiedat having him to take notice of it; and then he struck the groundemphatically with his stick, and summoned the head-gardener.<>
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He's only feigning to be asleep now,' said the captain, ina high passion.<>
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Mr. Pickwickwas not to be found.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'When will Mr. Dodson be back, sir?' inquired Mr. Pickwick.<>
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Will it be long before Mr. Fogg is disengaged, Sir?Don't know.<>
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The costs are quite safe, for he's asteady man with a large family, at a salary of five-and-twenty shillingsa week, and if he gives us a warrant of attorney, as he must in the end,I know his employers will see it paid; so we may as well get all we canget out of him, Mr. Wicks; it's a Christian act to do it, Mr. Wicks, forwith his large family and small income, he'll be all the better fora good lesson against getting into debt--won't he, Mr. Wicks, won'the?"--and he smiled so good-naturedly as he went away, that it wasdelightful to see him.<>
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Mr. Pickwick took a seat and the paper, but, instead of reading thelatter, peeped over the top of it, and took a survey of the man ofbusiness, who was an elderly, pimply-faced, vegetable-diet sort of man,in a black coat, dark mixture trousers, and small black gaiters; a kindof being who seemed to be an essential part of the desk at which he waswriting, and to have as much thought or feeling.<>
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Thatstatement, Sir, may be true, or it may be false; it may be credible, orit may be incredible; but, if it be true, and if it be credible, I donot hesitate to say, Sir, that our grounds of action, Sir, are strong,and not to be shaken.<>
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You may be an unfortunate man, Sir, or you may bea designing one; but if I were called upon, as a juryman upon my oath,Sir, to express an opinion of your conduct, Sir, I do not hesitate toassert that I should have but one opinion about it.<>
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We shall be very happy to do so,' said Fogg, rubbing his hands.<>
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Battledore and shuttlecock'sa wery good game, vhen you ain't the shuttlecock and two lawyers thebattledores, in which case it gets too excitin' to be pleasant.<>
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If you want to ease your mind by blowing up somebody, comeout into the court and blow up me; but it's rayther too expensive workto be carried on here.<>
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Take exampleby your father, my boy, and be wery careful o' widders all your life,'specially if they've kept a public-house, Sammy.<>
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, stopping short;--'perhaps asmall glass of brandy to drink your health, and success to Sammy, Sir,wouldn't be amiss.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'This is pleasant, Sam,' said Mr. Pickwick; 'I shouldn't lose an hourin seeing him; I shall not be able to get one wink of sleep to-night, Iknow, unless I have the satisfaction of reflecting that I have confidedthis matter to a professional man.<>
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In the lowerwindows, which were decorated with curtains of a saffron hue, dangledtwo or three printed cards, bearing reference to Devonshire cider andDantzic spruce, while a large blackboard, announcing in white letters toan enlightened public, that there were 500,000 barrels of double stoutin the cellars of the establishment, left the mind in a state of notunpleasing doubt and uncertainty as to the precise direction in thebowels of the earth, in which this mighty cavern might be supposedto extend.<>
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When we add that the weather-beaten signboard bore thehalf-obliterated semblance of a magpie intently eyeing a crooked streakof brown paint, which the neighbours had been taught from infancy toconsider as the 'stump,' we have said all that need be said of theexterior of the edifice.<>
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He'll be done directly, Sir.<>
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The red-headed pot-boy had scarcely finished speaking, when a mostunanimous hammering of tables, and jingling of glasses, announced thatthe song had that instant terminated; and Mr. Pickwick, after desiringSam to solace himself in the tap, suffered himself to be conducted intothe presence of Mr. Lowten.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) At the announcement of 'A gentleman to speak to you, Sir,' a puffy-facedyoung man, who filled the chair at the head of the table, looked withsome surprise in the direction from whence the voice proceeded; and thesurprise seemed to be by no means diminished, when his eyes rested on anindividual whom he had never seen before.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I beg your pardon, Sir,' said Mr. Pickwick, 'and I am very sorryto disturb the other gentlemen, too, but I come on very particularbusiness; and if you will suffer me to detain you at this end of theroom for five minutes, I shall be very much obliged to you.<>
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He suffered himself to be led to the table, where, afterhaving been introduced to the company in due form, he was accommodatedwith a seat near the chairman and called for a glass of his favouritebeverage.<>
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I should be very sorry to say I wasn't,' interposed another gentlemanon the opposite side of the table.<>
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Mr. Pickwick glanced at the speaker, and thought that if it were washingtoo, it would be all the better.<>
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As this chapter has been a long one, however, and asthe old man was a remarkable personage, it will be more respectful tohim, and more convenient to us, to let him speak for himself in a freshone.<>
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To be sure you didn't,' saidthe little old man; 'of course not.<>
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" He made the change, and sleptvery well at night, but suddenly found that, somehow, he couldn't readin the evening: he got nervous and uncomfortable, and used to be alwayssnuffing his candles and staring about him.<>
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Well, he had moved in allhis furniture--it wasn't quite a truck-full--and had sprinkled it aboutthe room, so as to make the four chairs look as much like a dozen aspossible, and was sitting down before the fire at night, drinking thefirst glass of two gallons of whisky he had ordered on credit, wonderingwhether it would ever be paid for, and if so, in how many years' time,when his eyes encountered the glass doors of the wooden press.<>
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I'll tell you what it is, old fellow," he said, speaking aloud tothe press, having nothing else to speak to, "if it wouldn't cost moreto break up your old carcass, than it would ever be worth afterward, I'dhave a fire out of you in less than no time.<>
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It startled him at first, but thinking, ona moment's reflection, that it must be some young fellow in the nextchamber, who had been dining out, he put his feet on the fender,and raised the poker to stir the fire.<>
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Fromthe appearance of that press, I should be disposed to say that it isnot wholly free from bugs; and I really think you might find much morecomfortable quarters: to say nothing of the climate of London, whichis extremely disagreeable.<>
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"And if, Sir," said the tenant, callingafter him, "if you WOULD have the goodness to suggest to the otherladies and gentlemen who are now engaged in haunting old empty houses,that they might be much more comfortable elsewhere, you will confer avery great benefit on society.<>
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]'It may be my fancy, or it may be that I cannot separate the place fromthe old recollections associated with it, but this part of London Icannot bear.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'That night, in the silence and desolation of his miserable room, thewretched man knelt down by the dead body of his wife, and called on Godto witness a terrible oath, that from that hour, he devoted himself torevenge her death and that of his child; that thenceforth to the lastmoment of his life, his whole energies should be directed to this oneobject; that his revenge should be protracted and terrible; that hishatred should be undying and inextinguishable; and should hunt itsobject through the world.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'It was necessary that his wife's body should be removed from theprison, without delay.<>
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Oh, how he cursed the weakness thatprevented him from being up, and active, in his scheme of vengeance! 'Hecaused himself to be carried from the scene of his loss and misery,and conveyed to a quiet residence on the sea-coast; not in the hope ofrecovering his peace of mind or happiness, for both were fled for ever;but to restore his prostrate energies, and meditate on his darlingobject.<>
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"If thedefendant be a man of straw, who is to pay the costs, Sir?"'"Name any sum," said the stranger, his hand trembling so violentlywith excitement, that he could scarcely hold the pen he seized as hespoke--"any sum, and it is yours.<>
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Don't be afraid to name it, man.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'The draft was duly honoured, and the attorney, finding that his strangeclient might be safely relied upon, commenced his work in earnest.<>
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For more than two years afterwards, Mr. Heyling would sit whole daystogether, in the office, poring over the papers as they accumulated,and reading again and again, his eyes gleaming with joy, the letters ofremonstrance, the prayers for a little delay, the representations of thecertain ruin in which the opposite party must be involved, which pouredin, as suit after suit, and process after process, was commenced.<>
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To allapplications for a brief indulgence, there was but one reply--the moneymust be paid.<>
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The next day is an anniversary in his life: let it be donethen.<>
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By the time they alighted there, it wasquite dark; and, proceeding by the dead wall in front of the VeterinaryHospital, they entered a small by-street, which is, or was at that time,called Little College Street, and which, whatever it may be now, wasin those days a desolate place enough, surrounded by little else thanfields and ditches.<>
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The governor hisself'll be down herepresently.<>
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She's been gettin' rayther in the Methodistical order lately,Sammy; and she is uncommon pious, to be sure.<>
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All applications to be made to the committee.<>
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The solemn protestations of the hostler being wholly unavailing, theleather hat-box was obliged to be raked up from the lowest depth of theboot, to satisfy him that it had been safely packed; and after he hadbeen assured on this head, he felt a solemn presentiment, first, thatthe red bag was mislaid, and next that the striped bag had been stolen,and then that the brown-paper parcel 'had come untied.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'What I mean, sir,' said Sam, 'is, that the poorer a place is, thegreater call there seems to be for oysters.<>
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To be sure he does,' said Mr. Weller, senior; 'and it's just the samevith pickled salmon!Those are two very remarkable facts, which never occurred to mebefore,' said Mr. Pickwick.<>
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On this request being preferred, the corpulent man condescended to orderthe boots to bring in the gentlemen's luggage; and preceding them downa long, dark passage, ushered them into a large, badly-furnishedapartment, with a dirty grate, in which a small fire was making awretched attempt to be cheerful, but was fast sinking beneath thedispiriting influence of the place.<>
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Mr. Pickwick, Sir, there isa suit of clothes in that bag, and a hat in that box, which, I expect,in the effect they will produce, will be invaluable to me, sir.<>
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I heard she would be here to-night and all to-morrowforenoon, and came down to seize the opportunity.<>
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Sheis more likely to feel the loneliness of her situation in travelling,perhaps, than she would be at home.<>
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I know what it is to be jilted, Sir; I have enduredthat sort of thing three or four times.<>
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Ishall be pale to-morrow, Mr. Pickwick.<>
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The more stairs Mr. Pickwick went down, themore stairs there seemed to be to descend, and again and again, when Mr.Pickwick got into some narrow passage, and began to congratulate himselfon having gained the ground-floor, did another flight of stairs appearbefore his astonished eyes.<>
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Keeping thecurtains carefully closed with his hand, so that nothing more of himcould be seen than his face and nightcap, and putting on his spectacles,he mustered up courage and looked out.<>
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If I call out she'll alarm the house; but if I remain here theconsequences will be still more frightful.<>
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The disclosure must be made.<>
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If this improbable story be really true, Sir,' said the lady, sobbingviolently, 'you will leave it instantly.<>
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He was alone, in an open passage, ina strange house in the middle of the night, half dressed; it was notto be supposed that he could find his way in perfect darkness to a roomwhich he had been wholly unable to discover with a light, and if he madethe slightest noise in his fruitless attempts to do so, he stood everychance of being shot at, and perhaps killed, by some wakeful traveller.<>
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His chin,from the same cause, had acquired the grave and imposing form which isgenerally described by prefixing the word 'double' to that expressivefeature; and his complexion exhibited that peculiarly mottledcombination of colours which is only to be seen in gentlemen of hisprofession, and in underdone roast beef.<>
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Ought to ha' know'd better! why, I know a young 'un ashasn't had half nor quarter your eddication--as hasn't slept about themarkets, no, not six months--who'd ha' scorned to be let in, in such avay; scorned it, Sammy.<>
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It's over, andcan't be helped, and that's one consolation, as they always says inTurkey, ven they cuts the wrong man's head off.<>
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Now it's timeI was up at the office to get my vay-bill and see the coach loaded; forcoaches, Sammy, is like guns--they requires to be loaded with wery greatcare, afore they go off.<>
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Pison yourself, Samivel, myboy, pison yourself, and you'll be glad on it arterwards.<>
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He was obliged to pass very near Sam, however, andthe scrutinising glance of that gentleman enabled him to detect, underall these appalling twists of feature, something too like the small eyesof Mr. Job Trotter to be easily mistaken.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'The great advantage of this, Mr. Weller,' continued Job, his eyesfilling with tears as he spoke, 'will be, that I shall be able to leavemy present disgraceful service with that bad man, and to devote myselfto a better and more virtuous life; more like the way in which I wasbrought up, Mr. Weller.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'To be sure it was,' replied Job.<>
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I shall be sure to come,' said Job.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Yes, you'd better,' replied Sam, with a very meaning look, 'or else Ishall perhaps be askin' arter you, at the other side of the green gate,and then I might cut you out, you know.<>
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I shall be sure to be with you, sir,' said Mr. Trotter; and wringingSam's hand with the utmost fervour, he walked away.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Take care, Job Trotter, take care,' said Sam, looking after him, 'orI shall be one too many for you this time.<>
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Havinguttered this soliloquy, and looked after Job till he was to be seen nomore, Mr. Weller made the best of his way to his master's bedroom.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'But when is this to be done, Sam?' inquired Mr. Pickwick.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Whether it was done in good time, or not, will be seen hereafter.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Why,' said Mr. Pickwick, 'I may have formed some ideas upon thesubject, but, as I have never submitted them to the test of experience,I should be sorry if you were induced to regulate your proceedings bythem.<>
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I should argue, by analogy,that to anybody else, I must be a very desirable object.<>
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Perhaps I might then be tempted to seize her hand.<>
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Yes, I see,' said Mr. Magnus; 'that would be a very great point.<>
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You think that may be taken for granted?' said Mr. Magnus; 'because, ifshe did not do that at the right place, it would be embarrassing.<>
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Upon this, sir, I shouldsqueeze her hand, and I think--I think, Mr. Magnus--that after I haddone that, supposing there was no refusal, I should gently draw awaythe handkerchief, which my slight knowledge of human nature leads me tosuppose the lady would be applying to her eyes at the moment, and steala respectful kiss.<>
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I understand you, ma'am,' said Mr. Pickwick, 'and respect yourdelicacy; it shall never be revealed by ME depend upon it.<>
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There must be something very comprehensive in this phrase of 'Nevermind,' for we do not recollect to have ever witnessed a quarrel in thestreet, at a theatre, public room, or elsewhere, in which it has notbeen the standard reply to all belligerent inquiries.<>
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It isobservable, too, that there would appear to be some hidden taunt in thisuniversal 'Never mind,' which rouses more indignation in the bosom ofthe individual addressed, than the most lavish abuse could possiblyawaken.<>
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Mr. Nupkins looked calmlyterrible, and commanded that the lady should be shown in; which command,like all the mandates of emperors, and magistrates, and other greatpotentates of the earth, was forthwith obeyed; and Miss Witherfield,interestingly agitated, was ushered in accordingly.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'It is very distressing to me, Sir, to give this information,' said MissWitherfield, 'but I fear a duel is going to be fought here.<>
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Impossible, ma'am; nothingof the kind can be contemplated in this town, I am persuaded.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The hungry-looking Jinks sighed, as if he were quite aware of the factof his having very little indeed to be merry about; and, being orderedto take the lady's information, shambled to a seat, and proceeded towrite it down.<>
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They shall be made an example of.<>
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You recollect the case of the MiddlesexDumpling and the Suffolk Bantam, Grummer?' ( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Grummer intimated, by a retrospective shake of the head, that heshould never forget it--as indeed it was not likely he would, so long asit continued to be cited daily.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Very well,' said the magistrate, drawing himself up proudly, 'it shallnot be violated in this portion of his dominions.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) When the executive perceived that Mr. Pickwick and his friends weredisposed to resist the authority of the law, they very significantlyturned up their coat sleeves, as if knocking them down in the firstinstance, and taking them up afterwards, were a mere professional actwhich had only to be thought of to be done, as a matter of course.<>
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He conferred a few momentswith Mr. Tupman apart, and then signified his readiness to proceedto the mayor's residence, merely begging the parties then and thereassembled, to take notice, that it was his firm intention to resent thismonstrous invasion of his privileges as an Englishman, the instant hewas at liberty; whereat the parties then and there assembled laughedvery heartily, with the single exception of Mr. Grummer, who seemed toconsider that any slight cast upon the divine right of magistrates was aspecies of blasphemy not to be tolerated.<>
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Mr. Grummer, in the then disturbed state of public feeling(for it was half-holiday, and the boys had not yet gone home), asresolutely protested against walking on the opposite side of the way,and taking Mr. Pickwick's parole that he would go straight to themagistrate's; and both Mr. Pickwick and Mr. Tupman as strenuouslyobjected to the expense of a post-coach, which was the only respectableconveyance that could be obtained.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The shopkeepers of the town, although they had a very indistinctnotion of the nature of the offence, could not but be much edified andgratified by this spectacle.<>
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SHOWING, AMONG A VARIETY OF PLEASANT MATTERS, HOW MAJESTICAND IMPARTIAL Mr. NUPKINS WAS; AND HOW Mr. WELLER RETURNED Mr. JOBTROTTER'S SHUTTLECOCK AS HEAVILY AS IT CAME--WITH ANOTHER MATTER, WHICHWILL BE FOUND IN ITS PLACEViolent was Mr. Weller's indignation as he was borne along; numerouswere the allusions to the personal appearance and demeanour of Mr.Grummer and his companion; and valorous were the defiances to any sixof the gentlemen present, in which he vented his dissatisfaction.<>
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Pickvick, Esquire; this here'sMr. Tupman; that 'ere's Mr. Snodgrass; and farder on, next him on thet'other side, Mr. Winkle--all wery nice gen'l'm'n, Sir, as you'll bewery happy to have the acquaintance on; so the sooner you commits thesehere officers o' yourn to the tread--mill for a month or two, thesooner we shall begin to be on a pleasant understanding.<>
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You shall repent of thisneglect of duty, Mr. Grummer; you shall be made an example of.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I beg your pardon, sir, for interrupting you,' said Mr. Pickwick; 'butbefore you proceed to express, and act upon, any opinion you may haveformed on the statements which have been made here, I must claim myright to be heard so far as I am personally concerned.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Sam, be quiet,' said Mr. Pickwick.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'They must be townspeople,' said the magistrate.<>
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I shall require two sureties of fifty pounds each,' said the magistratealoud, with great dignity, 'and they must be householders, of course.<>
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A privateinterview?A private interview,' replied Mr. Pickwick firmly; 'only, as a part ofthe information which I wish to communicate is derived from my servant,I should wish him to be present.<>
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Desiring Mr. Pickwick to walk to the upper end of thelittle apartment, and holding his hand upon the half-closed door, thathe might be able to effect an immediate escape, in case there was theleast tendency to a display of hostilities, Mr. Nupkins expressed hisreadiness to hear the communication, whatever it might be.<>
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In one word, Sir,' said Mr. Pickwick, 'is my servant right insuspecting that a certain Captain Fitz-Marshall is in the habit ofvisiting here? Because,' added Mr. Pickwick, as he saw that Mr. Nupkinswas about to offer a very indignant interruption, 'because if he be, Iknow that person to be a--Hush, hush,' said Mr. Nupkins, closing the door.<>
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Know him to be what,Sir?An unprincipled adventurer--a dishonourable character--a man who preysupon society, and makes easily-deceived people his dupes, Sir; hisabsurd, his foolish, his wretched dupes, Sir,' said the excited Mr.Pickwick.<>
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And now, to hear, after all, that he was a needyadventurer, a strolling player, and if not a swindler, something so verylike it, that it was hard to tell the difference! Heavens! what wouldthe Porkenhams say! What would be the triumph of Mr. Sidney Porkenhamwhen he found that his addresses had been slighted for such a rival!How should he, Nupkins, meet the eye of old Porkenham at the nextquarter-sessions! And what a handle would it be for the oppositionmagisterial party if the story got abroad!'But after all,' said Mr. Nupkins, brightening for a moment, after along pause; 'after all, this is a mere statement.<>
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Why,' said Mr. Nupkins, 'that might be very easily done, for he willbe here to-night, and then there would be no occasion to make the matterpublic, just--just--for the young man's own sake, you know.<>
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Was the account you gave me just nowstrictly true? Now be careful, sir!' 'Your Wash-up,' stammered Grummer,'I-Oh, you are confused, are you?' said the magistrate.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Now,' said the magistrate, 'repeat your statement, Grummer, and again Iwarn you to be careful.<>
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Nupkins suddenlyrecollected that she had always expected something of the kind; that shehad always said it would be so; that her advice was never taken; thatshe really did not know what Mr. Nupkins supposed she was; and so forth.<>
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Nupkins's tears continued to gush forth, with great velocity, untilshe had gained a little time to think the matter over; when she decided,in her own mind, that the best thing to do would be to ask Mr. Pickwickand his friends to remain until the captain's arrival, and then togive Mr. Pickwick the opportunity he sought.<>
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If it appeared that hehad spoken truly, the captain could be turned out of the house withoutnoising the matter abroad, and they could easily account to thePorkenhams for his disappearance, by saying that he had been appointed,through the Court influence of his family, to the governor-generalshipof Sierra Leone, of Saugur Point, or any other of those salubriousclimates which enchant Europeans so much, that when they once get there,they can hardly ever prevail upon themselves to come back again.<>
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So Mr. Pickwick and his friends, having washed off allmarks of their late encounter, were introduced to the ladies, and soonafterwards to their dinner; and Mr. Weller, whom the magistrate, withhis peculiar sagacity, had discovered in half an hour to be one of thefinest fellows alive, was consigned to the care and guardianship of Mr.Muzzle, who was specially enjoined to take him below, and make much ofhim.<>
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Lord, how fond heis of you, Mr. Weller, to be sure!Ah!' said Sam, 'what a pleasant chap he is!Ain't he?'replied Mr. Muzzle.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Mary,' said Mr. Muzzle to the pretty servant-girl, 'this is Mr. Weller;a gentleman as master has sent down, to be made as comfortable aspossible.<>
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Wery glad to see you, indeed, andhope our acquaintance may be a long 'un, as the gen'l'm'n said to thefi' pun' note.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Cos ugliness and svindlin' never ought to be formiliar with eleganceand wirtew,' replied Mr. Weller.<>
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Mr. Trotter suffered himself to be forced into a chair by the fireside.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Well, now,' said Sam, 'afore these here ladies, I should jest like toask you, as a sort of curiosity, whether you don't consider yourselfas nice and well-behaved a young gen'l'm'n, as ever used a pink checkpocket-handkerchief, and the number four collection?And as was ever a-going to be married to a cook,' said that ladyindignantly.<>
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So Mr. Muzzle proceeded in a solemnmanner--'It's very probable, sir, that you won't be wanted upstairs for severalminutes, Sir, because MY master is at this moment particularly engagedin settling the hash of YOUR master, Sir; and therefore you'll haveleisure, Sir, for a little private talk with me, Sir.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Well, then,' said Mr. Muzzle, 'I'm very sorry to have to explain myselfbefore ladies, but the urgency of the case will be my excuse.<>
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Let these wretches be removed.<>
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Ha! ha!' said Jingle, 'good fellow, Pickwick--fine heart--stout oldboy--but must NOT be passionate--bad thing, very--bye, bye--see youagain some day--keep up your spirits--now, Job--trot!'With these words, Mr. Jingle stuck on his hat in his old fashion, andstrode out of the room.<>
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Tupman, Winkle,and Snodgrass repaired to their several homes to make such preparationsas might be requisite for their forthcoming visit to Dingley Dell;and Mr. Pickwick and Sam took up their present abode in very good,old-fashioned, and comfortable quarters, to wit, the George and VultureTavern and Hotel, George Yard, Lombard Street.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I could send them to Mr. Tupman's, for the present, Sam,' continuedMr. Pickwick, 'but before we take them away, it is necessary that theyshould be looked up, and put together.<>
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Bardell herself seems disposed towards me, and whether it isreally probable that this vile and groundless action is to be carriedto extremity.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Weller knocked at the door, and after a pretty longinterval--occupied by the party without, in whistling a tune, and by theparty within, in persuading a refractory flat candle to allow itselfto be lighted--a pair of small boots pattered over the floor-cloth, andMaster Bardell presented himself.<>
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Bardell felt it proper to be agitated; and as none of the threeexactly knew whether under existing circumstances, any communication,otherwise than through Dodson & Fogg, ought to be held with Mr.Pickwick's servant, they were all rather taken by surprise.<>
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In thisstate of indecision, obviously the first thing to be done, was to thumpthe boy for finding Mr. Weller at the door.<>
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I think two witnesses would be more lawful,' said Mrs.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'To be sure,' replied Mrs.<>
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Bardell thus--'Wery sorry to 'casion any personal inconwenience, ma'am, as thehousebreaker said to the old lady when he put her on the fire; but as meand my governor 's only jest come to town, and is jest going away agin,it can't be helped, you see.<>
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Sanders, who, from certain wistfulglances at the little tin saucepan, seemed to be engaged in a mentalcalculation of the probable extent of the pettitoes, in the event ofSam's being asked to stop to supper.<>
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Thirdly, to say as all histhings is to be put together, and give to anybody as we sends for 'em.<>
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Cluppins,with great volubility; 'why there ain't the faintest shade of an excusefor his behaviour! Why don't he marry her?Ah,' said Sam, 'to be sure; that's the question.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'It's a terrible thing to be dragged before the public, in that way, Mr.Weller,' said Mrs.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'And won't Mr. Dodson and Fogg be wild if the plaintiff shouldn't getit?' added Mrs.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Oh, there can't be any doubt about it,' rejoined Mrs.<>
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If he didn't give it me, I took it, for fear I should be led to doanythin' wrong, through not havin' it.<>
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Weller's time, was quite a model ofa roadside public-house of the better class--just large enough to beconvenient, and small enough to be snug.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) To do the red-nosed man justice, he would have been very far fromwise if he had entertained any such intention; for, to judge from allappearances, he must have been possessed of a most desirable circleof acquaintance, if he could have reasonably expected to be morecomfortable anywhere else.<>
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However, there he was; and as he couldn't be decentlyturned out, they all three sat down to tea.<>
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Weller raised her hands, and turned up her eyes,as if the subject were too painful to be alluded to.<>
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And hewouldn't be persuaded by the ladies, wouldn't he?' said Sam.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Ay,' replied Mr. Weller, 'there was three quarters owin', and theshepherd hadn't paid a farden, not he--perhaps it might be on accountthat the water warn't o' much use to him, for it's wery little o' thattap he drinks, Sammy, wery; he knows a trick worth a good half-dozenof that, he does.<>
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Down goes the shepherd to chapel, gives out as he's a persecutedsaint, and says he hopes the heart of the turncock as cut the water off,'ll be softened, and turned in the right vay, but he rayther thinkshe's booked for somethin' uncomfortable.<>
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I wouldn't be too hard upon him at first.<>
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Come, come, don't be cross, there'sa good soul.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) There were all the female servants in a bran new uniform of pink muslingowns with white bows in their caps, running about the house in a stateof excitement and agitation which it would be impossible to describe.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) A wedding is a licensed subject to joke upon, but there really is nogreat joke in the matter after all;--we speak merely of the ceremony,and beg it to be distinctly understood that we indulge in no hiddensarcasm upon a married life.<>
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Mixed up with the pleasure and joy of theoccasion, are the many regrets at quitting home, the tears of partingbetween parent and child, the consciousness of leaving the dearest andkindest friends of the happiest portion of human life, to encounter itscares and troubles with others still untried and little known--naturalfeelings which we would not render this chapter mournful by describing,and which we should be still more unwilling to be supposed to ridicule.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Wardle,' said Mr. Pickwick, almost as soon as they were all seated, 'aglass of wine in honour of this happy occasion!I shall be delighted, my boy,' said Wardle.<>
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Whereupon Mr. Winkle gallantly inquired if it couldn't be done bydeputy: to which the young lady with the black eyes replied 'Go away,'and accompanied the request with a look which said as plainly as a lookcould do, 'if you can.<>
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My young friend, Trundle, I believe to be a very excellent and manlyfellow; and his wife I know to be a very amiable and lovely girl, wellqualified to transfer to another sphere of action the happiness whichfor twenty years she has diffused around her, in her father's house.<>
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) I wish,' added Mr.Pickwick--'I wish I was young enough to be her sister's husband(cheers), but, failing that, I am happy to be old enough to be herfather; for, being so, I shall not be suspected of any latent designswhen I say, that I admire, esteem, and love them both (cheers and sobs).<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I'll tell you what it is, young boa-constructer,' said Mr. Wellerimpressively; 'if you don't sleep a little less, and exercise a littlemore, wen you comes to be a man you'll lay yourself open to the samesort of personal inconwenience as was inflicted on the old gen'l'm'n aswore the pigtail.<>
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"You'dbetter not carry that 'ere watch," says the old gen'l'm'n's friends,"you'll be robbed on it," says they.<>
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The old lady submitted to this piece of practical politeness with allthe dignity which befitted so important and serious a solemnity, butthe younger ladies, not being so thoroughly imbued with a superstitiousveneration for the custom, or imagining that the value of a salute isvery much enhanced if it cost a little trouble to obtain it, screamedand struggled, and ran into corners, and threatened and remonstrated,and did everything but leave the room, until some of the lessadventurous gentlemen were on the point of desisting, when they all atonce found it useless to resist any longer, and submitted to be kissedwith a good grace.<>
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It will be two hours, good, before you see thebottom of the bowl through the deep rich colour of the wassail; fill upall round, and now for the song.<>
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Thus saying, the merry old gentleman, in a good, round, sturdy voice,commenced without more ado-- A CHRISTMAS CAROL 'I care not for Spring; on his fickle wing Let the blossoms and buds be borne; He woos them amain with his treacherous rain, And he scatters them ere the morn.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Let the Summer sun to his bright home run, He shall never be sought by me; When he's dimmed by a cloud I can laugh aloud And care not how sulky he be! For his darling child is the madness wild That sports in fierce fever's train; And when love is too strong, it don't last long, As many have found to their pain.<>
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But every leaf awakens my grief, As it lieth beneath the tree; So let Autumn air be never so fair, It by no means agrees with me.<>
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THE STORY OF THE GOBLINS WHO STOLE A SEXTONIn an old abbey town, down in this part of the country, a long, longwhile ago--so long, that the story must be a true one, because ourgreat-grandfathers implicitly believed it--there officiated as sextonand grave-digger in the churchyard, one Gabriel Grub.<>
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It by no meansfollows that because a man is a sexton, and constantly surrounded bythe emblems of mortality, therefore he should be a morose and melancholyman; your undertakers are the merriest fellows in the world; and I oncehad the honour of being on intimate terms with a mute, who in privatelife, and off duty, was as comical and jocose a little fellow as everchirped out a devil-may-care song, without a hitch in his memory,or drained off a good stiff glass without stopping for breath.<>
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Sound itselfappeared to be frozen up, all was so cold and still.<>
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Gabriel looked fearfully round--nothingwas to be seen.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) '"Hollands, sir," replied the sexton, trembling more than ever; forhe had bought it of the smugglers, and he thought that perhaps hisquestioner might be in the excise department of the goblins.<>
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We know the man who struck the boy in the envious malice of hisheart, because the boy could be merry, and he could not.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'When Gabriel Grub had had time to fetch his breath, which the rapidityof his descent had for the moment taken away, he found himself in whatappeared to be a large cavern, surrounded on all sides by crowds ofgoblins, ugly and grim; in the centre of the room, on an elevated seat,was stationed his friend of the churchyard; and close behind him stoodGabriel Grub himself, without power of motion.<>
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A glass ofsomething warm here!"'At this command, half a dozen officious goblins, with a perpetual smileupon their faces, whom Gabriel Grub imagined to be courtiers, on thataccount, hastily disappeared, and presently returned with a goblet ofliquid fire, which they presented to the king.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'But he was an altered man, and he could not bear the thought ofreturning to a place where his repentance would be scoffed at, and hisreformation disbelieved.<>
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But this opinion, which was by no means a popularone at any time, gradually died off; and be the matter how it may, asGabriel Grub was afflicted with rheumatism to the end of his days, thisstory has at least one moral, if it teach no better one--and that is,that if a man turn sulky and drink by himself at Christmas time, he maymake up his mind to be not a bit the better for it: let the spiritsbe never so good, or let them be even as many degrees beyond proof, asthose which Gabriel Grub saw in the goblin's cavern.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I shall be down in a quarter of an hour, Sam,' said Mr. Pickwick,untying his nightcap.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Ben, dear!' said Arabella, blushing; 'have--have--you been introducedto Mr. Winkle?I have not been, but I shall be very happy to be, Arabella,' repliedher brother gravely.<>
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I should be very happy, I'm sure,' said Mr. Winkle, reddening; 'but Ihave no skates.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The command was not to be resisted.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I should be very happy to afford you any amusement,' replied Mr.Pickwick, 'but I haven't done such a thing these thirty years.<>
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And when he was knocked down(which happened upon the average every third round), it was the mostinvigorating sight that can possibly be imagined, to behold him gatherup his hat, gloves, and handkerchief, with a glowing countenance, andresume his station in the rank, with an ardour and enthusiasm thatnothing Could abate.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Dismay and anguish were depicted on every countenance; the males turnedpale, and the females fainted; Mr. Snodgrass and Mr. Winkle grasped eachother by the hand, and gazed at the spot where their leader had gonedown, with frenzied eagerness; while Mr. Tupman, by way of rendering thepromptest assistance, and at the same time conveying to any personswho might be within hearing, the clearest possible notion of thecatastrophe, ran off across the country at his utmost speed, screaming'Fire!' with all his might.<>
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Mr. Pickwick expressed the pleasure it would afford him to meet themedical fellows; and after Mr. Bob Sawyer had informed him that he meantto be very cosy, and that his friend Ben was to be one of the party,they shook hands and separated.<>
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There are varieties ofthe genus, too numerous to recapitulate, but however numerous theymay be, they are all to be seen, at certain regulated business hours,hurrying to and from the places we have just mentioned.<>
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No harm in trying, but there's little to be gotout of me.<>
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" Arter whichshe keeps on abusin' of him for half an hour, and then runs into thelittle parlour behind the shop, sets to a-screamin', says he'll be thedeath on her, and falls in a fit, which lasts for three good hours--oneo' them fits wich is all screamin' and kickin'.<>
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Didn't come back next day; didn't come back next week; missis hadbills printed, sayin' that, if he'd come back, he should be forgiveneverythin' (which was very liberal, seein' that he hadn't done nothin'at all); the canals was dragged, and for two months arterwards, wenevera body turned up, it was carried, as a reg'lar thing, straight off tothe sassage shop.<>
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"Well, ma'am," says he, "then I've just looked in to say that me andmy family ain't a-goin' to be choked for nothin'; and more than that,ma'am," he says, "you'll allow me to observe that as you don't use theprimest parts of the meat in the manafacter o' sassages, I'd think you'dfind beef come nearly as cheap as buttons.<>
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Will you leave a message forhim?When do you think he'll be back?' inquired the stranger.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'You don't think it would be of any use my waiting for him?' said thestranger, looking wistfully into the office.<>
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He's certain not to be back this week,and it's a chance whether he will be next; for when Perker once gets outof town, he's never in a hurry to come back again.<>
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Well, will you leave a message, Mr. Watty, or will youcall again?Ask him to be so kind as to leave out word what has been done in mybusiness,' said the man; 'for God's sake don't neglect it, Mr. Lowten.<>
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Itcouldn't be done, my dear Sir; it couldn't be done.<>
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Mr. Pickwick, however, had made up his mind not only that it could bedone, but that it should be done; and the consequence was, that withinten minutes after he had received the assurance that the thing wasimpossible, he was conducted by his solicitor into the outer office ofthe great Serjeant Snubbin himself.<>
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The clerk smiled as he said this, and inhaled thepinch of snuff with a zest which seemed to be compounded of a fondnessfor snuff and a relish for fees.<>
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Notwithstanding the absurdity of the proposal,however, the clerk allowed himself to be gently drawn beyond the hearingof Mr. Pickwick; and after a short conversation conducted in whispers,walked softly down a little dark passage, and disappeared into the legalluminary's sanctum, whence he shortly returned on tiptoe, and informedMr. Perker and Mr. Pickwick that the Serjeant had been prevailed upon,in violation of all established rules and customs, to admit them atonce.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Serjeant Snubbins was a lantern-faced, sallow-complexioned man, ofabout five-and-forty, or--as the novels say--he might be fifty.<>
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He hadthat dull-looking, boiled eye which is often to be seen in the headsof people who have applied themselves during many years to a weary andlaborious course of study; and which would have been sufficient, withoutthe additional eyeglass which dangled from a broad black riband roundhis neck, to warn a stranger that he was very near-sighted.<>
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Books of practice, heaps of papers, and openedletters, were scattered over the table, without any attempt at order orarrangement; the furniture of the room was old and rickety; the doors ofthe book-case were rotting in their hinges; the dust flew out from thecarpet in little clouds at every step; the blinds were yellow with ageand dirt; the state of everything in the room showed, with a clearnessnot to be mistaken, that Mr. Serjeant Snubbin was far too much occupiedwith his professional pursuits to take any great heed or regard of hispersonal comforts.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The Serjeant was writing when his clients entered; he bowed abstractedlywhen Mr. Pickwick was introduced by his solicitor; and then, motioningthem to a seat, put his pen carefully in the inkstand, nursed his leftleg, and waited to be spoken to.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Mr. Pickwick was anxious to call upon you, Serjeant Snubbin,' saidPerker, 'to state to you, before you entered upon the case, that hedenies there being any ground or pretence whatever for the actionagainst him; and that unless he came into court with clean hands, andwithout the most conscientious conviction that he was right in resistingthe plaintiff's demand, he would not be there at all.<>
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I really believe that to thiscircumstance may be attributed the vulgar but very general notion ofyour being, as a body, suspicious, distrustful, and over-cautious.<>
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Conscious as I am, sir, of the disadvantage of making such a declarationto you, under such circumstances, I have come here, because I wish youdistinctly to understand, as my friend Mr. Perker has said, that I aminnocent of the falsehood laid to my charge; and although I am very wellaware of the inestimable value of your assistance, Sir, I must beg toadd, that unless you sincerely believe this, I would rather be deprivedof the aid of your talents than have the advantage of them.<>
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After some minutes, however, during which he hadreassumed his pen, he appeared to be again aware of the presence of hisclients; raising his head from the paper, he said, rather snappishly--'Who is with me in this case?Mr. Phunky, Serjeant Snubbin,' replied the attorney.<>
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Hemust be a very young man.<>
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) 'Mr. Phunky, and say I should be glad if he'd step here, amoment.<>
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He had a verynervous manner, and a painful hesitation in his speech; it did notappear to be a natural defect, but seemed rather the result of timidity,arising from the consciousness of being 'kept down' by want of means,or interest, or connection, or impudence, as the case might be.<>
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The preparations for the reception of visitorsappeared to be completed.<>
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She says that if I can afford to give a party Iought to be able to pay her confounded "little bill.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'It'll be a deuced unpleasant thing if she takes it into her head tolet out, when those fellows are here, won't it?' said Mr. Ben Allen atlength.<>
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Raddle,' said Bob Sawyer, blinking this lastquestion, 'that before the middle of next week we shall be able to setourselves quite square, and go on, on a better system, afterwards.<>
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Thenp'raps, Sir, you'll confine yourself to breaking the arms and legs ofthe poor people in the hospitals, and keep yourself TO yourself, Sir, orthere may be some persons here as will make you, Sir.<>
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He ought to be ashamed of himself (here Mrs.<>
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Raddlesobbed) to allow his wife to be treated in this way by a parcel of youngcutters and carvers of live people's bodies, that disgraces the lodgings(another sob), and leaving her exposed to all manner of abuse; a base,faint-hearted, timorous wretch, that's afraid to come upstairs, andface the ruffinly creatures--that's afraid--that's afraid to come!' Mrs.<>
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Having given this instruction,the handmaid, who had been brought up among the aboriginal inhabitantsof Southwark, disappeared, with the candle in her hand, down the kitchenstairs, perfectly satisfied that she had done everything that couldpossibly be required of her under the circumstances.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Snodgrass, who entered last, secured the street door, after severalineffectual efforts, by putting up the chain; and the friends stumbledupstairs, where they were received by Mr. Bob Sawyer, who had beenafraid to go down, lest he should be waylaid by Mrs.<>
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There must be a splendid operation, though,to-morrow--magnificent sight if Slasher does it.<>
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Took a boy's leg out of the socket lastweek--boy ate five apples and a gingerbread cake--exactly two minutesafter it was all over, boy said he wouldn't lie there to be made gameof, and he'd tell his mother if they didn't begin.<>
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Not all at once, you know, that would be too much--youcouldn't swallow that, if the child did--eh, Mr. Pickwick? ha, ha!'Mr. Hopkins appeared highly gratified with his own pleasantry, andcontinued--'No, the way was this.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'So I should be disposed to imagine,' replied Mr. Pickwick.<>
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Thiswould have been in itself sufficient to have possessed the company withthe real state of affairs; but the young woman of all work had preventedthe possibility of any misconception arising in the mind of anygentleman upon the subject, by forcibly dragging every man's glass away,long before he had finished his beer, and audibly stating, despite thewinks and interruptions of Mr. Bob Sawyer, that it was to be conveyeddownstairs, and washed forthwith.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I should be very sorry, Sawyer,' said Mr. Noddy, 'to create anyunpleasantness at any friend's table, and much less at yours,Sawyer--very; but I must take this opportunity of informing Mr. Gunterthat he is no gentleman.<>
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And I should be very sorry, Sawyer, to create any disturbance in thestreet in which you reside,' said Mr. Gunter, 'but I'm afraid I shallbe under the necessity of alarming the neighbours by throwing the personwho has just spoken, out o' window.<>
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Ain't it enough to be swindledout of one's rent, and money lent out of pocket besides, and abusedand insulted by your friends that dares to call themselves men, withouthaving the house turned out of the window, and noise enough made tobring the fire-engines here, at two o'clock in the morning?--Turn themwretches away.<>
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You ought to be ashamed of yourselves,' said the voice of Mr. Raddle,which appeared to proceed from beneath some distant bed-clothes.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'It's hardly to be borne,' said the prim man, looking round.<>
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Hardly tobe borne, is it?Not to be endured,' replied Jack Hopkins; 'let's have the other verse,Bob.<>
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Old enough to be his grandfather, you willin!You're worse than any of 'em.<>
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Notthat there was anything whatever to be done, for the consultationhad taken place, and the course of proceeding to be adopted, had beenfinally determined on; but Mr. Pickwick being in a most extreme stateof excitement, persevered in constantly sending small notes to hisattorney, merely containing the inquiry, 'Dear Perker.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) But people who go voluntarily to law, or are taken forcibly there, forthe first time, may be allowed to labour under some temporary irritationand anxiety; and Sam, with a due allowance for the frailties ofhuman nature, obeyed all his master's behests with that imperturbablegood-humour and unruffable composure which formed one of his moststriking and amiable characteristics.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Sam had solaced himself with a most agreeable little dinner, and waswaiting at the bar for the glass of warm mixture in which Mr. Pickwickhad requested him to drown the fatigues of his morning's walks, when ayoung boy of about three feet high, or thereabouts, in a hairy cap andfustian overalls, whose garb bespoke a laudable ambition to attain intime the elevation of an hostler, entered the passage of the George andVulture, and looked first up the stairs, and then along the passage,and then into the bar, as if in search of somebody to whom he bore acommission; whereupon the barmaid, conceiving it not improbable thatthe said commission might be directed to the tea or table spoons of theestablishment, accosted the boy with--'Now, young man, what do you want?Is there anybody here, named Sam?' inquired the youth, in a loud voiceof treble quality.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I should ha' forgot it; I should certainly ha' forgot it!' said Sam; sosaying, he at once stepped into the stationer's shop, and requestedto be served with a sheet of the best gilt-edged letter-paper, and ahard-nibbed pen which could be warranted not to splutter.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'He won't be here this three-quarters of an hour or more,' said theyoung lady who superintended the domestic arrangements of the Blue Boar.<>
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Then lookingcarefully at the pen to see that there were no hairs in it, and dustingdown the table, so that there might be no crumbs of bread under thepaper, Sam tucked up the cuffs of his coat, squared his elbows, andcomposed himself to write.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Nev'r mind, Sammy,' replied Mr. Weller, 'it'll be a wery agonisin'trial to me at my time of life, but I'm pretty tough, that's vunconsolation, as the wery old turkey remarked wen the farmer said he wosafeerd he should be obliged to kill him for the London market.<>
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Wot'll be a trial?' inquired Sam.<>
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There!'We cannot distinctly say whether it was the prospect of the pipe, or theconsolatory reflection that a fatal disposition to get married ran inthe family, and couldn't be helped, which calmed Mr. Weller's feelings,and caused his grief to subside.<>
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We should be rather disposed tosay that the result was attained by combining the two sources ofconsolation, for he repeated the second in a low tone, very frequently;ringing the bell meanwhile, to order in the first.<>
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Sam dipped his pen into the ink to be ready for any corrections, andbegan with a very theatrical air--'"Lovely--"Stop,' said Mr. Weller, ringing the bell.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'You might jist as well call her a griffin, or a unicorn, or a king'sarms at once, which is wery well known to be a collection o' fabulousanimals,' added Mr. Weller.<>
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But Sam was not to be dissuaded from the poetical idea that had occurredto him, so he signed the letter-- 'Your love-sick Pickwick.<>
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He's a-goin' to be tried to-morrow, ain't he?The trial's a-comin' on,' replied Sam.<>
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I've got some friends as'll do either for him, but my adwice'ud be this here--never mind the character, and stick to the alleybi.<>
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Why, what do youmean?' said Sam; 'you don't think he's a-goin' to be tried at the OldBailey, do you?That ain't no part of the present consideration, Sammy,' replied Mr.Weller.<>
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Verever he's a-goin' to be tried, my boy, a alleybi's the thingto get him off.<>
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And my 'pinion is, Sammy, that if your governor don't prove aalleybi, he'll be what the Italians call reg'larly flummoxed, and that'sall about it.<>
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He's sitch a friend o' the family, Sammy, that wen he's avayfrom us, he can't be comfortable unless he has somethin' to remember usby.<>
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Two friends o' mine, as worksthe Oxford Road, and is up to all kinds o' games, has got thedeputy-shepherd safe in tow, Sammy; and ven he does come to the EbenezerJunction (vich he's sure to do: for they'll see him to the door, andshove him in, if necessary), he'll be as far gone in rum-and-water, asever he wos at the Markis o' Granby, Dorkin', and that's not sayin'a little neither.<>
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When in bettercircumstances, owns to having been in the constant habit of drinking aleand beer; says he is not certain whether he did not twice a week,for twenty years, taste "dog's nose," which your committee find uponinquiry, to be compounded of warm porter, moist sugar, gin, and nutmeg(a groan, and 'So it is!' from an elderly female).<>
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Is now out of workand penniless; thinks it must be the porter (cheers) or the loss of theuse of his right hand; is not certain which, but thinks it very likelythat, if he had drunk nothing but water all his life, his fellow-workmanwould never have stuck a rusty needle in him, and thereby occasioned hisaccident (tremendous cheering).<>
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Feels very low and melancholy, is very feverish, and has a constantthirst upon him; thinks it must be the wine he used to drink (cheers).<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'He ain't far out there, Sammy,' replied Mr. Weller; 'they MUST be asoft sex--a wery soft sex, indeed--if they let themselves be gammoned bysuch fellers as him.<>
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You had better ringfor a coach, my dear sir, or we shall be rather late.<>
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Taking Mr.Pickwick by the coat sleeve, the little man led him to the low seat justbeneath the desks of the King's Counsel, which is constructed for theconvenience of attorneys, who from that spot can whisper into the ear ofthe leading counsel in the case, any instructions that may be necessaryduring the progress of the trial.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Answer to your names, gentlemen, that you may be sworn,' said thegentleman in black.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Then you ought to be able to afford it, Sir,' said the judge,reddening; for Mr. Justice Stareleigh's temper bordered on theirritable, and brooked not contradiction.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I am to be sworn, my Lord, am I?' said the chemist.<>
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Thenthere'll be murder before this trial's over; that's all.<>
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Bardell started; suddenly recollecting herself, she kissedhim in a frantic manner; then relapsing into a state of hystericalimbecility, the good lady requested to be informed where she was.<>
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"Mr. Bardell," said the widow--"Mr. Bardell was a man ofhonour, Mr. Bardell was a man of his word, Mr. Bardell was no deceiver,Mr. Bardell was once a single gentleman himself; to single gentlemen Ilook for protection, for assistance, for comfort, and for consolation;in single gentlemen I shall perpetually see something to remind me ofwhat Mr. Bardell was when he first won my young and untried affections;to a single gentleman, then, shall my lodgings be let.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I say systematic villainy, gentlemen,' said Serjeant Buzfuz, lookingthrough Mr. Pickwick, and talking AT him; 'and when I say systematicvillainy, let me tell the defendant Pickwick, if he be in court, as Iam informed he is, that it would have been more decent in him, morebecoming, in better judgment, and in better taste, if he had stoppedaway.<>
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Let me tell him, gentlemen, that any gestures of dissent ordisapprobation in which he may indulge in this court will not go downwith you; that you will know how to value and how to appreciate them;and let me tell him further, as my Lord will tell you, gentlemen, thata counsel, in the discharge of his duty to his client, is neither to beintimidated nor bullied, nor put down; and that any attempt to do eitherthe one or the other, or the first, or the last, will recoil on thehead of the attempter, be he plaintiff or be he defendant, be his namePickwick, or Noakes, or Stoakes, or Stiles, or Brown, or Thompson.<>
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I shall show you that, on manyoccasions, he gave halfpence, and on some occasions even sixpences, toher little boy; and I shall prove to you, by a witness whose testimonyit will be impossible for my learned friend to weaken or controvert,that on one occasion he patted the boy on the head, and, after inquiringwhether he had won any "ALLEY TORS" or "COMMONEYS" lately (both of whichI understand to be a particular species of marbles much prized by theyouth of this town), made use of this remarkable expression, "How shouldyou like to have another father?"<>
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previously,however, taking special care that there would be no witness to theirsolemn contract; and I am in a situation to prove to you, on thetestimony of three of his own friends--most unwilling witnesses,gentlemen--most unwilling witnesses--that on that morning he wasdiscovered by them holding the plaintiff in his arms, and soothing heragitation by his caresses and endearments.<>
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Two lettershave passed between these parties, letters which are admitted to be inthe handwriting of the defendant, and which speak volumes, indeed.<>
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They are covert, sly, underhandedcommunications, but, fortunately, far more conclusive than if couched inthe most glowing language and the most poetic imagery--letters thatmust be viewed with a cautious and suspicious eye--letters that wereevidently intended at the time, by Pickwick, to mislead and delude anythird parties into whose hands they might fall.<>
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Yours, Pickwick! Chops! Gracious heavens! and tomato sauce! Gentlemen,is the happiness of a sensitive and confiding female to be trifled away,by such shallow artifices as these? The next has no date whatever, whichis in itself suspicious.<>
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, I shall not be at hometill to-morrow.<>
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And what does this allusion to the slowcoach mean? For aught I know, it may be a reference to Pickwick himself,who has most unquestionably been a criminally slow coach during thewhole of this transaction, but whose speed will now be very unexpectedlyaccelerated, and whose wheels, gentlemen, as he will find to his cost,will very soon be greased by you!'Mr. Serjeant Buzfuz paused in this place, to see whether the jurysmiled at his joke; but as nobody took it but the greengrocer, whosesensitiveness on the subject was very probably occasioned by his havingsubjected a chaise-cart to the process in question on that identicalmorning, the learned Serjeant considered it advisable to undergo aslight relapse into the dismals before he concluded.<>
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You had better be careful, Sir,' said the little judge, with a sinisterlook at the witness.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Now, Mr. Winkle,' said Mr. Skimpin, 'attend to me, if you please,Sir; and let me recommend you, for your own sake, to bear in mind hisLordship's injunctions to be careful.<>
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Are you, or are you not, aparticular friend of the defendant's?I was just about to say, that--Will you, or will you not, answer my question, Sir?' 'If you don'tanswer the question, you'll be committed, Sir,' interposed the littlejudge, looking over his note-book.<>
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I was onthe staircase, and couldn't hear distinctly; the impression on my mindis--The gentlemen of the jury want none of the impressions on yourmind, Mr. Winkle, which I fear would be of little service to honest,straightforward men,' interposed Mr. Skimpin.<>
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But as it could afford to be placed in a ratherbetter light, if possible, Mr. Phunky rose for the purpose of gettingsomething important out of Mr. Winkle in cross-examination.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I believe, Mr. Winkle,' said Mr. Phunky, 'that Mr. Pickwick is not ayoung man?Oh, no,' replied Mr. Winkle; 'old enough to be my father.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'N-n-no,' replied Mr. Winkle, 'except on one trifling occasion, which, Ihave no doubt, might be easily explained.<>
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Hereupon there was a general laugh; and the little judge, looking withan angry countenance over his desk, said, 'You had better be careful,Sir.<>
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If theywos a pair o' patent double million magnifyin' gas microscopes of hextrapower, p'raps I might be able to see through a flight o' stairs and adeal door; but bein' only eyes, you see, my wision 's limited.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Speechless with indignation, Mr. Pickwick allowed himself to be ledby his solicitor and friends to the door, and there assisted intoa hackney-coach, which had been fetched for the purpose, by theever-watchful Sam Weller.<>
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Nobody had; and as the proposition was warmly seconded by Perker, whoconsidered it extremely probable that if Mr. Pickwick saw a littlechange and gaiety he would be inclined to think better of hisdetermination, and worse of a debtor's prison, it was carriedunanimously; and Sam was at once despatched to the White Horse Cellar,to take five places by the half-past seven o'clock coach, next morning.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) There were just two places to be had inside, and just three to be hadout; so Sam Weller booked for them all, and having exchanged a fewcompliments with the booking-office clerk on the subject of a pewterhalf-crown which was tendered him as a portion of his 'change,' walkedback to the George and Vulture, where he was pretty busily employeduntil bed-time in reducing clothes and linen into the smallest possiblecompass, and exerting his mechanical genius in constructing a variety ofingenious devices for keeping the lids on boxes which had neither locksnor hinges.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The travellers' room at the White Horse Cellar is of courseuncomfortable; it would be no travellers' room if it were not.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Not inside--I'll be damned if you're going inside,' said the strangeman.<>
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Wot, ain't nothin' to be done in consequence, sir?' exclaimed Sam,perfectly aghast at the coolness with which Mr. Pickwick prepared toensconce himself inside.<>
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What should be done?' 'Ain't nobody to bewhopped for takin' this here liberty, sir?' said Mr. Weller, who hadexpected that at least he would have been commissioned to challenge theguard and the coachman to a pugilistic encounter on the spot.<>
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Which was so long a time forhim to remain taciturn, that the fact may be considered whollyunprecedented.<>
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Dowler's charms, and Mr.Pickwick's good-humour, and Mr. Winkle's good listening, the insidescontrived to be very companionable all the way.<>
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There was a thirdyoung man on the box who wished to be learned in cattle; and an old onebehind, who was familiar with farming.<>
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Mr. Pickwick and his friends,and Mr. Dowler and his wife, respectively retired to their privatesitting-rooms at the White Hart Hotel, opposite the Great Pump Room,Bath, where the waiters, from their costume, might be mistaken forWestminster boys, only they destroy the illusion by behaving themselvesmuch better.<>
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Where's the book?The register of the distinguished visitors in Ba-ath will be at thePump Room this morning at two o'clock,' replied the M.<>
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Ishall be here again in an hour.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Apparently his master's reception of the card had impressed thepowdered-headed footman in Sam's favour, for when he came back fromdelivering it, he smiled in a friendly manner, and said that the answerwould be ready directly.<>
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Consider whatyou owe to society, and don't let yourself be injured by too much work.<>
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Mingled with these groups, were three or four match-makingmammas, appearing to be wholly absorbed by the conversation in whichthey were taking part, but failing not from time to time to cast ananxious sidelong glance upon their daughters, who, remembering thematernal injunction to make the best use of their youth, had alreadycommenced incipient flirtations in the mislaying scarves, putting ongloves, setting down cups, and so forth; slight matters apparently,but which may be turned to surprisingly good account by expertpractitioners.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) And lastly, seated on some of the back benches, where they had alreadytaken up their positions for the evening, were divers unmarried ladiespast their grand climacteric, who, not dancing because there were nopartners for them, and not playing cards lest they should be set down asirretrievably single, were in the favourable situation of being able toabuse everybody without reflecting on themselves.<>
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Mr. Pickwick happened to be looking another way at the moment, so herLadyship nodded her head towards him, and frowned expressively.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'My friend Mr. Pickwick, my Lady, will be most happy, I am sure,remarkably so,' said the M.<>
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Colonel Wugsby, tappingher daughter's cheek with her fan, 'and are always to be trusted.<>
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THE CHIEF FEATURES OF WHICH WILL BE FOUND TO BEAN AUTHENTIC VERSION OF THE LEGEND OF PRINCE BLADUD, AND A MOSTEXTRAORDINARY CALAMITY THAT BEFELL Mr. WINKLEAs Mr. Pickwick contemplated a stay of at least two months in Bath, hedeemed it advisable to take private lodgings for himself and friends forthat period; and as a favourable opportunity offered for their securing,on moderate terms, the upper portion of a house in the Royal Crescent,which was larger than they required, Mr. and Mrs.<>
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Dowler, as the partyisn't expected to be over till late; so I was thinking that if youwanted nothing more, Mr. Pickwick, I would go to bed.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'When King Lud saw the prince his son, and found he had grown up such afine young man, he perceived what a grand thing it would be to havehim married without delay, so that his children might be the means ofperpetuating the glorious race of Lud, down to the very latest ages ofthe world.<>
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With this view, he sent a special embassy, composed ofgreat noblemen who had nothing particular to do, and wanted lucrativeemployment, to a neighbouring king, and demanded his fair daughter inmarriage for his son; stating at the same time that he was anxious to beon the most affectionate terms with his brother and friend, but that ifthey couldn't agree in arranging this marriage, he should be under theunpleasant necessity of invading his kingdom and putting his eyes out.<>
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To this, the other king (who was the weaker of the two) replied that hewas very much obliged to his friend and brother for all his goodnessand magnanimity, and that his daughter was quite ready to be married,whenever Prince Bladud liked to come and fetch her.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'When Prince Bladud had been shut up in the lofty turret for the greaterpart of a year, with no better prospect before his bodily eyes than astone wall, or before his mental vision than prolonged imprisonment, henaturally began to ruminate on a plan of escape, which, after monthsof preparation, he managed to accomplish; considerately leaving hisdinner-knife in the heart of his jailer, lest the poor fellow (who hada family) should be considered privy to his flight, and punishedaccordingly by the infuriated king.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) There are few things more worrying than sitting up for somebody,especially if that somebody be at a party.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) At length Mr. Winkle began to dream that he was at a club, and that themembers being very refractory, the chairman was obliged to hammer thetable a good deal to preserve order; then he had a confused notion of anauction room where there were no bidders, and the auctioneer was buyingeverything in; and ultimately he began to think it just within thebounds of possibility that somebody might be knocking at the streetdoor.<>
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Startled by the sudden fear that thehouse might be on fire, he hastily threw the door wide open, and holdingthe candle above his head, stared eagerly before him, not quite certainwhether what he saw was a sedan-chair or a fire-engine.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) It is not unlikely that the inquiry may be made, where Mr. Weller was,all this time? We will state where he was, in the next chapter.<>
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Wery odd that,' said Sam; 'I'm afeerd there must be somethin' thematter, for I don't recollect any gen'l'm'n in my circle of acquaintanceas is capable o' writin' one.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'It must be somethin' wery uncommon indeed, as could perduce a letterout o' any friend o' mine,' replied Sam, shaking his head dubiously;'nothin' less than a nat'ral conwulsion, as the young gen'l'm'n observedven he wos took with fits.<>
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It can't be from the gov'ner,' said Sam,looking at the direction.<>
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The swarry to be on table at half-past nine o'clockpunctually.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Ah, to be sure,' said Sam.<>
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Perhaps we had better be walking,' said Mr. Smauker, consultinga copper timepiece which dwelt at the bottom of a deep watch-pocket, andwas raised to the surface by means of a black string, with a copper keyat the other end.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'This way,' said his new friend, apparently much relieved as they turneddown a by-street; 'we shall soon be there.<>
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Don't be alarmed, Mr. Weller.<>
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And you know,' resumed Mr.John Smauker, with an air of sublime protection--'you know, as you're astranger, perhaps, they'll be rather hard upon you at first.<>
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They won't be wery cruel, though, will they?' inquired Sam.<>
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Plates for a corresponding number of guests werewarming behind the fender; and the guests themselves were warming beforeit: the chief and most important of whom appeared to be a stoutishgentleman in a bright crimson coat with long tails, vividly redbreeches, and a cocked hat, who was standing with his back to the fire,and had apparently just entered, for besides retaining his cocked hat onhis head, he carried in his hand a high stick, such as gentlemen ofhis profession usually elevate in a sloping position over the roofs ofcarriages.<>
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It 'ud be a wery chilly subjectas felt cold wen you stood opposite.<>
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I hope, gentlemen,' said Harris, 'that you won't be severe with me,gentlemen.<>
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At this the man in blue smiled, as if it were a compliment he was wellused to; but looked approvingly on Sam at the same time, and said hehoped he should be better acquainted with him, for without any flatteryat all he seemed to have the makings of a very nice fellow about him,and to be just the man after his own heart.<>
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I should think she couldn't wery well be off o' that,' said Sam.<>
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The gentleman in blue, and the man in orange, whowere the chief exquisites of the party, ordered 'cold shrub and water,'but with the others, gin-and-water, sweet, appeared to be the favouritebeverage.<>
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Some doubt appeared to exist in the mind of the gentleman in thegreen-foil smalls, whether the chairman could be legally appealed to,as 'Blazes,' but as the company seemed more disposed to stand upontheir own rights than his, the question was not raised.<>
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After a short silence, a gentleman in an embroidered coat reachingdown to his heels, and a waistcoat of the same which kept one half ofhis legs warm, stirred his gin-and-water with great energy, and puttinghimself upon his feet, all at once by a violent effort, said he wasdesirous of offering a few remarks to the company, whereupon the personin the cocked hat had no doubt that the company would be very happy tohear any remarks that the man in the long coat might wish to offer.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I feel a great delicacy, gentlemen, in coming for'ard,' said the man inthe long coat, 'having the misforchune to be a coachman, and being onlyadmitted as a honorary member of these agreeable swarrys, but I dofeel myself bound, gentlemen--drove into a corner, if I may use theexpression--to make known an afflicting circumstance which has cometo my knowledge; which has happened I may say within the soap of myeveryday contemplation.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'You may well be sapparised, gentlemen,' said the coachman.<>
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On this account, he should have beendisposed to have given Mr. Weller's health with all the honours, if hisfriends had been drinking wine; but as they were taking spirits by wayof a change, and as it might be inconvenient to empty a tumbler at everytoast, he should propose that the honours be understood.<>
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As to the wictim of oppression in thesuit o' brimstone, all I can say of him, is, that I hope he'll get jistas good a berth as he deserves; in vitch case it's wery little coldswarry as ever he'll be troubled with agin.<>
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Mr. Tuckle no sooner got into the openair, than he was seized with a sudden desire to lie on the curbstone;Sam thought it would be a pity to contradict him, and so let him havehis own way.<>
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He must be found, Sam.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'He must be made, Sam,' said Mr. Pickwick.<>
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I'll be wery careful, sir,' rejoined Sam.<>
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The excellent andconsiderate feelings which prompted Mr. Winkle to take this step cannever be too highly appreciated or too warmly extolled.<>
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If,' reasonedMr. Winkle with himself--'if this Dowler attempts (as I have no doubthe will) to carry into execution his threat of personal violence againstmyself, it will be incumbent on me to call him out.<>
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Heavens! If I should killhim in the blindness of my wrath, what would be my feelings everafterwards!' This painful consideration operated so powerfully onthe feelings of the humane young man, as to cause his knees to knocktogether, and his countenance to exhibit alarming manifestations ofinward emotion.<>
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Bending his steps towardsthe Royal Hotel, he found a coach on the point of starting for Bristol,and, thinking Bristol as good a place for his purpose as any other hecould go to, he mounted the box, and reached his place of destinationin such time as the pair of horses, who went the whole stage and backagain, twice a day or more, could be reasonably supposed to arrivethere.<>
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Thinking this an eligible place wherein to makehis inquiries, Mr. Winkle stepped into the little shop where thegilt-labelled drawers and bottles were; and finding nobody there,knocked with a half-crown on the counter, to attract the attention ofanybody who might happen to be in the back parlour, which he judged tobe the innermost and peculiar sanctum of the establishment, from therepetition of the word surgery on the door--painted in white lettersthis time, by way of taking off the monotony.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I did, indeed,' responded Bob Sawyer, 'and I was just going to say thatI wasn't at home, but if you'd leave a message I'd be sure to give itto myself; for he don't know me; no more does the Lighting and Paving.<>
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The powders for the child, at the large house with the new family,and the pills to be taken four times a day at the ill-tempered oldgentleman's with the gouty leg?Yes, sir.<>
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Servant takes it into the dining-parlour; master opensit, and reads the label: "Draught to be taken at bedtime--pills asbefore--lotion as usual--the powder.<>
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Could he be the object of it? Could it be for him that thefair Arabella had looked scornfully on the sprightly Bob Sawyer, or hadhe a successful rival? He determined to see her, cost what it might;but here an insurmountable objection presented itself, for whether theexplanatory 'over that way,' and 'down there,' of Mr. Ben Allen, meantthree miles off, or thirty, or three hundred, he could in no wise guess.<>
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These preliminaries adjusted, the punchwas tasted, and pronounced excellent; and it having been arranged thatBob Sawyer and Ben Allen should be considered at liberty to fill twiceto Mr. Winkle's once, they started fair, with great satisfaction andgood-fellowship.<>
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What were Mr. Winkle's feelings when, in doing so, he disclosed toview the face and figure of the vindictive and sanguinary Dowler!Mr. Winkle's first impulse was to give a violent pull at the nearestbell-handle, but that unfortunately happened to be immediately behindMr. Dowler's head.<>
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Sir,' said Mr. Winkle, trembling from head to foot, 'before I consentto sit down beside, or opposite you, without the presence of a waiter, Imust be secured by some further understanding.<>
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How did you find me? Whendid you follow? Be frank.<>
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You were not to be found.<>
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Mr. Dowler appeared to be impressed witha becoming sense of Mr. Winkle's magnanimity and condescension; andthe two belligerents parted for the night, with many protestations ofeternal friendship.<>
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If I find it necessary tocarry you away, pick-a-back, o' course I shall leave it the least bito' time possible afore you; but allow me to express a hope as youwon't reduce me to extremities; in saying wich, I merely quote wot thenobleman said to the fractious pennywinkle, ven he vouldn't come outof his shell by means of a pin, and he conseqvently began to be afeeredthat he should be obliged to crack him in the parlour door.<>
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Can't be done.<>
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But in reply to each of these positions, Sam shook his head with greatfirmness, and energetically replied, 'It can't be done.<>
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After a great deal of argument and representation on the part ofMr. Winkle, however, and a full disclosure of what had passed in theinterview with Dowler, Sam began to waver; and at length a compromisewas effected, of which the following were the main and principalconditions:--That Sam should retire, and leave Mr. Winkle in the undisturbedpossession of his apartment, on the condition that he had permission tolock the door on the outside, and carry off the key; provided always,that in the event of an alarm of fire, or other dangerous contingency,the door should be instantly unlocked.<>
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That a letter should be writtento Mr. Pickwick early next morning, and forwarded per Dowler, requestinghis consent to Sam and Mr. Winkle's remaining at Bristol, for thepurpose and with the object already assigned, and begging an answerby the next coach--, if favourable, the aforesaid parties to remainaccordingly, and if not, to return to Bath immediately on the receiptthereof.<>
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And, lastly, that Mr. Winkle should be understood as distinctlypledging himself not to resort to the window, fireplace, or othersurreptitious mode of escape in the meanwhile.<>
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The governor distinctly said it was to be done.<>
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It would be an ill return totamper lightly, and without due consideration, with this young lady'saffections.<>
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There were a great manyyoung ladies in a great many houses, the greater part whereof wereshrewdly suspected by the male and female domestics to be deeplyattached to somebody, or perfectly ready to become so, if opportunityafforded.<>
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It'ud be worth a life's board wages at least, to you, and 'ud be cheap atthat.<>
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Tell 'em not to vait dinner for me,and say they needn't mind puttin' any by, for it'll be cold afore I comein.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Sam continued to sit on the large stone, meditating upon what was bestto be done, and revolving in his mind a plan for knocking at all thedoors within five miles of Bristol, taking them at a hundred and fiftyor two hundred a day, and endeavouring to find Miss Arabella by thatexpedient, when accident all of a sudden threw in his way what he mighthave sat there for a twelvemonth and yet not found without it.<>
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We merely know that after a short pause Marysaid, 'Lor, do adun, Mr. Weller!' and that his hat had fallen off a fewmoments before--from both of which tokens we should be disposed to inferthat one kiss, or more, had passed between the parties.<>
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Who could have toldyou that I took another service at Ipswich, and that they afterwardsmoved all the way here? Who COULD have told you that, Mr. Weller?Ah, to be sure,' said Sam, with a cunning look, 'that's the pint.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) It is not half as innocent a thing as it looks, that shaking littlepieces of carpet--at least, there may be no great harm in the shaking,but the folding is a very insidious process.<>
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So long as the shakinglasts, and the two parties are kept the carpet's length apart, it isas innocent an amusement as can well be devised; but when the foldingbegins, and the distance between them gets gradually lessened from onehalf its former length to a quarter, and then to an eighth, and then toa sixteenth, and then to a thirty-second, if the carpet be long enough,it becomes dangerous.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Upon this, the young lady cast a hurried glance towards the spot whencethe dreadful sounds proceeded; and her previous alarm being not atall diminished when she saw a man among the branches, she would mostcertainly have decamped, and alarmed the house, had not fear fortunatelydeprived her of the power of moving, and caused her to sink down on agarden seat, which happened by good luck to be near at hand.<>
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For some time she strenuously refused to grant Mr.Winkle the interview Sam had so pathetically requested; but at length,when the conversation threatened to be interrupted by the unwelcomearrival of a third party, she hurriedly gave him to understand, withmany professions of gratitude, that it was barely possible she might bein the garden an hour later, next evening.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'We must be careful,' said Mr. Pickwick, after listening attentively toSam's tale, 'not for our sakes, but for that of the young lady.<>
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If I am present at the meeting--a mutual friend, who is old enoughto be the father of both parties--the voice of calumny can never beraised against her hereafter.<>
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Sam, have my greatcoat and shawl ready,and order a conveyance to be at the door to-morrow evening, ratherearlier than is absolutely necessary, in order that we may be in goodtime.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Wery nice things, if they're managed properly, Sir,' replied Mr.Weller; 'but wen you don't want to be seen, I think they're more usefularter the candle's gone out, than wen it's alight.<>
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Hereeverybody said, 'Hush!' a good many times; and that being done, no oneseemed to have any very distinct apprehension of what was to be donenext.<>
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The best thing to bedone, sir, will be for Mr. Weller to give you a hoist up into the tree,and perhaps Mr. Pickwick will have the goodness to see that nobody comesup the lane, while I watch at the other end of the garden.<>
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Goodnessgracious, what's that?That 'ere blessed lantern 'ull be the death on us all,' exclaimed Sampeevishly.<>
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It'll be vun too powerful for us, if you keep blazin' avay in thatmanner, sir,' replied Sam, as Mr. Pickwick, after various unsuccessfulefforts, managed to close the slide.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'My dear,' said Mr. Pickwick, looking over the wall, and catching sightof Arabella, on the other side, 'don't be frightened, my dear, it's onlyme.<>
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Don't be longer than you canconweniently help, sir.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I merely wished you to know, my dear, that I should not have allowedmy young friend to see you in this clandestine way, if the situationin which you are placed had left him any alternative; and, lest theimpropriety of this step should cause you any uneasiness, my love, itmay be a satisfaction to you, to know that I am present.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) But the scientific gentleman could not rest under the idea of theingenious treatise he had projected being lost to the world, which mustinevitably be the case if the speculation of the ingenious Mr. Prufflewere not stifled in its birth.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) As to the scientific gentleman, he demonstrated, in a masterly treatise,that these wonderful lights were the effect of electricity; and clearlyproved the same by detailing how a flash of fire danced before his eyeswhen he put his head out of the gate, and how he received a shock whichstunned him for a quarter of an hour afterwards; which demonstrationdelighted all the scientific associations beyond measure, and caused himto be considered a light of science ever afterwards.<>
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Smouch, requesting Mr. Pickwick in a surly manner 'to be as alive ashe could, for it was a busy time,' drew up a chair by the door and satthere, until he had finished dressing.<>
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Opposite him, engaged in stirring the fire with the toe of hisright boot, was a coarse, vulgar young man of about thirty, with asallow face and harsh voice; evidently possessed of that knowledge ofthe world, and captivating freedom of manner, which is to be acquired inpublic-house parlours, and at low billiard tables.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Thank you, no, I shan't want it; I expect I shall be out, in the courseof an hour or so,' replied the other in a hurried manner.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Well, I never saw such a game as that,' said the gentleman who hadoffered the razor, whose name appeared to be Price.<>
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Are his chances of getting out of hisdifficulties really so great?Chances be d--d,' replied Price; 'he hasn't half the ghost of one.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Give me a sheet of paper, Crookey,' said Mr. Price to the attendant,who in dress and general appearance looked something between a bankruptglazier, and a drover in a state of insolvency; 'and a glass ofbrandy-and-water, Crookey, d'ye hear? I'm going to write to my father,and I must have a stimulant, or I shan't be able to pitch it strongenough into the old boy.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Pickwick, feeling not a little disgusted with this dialogue, as wellas with the air and manner of the two beings by whom it had been carriedon, was about to inquire whether he could not be accommodated with aprivate sitting-room, when two or three strangers of genteel appearanceentered, at sight of whom the boy threw his cigar into the fire, andwhispering to Mr. Price that they had come to 'make it all right' forhim, joined them at a table in the farther end of the room.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) It would appear, however, that matters were not going to be made allright quite so speedily as the young gentleman anticipated; for a verylong conversation ensued, of which Mr. Pickwick could not avoid hearingcertain angry fragments regarding dissolute conduct, and repeatedforgiveness.<>
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There'll be no judge at chambers till four o'clock thisafternoon.<>
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Mr. Pickwick remaining firm, despite all the remonstrances and argumentsof Perker, the chops appeared and disappeared in due course; he was thenput into another hackney coach, and carried off to Chancery Lane, afterwaiting half an hour or so for Mr. Namby, who had a select dinner-partyand could on no account be disturbed before.<>
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When theyreached the low archway which forms the entrance to the inn, Perker wasdetained a few moments parlaying with the coachman about the fare andthe change; and Mr. Pickwick, stepping to one side to be out of the wayof the stream of people that were pouring in and out, looked about himwith some curiosity.<>
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I accepted it, as the gentleman seemed towish it--in fact I had some curiosity to look at it when I should be atleisure.<>
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There were alarge number of attorneys' clerks to be sworn, and it being a moralimpossibility to swear them all at once, the struggles of thesegentlemen to reach the clerk in spectacles, were like those of a crowdto get in at the pit door of a theatre when Gracious Majesty honours itwith its presence.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The usual forms having been gone through, the body of Samuel Pickwickwas soon afterwards confided to the custody of the tipstaff, to be byhim taken to the warden of the Fleet Prison, and there detained untilthe amount of the damages and costs in the action of Bardell againstPickwick was fully paid and satisfied.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'And that,' said Mr. Pickwick, laughing, 'will be a very long time.<>
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They von't be long, Sir, I des-say,' replied Sam.<>
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You'll be chummed on somebody to-morrow, and then you'll be all snugand comfortable.<>
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The first night's generally rather unsettled, butyou'll be set all squares to-morrow.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) To this Mr. Weller replied with an easy and unstudied closing of oneeye; which might be considered to mean, either that he would havethought it, or that he would not have thought it, or that he hadnever thought anything at all about it, as the observer's imaginationsuggested.<>
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He must be a first-rater,' said Sam.<>
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In the adjoiningroom, some solitary tenant might be seen poring, by the light of afeeble tallow candle, over a bundle of soiled and tattered papers,yellow with dust and dropping to pieces from age, writing, for thehundredth time, some lengthened statement of his grievances, for theperusal of some great man whose eyes it would never reach, or whoseheart it would never touch.<>
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In a third, a man, with his wife and a wholecrowd of children, might be seen making up a scanty bed on the ground,or upon a few chairs, for the younger ones to pass the night in.<>
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Let me see the public streets once moreafore I die; and if I ain't struck with apoplexy, I'll be back in fiveminits by the clock.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) This last man was an admirable specimen of a class of gentry which nevercan be seen in full perfection but in such places--they may be metwith, in an imperfect state, occasionally about stable-yards andPublic-houses; but they never attain their full bloom except in thesehot-beds, which would almost seem to be considerately provided by thelegislature for the sole purpose of rearing them.<>
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Hem, Shakespeare! How doyou do, Sir? How is Mary and Sarah, sir? and the dear old lady at home,Sir? Will you have the kindness to put my compliments into the firstlittle parcel you're sending that way, sir, and say that I would havesent 'em before, only I was afraid they might be broken in the wagon,sir?Don't overwhelm the gentlemen with ordinary civilities when you seehe's anxious to have something to drink,' said the gentleman with thewhiskers, with a jocose air.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) All this was very genteel and pleasant; and, to make matters still morecomfortable, Mr. Smangle assured Mr. Pickwick a great many more timesthat he entertained a very high respect for the feelings of a gentleman;which sentiment, indeed, did him infinite credit, as he could be in nowise supposed to understand them.<>
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But I think, perhaps, ifsomebody went down, just to see that he didn't dip his beak into the jugby accident, or make some confounded mistake in losing the money as hecame upstairs, it would be as well.<>
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Run and tell him that; d'ye hear? They shan't be wasted,'continued Smangle, turning to Mr. Pickwick.<>
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In a short timeMr. Mivins returned, bearing the sherry, which Mr. Smangle dispensedin two little cracked mugs; considerately remarking, with referenceto himself, that a gentleman must not be particular under suchcircumstances, and that, for his part, he was not too proud to drink outof the jug.<>
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Mr. Pickwick then once againdropped off to sleep, with a confused consciousness that Mr. Smanglewas still engaged in relating a long story, the chief point of whichappeared to be that, on some occasion particularly stated and set forth,he had 'done' a bill and a gentleman at the same time.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Don't be impertinent to a gentleman, Sir,' said Mr. Smangle.<>
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P'raps if vun of us wos to brush, without troubling theman, it 'ud be more agreeable for all parties, as the schoolmaster saidwhen the young gentleman objected to being flogged by the butler.<>
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Your chummage ticket will be ontwenty-seven, in the third.<>
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You'll have achummage ticket upon twenty-seven in the third, and them as is in theroom will be your chums.<>
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What a thorough-pacedgoer he used to be sure-ly! You remember Tom Martin, Neddy?' said Roker,appealing to another man in the lodge, who was paring the mud off hisshoes with a five-and-twenty-bladed pocket-knife.<>
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Convinced, however, that before he took any other steps itwould be advisable to see, and hold personal converse with, the threegentlemen with whom it was proposed to quarter him, he made the best ofhis way to the third flight.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) After groping about in the gallery for some time, attempting in thedim light to decipher the numbers on the different doors, he atlength appealed to a pot-boy, who happened to be pursuing his morningoccupation of gleaning for pewter.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Pickwick thought so also; but, under all the circumstances, heconsidered it a matter of sound policy to be silent.<>
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What the word was, Mr. Pickwick could not distinguish; but herather inferred that it must be some nickname which distinguished Mr.Martin, from the fact of a great number of gentlemen on the groundbelow, immediately proceeding to cry 'Butcher!' in imitation of the tonein which that useful class of society are wont, diurnally, to make theirpresence known at area railings.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I suppose this can be managed somehow,' said the butcher, aftera pretty long silence.<>
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What will you take to be paid out?' said the butcher.<>
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if I lay dead at the bottom of the deepest mine in the world; tightscrewed down and soldered in my coffin; rotting in the dark and filthyditch that drags its slime along, beneath the foundations of thisprison; I could not be more forgotten or unheeded than I am here.<>
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We no longer suffer them to appeal at the prison gates to thecharity and compassion of the passersby; but we still leave unblottedthe leaves of our statute book, for the reverence and admiration ofsucceeding ages, the just and wholesome law which declares that thesturdy felon shall be fed and clothed, and that the penniless debtorshall be left to die of starvation and nakedness.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Come, come,' said Mr. Pickwick, with considerable emotion, 'we will seewhat can be done, when I know all about the matter.<>
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Independently of mywish that you should not be idling about a place like this, for yearsto come, I feel that for a debtor in the Fleet to be attended by hismanservant is a monstrous absurdity.<>
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Any one of my three friends will be happy totake you, were it only out of respect to me.<>
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The steams of beerand spirits perpetually ascend to the ceiling, and, being condensed bythe heat, roll down the walls like rain; there are more old suitsof clothes in it at one time, than will be offered for sale in allHoundsditch in a twelvemonth; more unwashed skins and grizzly beardsthan all the pumps and shaving-shops between Tyburn and Whitechapelcould render decent, between sunrise and sunset.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) It must not be supposed that any of these people have the least shadowof business in, or the remotest connection with, the place they soindefatigably attend.<>
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If they had, it would be no matter of surprise,and the singularity of the thing would cease.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) A casual visitor might suppose this place to be a temple dedicated tothe Genius of Seediness.<>
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They are of a greasy and mildewed appearance;and if they can be said to have any vices at all, perhaps drinkingand cheating are the most conspicuous among them.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Now, the place where this discourse occurred was the public-house justopposite to the Insolvent Court; and the person with whom it was heldwas no other than the elder Mr. Weller, who had come there, to comfortand console a friend, whose petition to be discharged under the act,was to be that day heard, and whose attorney he was at that momentconsulting.<>
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Mr. Weller nodded in a manner which bespoke his inward approval ofthese arrangements; and then, turning to Mr. Pell, said, pointing to hisfriend George--'Ven do you take his cloths off?Why,' replied Mr. Pell, 'he stands third on the opposed list, and Ishould think it would be his turn in about half an hour.<>
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A professional man, too! At thistime of the morning, it would be rather too good a--Well, I don't know,my dear--you may do that again, if you please.<>
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You're a man of talent; you can get anybody through the Insolvent Court,Pell; and your country should be proud of you.<>
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It may bethat I am a good deal looked up to, in my profession--it may be that Iam not.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Stop there by himself, poor creetur!' exclaimed the elder Mr. Weller,'without nobody to take his part! It can't be done, Samivel, it can't bedone.<>
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What are you a-settin' down there for, con-wertin' your face into astreet-door knocker, wen there's so much to be done.<>
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It mayn't be altogether safe, vith reference to gettin' outagin.<>
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Deferring to his son's feeling upon this point, Mr. Weller at oncesought the erudite Solomon Pell, and acquainted him with his desire toissue a writ, instantly, for the SUM of twenty-five pounds, and costsof process; to be executed without delay upon the body of one SamuelWeller; the charges thereby incurred, to be paid in advance to SolomonPell.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The attorney was in high glee, for the embarrassed coach-horserwas ordered to be discharged forthwith.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'The officer will be here at four o'clock,' said Mr. Pell.<>
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TREATS OF DIVERS LITTLE MATTERS WHICH OCCURRED IN THEFLEET, AND OF Mr. WINKLE'S MYSTERIOUS BEHAVIOUR; AND SHOWS HOW THE POORCHANCERY PRISONER OBTAINED HIS RELEASE AT LASTMr. Pickwick felt a great deal too much touched by the warmth ofSam's attachment, to be able to exhibit any manifestation of anger ordispleasure at the precipitate course he had adopted, in voluntarilyconsigning himself to a debtor's prison for an indefinite period.<>
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But consider, Sam,' Mr. Pickwick remonstrated, 'the sum is so smallthat it can very easily be paid; and having made up My mind that youshall stop with me, you should recollect how much more useful you wouldbe, if you could go outside the walls.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Beg your pardon, sir,' rejoined Sam, 'but it 'ud be a wery great favourto pay it, and he don't deserve none; that's where it is, sir.<>
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"See arter the TIMES, Thomas;let me look at the MORNIN' HERALD, when it's out o' hand; don't forgetto bespeak the CHRONICLE; and just bring the 'TIZER, vill you:" and thenhe'd set vith his eyes fixed on the clock, and rush out, just a quarterof a minit 'fore the time to waylay the boy as wos a-comin' in withthe evenin' paper, which he'd read with sich intense interest andpersewerance as worked the other customers up to the wery confines o'desperation and insanity, 'specially one i-rascible old gen'l'm'n as thevaiter wos always obliged to keep a sharp eye on, at sich times, fear heshould be tempted to commit some rash act with the carving-knife.<>
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" "They'd be dear toyou, at any price; dear if you wos paid to eat 'em," says the doctor.<>
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"Three shillins' wurth 'ud be sure to do it, I s'pose?"says the patient.<>
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Wy, in support of hisgreat principle that crumpets wos wholesome, and to show that hewouldn't be put out of his way for nobody!' With such like shiftings andchangings of the discourse, did Mr. Weller meet his master's questioningon the night of his taking up his residence in the Fleet.<>
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You'll be delighted with him.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Yes,' added Mr. Smangle; 'and if he'd the power of raising him again,he would, in two months and three days from this time, to renew thebill!Those are very remarkable traits,' said Mr. Pickwick; 'but I'm afraidthat while we are talking here, my friends may be in a state of greatperplexity at not finding me.<>
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This foolish fellow,' said Mr. Pickwick, tapping Sam on thehead as he knelt down to button up his master's gaiters--'this foolishfellow has got himself arrested, in order to be near me.<>
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We feared there must be something the matter,but he resolutely denies it.<>
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Itwill be necessary for me to leave town, for a short time, on privatebusiness, and I had hoped to have prevailed upon you to allow Sam toaccompany me.<>
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If I makes any guess aboutit,' added Sam, looking at Mr. Winkle, 'I haven't got any right to saywhat 'It is, fear it should be a wrong 'un.<>
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The bottle or two, indeed, might be more properlydescribed as a bottle or six, for by the time it was drunk, and teaover, the bell began to ring for strangers to withdraw.<>
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Are you coming,or are we to be locked in?Yes, yes, I am ready,' replied Mr. Winkle.<>
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What can that youngman be going to do?'He had sat ruminating about the matter for some time, when the voice ofRoker, the turnkey, demanded whether he might come in.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'He won't be a Chancery prisoner wery long, Sir,' replied Roker, turninghis hat round, so as to get the maker's name right side upwards, as helooked into it.<>
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He went into the infirmary, this morning; the doctor says his strengthis to be kept up as much as possible; and the warden's sent him wineand broth and that, from his own house.<>
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Above the hoarse loud hum, arose, from time to time, aboisterous laugh; or a scrap of some jingling song, shouted forth, byone of the giddy crowd, would strike upon the ear, for an instant, andthen be lost amidst the roar of voices and the tramp of footsteps; thebreaking of the billows of the restless sea of life, that rolled heavilyon, without.<>
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Wot's the matter?Aha!' replied the old gentleman, 'I began to be afeerd that you'd gonefor a walk round the Regency Park, Sammy.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Don't be frightened, Sammy, don't be frightened,' said the oldgentleman, when by dint of much struggling, and various convulsivestamps upon the ground, he had recovered his voice.<>
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Could I be accommodated, Sammy?'Here Mrs.<>
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Weller, being wholly unable to suppressher feelings, sobbed aloud, and stated her conviction that the red-nosedman was a saint; whereupon Mr. Weller, senior, ventured to suggest, inan undertone, that he must be the representative of the united parishesof St.<>
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Wery sorry to say, sir,' said Sam, 'that they don't allow thatparticular wanity to be sold in this here establishment.<>
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It was accordingly ordered to be prepared, and pendingits preparation the red-nosed man and Mrs.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I'll tell you wot it is, Samivel, my boy,' whispered the old gentlemaninto his son's ear, after a long and steadfast contemplation of hislady and Mr. Stiggins; 'I think there must be somethin' wrong in yourmother-in-law's inside, as vell as in that o' the red-nosed man.<>
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Weller remarking, and concluding that theybore some disparaging reference either to herself or to Mr. Stiggins,or to both, was on the point of becoming infinitely worse, when Mr.Stiggins, getting on his legs as well as he could, proceeded todeliver an edifying discourse for the benefit of the company, but moreespecially of Mr. Samuel, whom he adjured in moving terms to be upon hisguard in that sink of iniquity into which he was cast; to abstainfrom all hypocrisy and pride of heart; and to take in all things exactpattern and copy by him (Stiggins), in which case he might calculate onarriving, sooner or later at the comfortable conclusion, that, likehim, he was a most estimable and blameless character, and that allhis acquaintances and friends were hopelessly abandoned and profligatewretches.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Stiggins did not desire his hearers to be upon their guard againstthose false prophets and wretched mockers of religion, who, withoutsense to expound its first doctrines, or hearts to feel its firstprinciples, are more dangerous members of society than the commoncriminal; imposing, as they necessarily do, upon the weakest and worstinformed, casting scorn and contempt on what should be held mostsacred, and bringing into partial disrepute large bodies of virtuous andwell-conducted persons of many excellent sects and persuasions.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'If I don't get no better light than that 'ere moonshine o' yourn, myworthy creetur,' said the elder Mr. Weller, 'it's wery likely as I shallcontiney to be a night coach till I'm took off the road altogether.<>
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We, if the piebald stands at livery much longer, he'll stand atnothin' as we go back, and p'raps that 'ere harm-cheer 'ull be tippedover into some hedge or another, with the shepherd in it.<>
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And wot 'ud be the good o' that?' said Sam.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'They may be put on, Mr. Weller,' said Job.<>
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You are tired, and not strong enough to be out long.<>
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By this time, Job had tapped at a door, which was opened by a gentlemanwith an uncombed head, who bolted it after them when they had walkedin, and grinned; upon which Job grinned, and Sam also; whereupon Mr.Pickwick, thinking it might be expected of him, kept on smiling to theend of the interview.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Pickwick paid, the door was unbolted, and out they came; theuncombed gentleman bestowing a friendly nod upon Mr. Roker, who happenedto be passing at the moment.<>
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The great body of the prison population appeared to be Mivins, andSmangle, and the parson, and the butcher, and the leg, over and over,and over again.<>
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Henceforth I will be a prisoner in my own room.<>
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Oh! If ever a woman was troubled with aruffinly creetur, that takes a pride and a pleasure in disgracing hiswife on every possible occasion afore strangers, I am that woman!You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Raddle,' said the other littlewoman, who was no other than Mrs.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Don't talk to me, don't, you brute, for fear I should be perwoked toforgit my sect and strike you!' said Mrs.<>
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She knew he didn't mean tobe unkind; but Mary Ann was very far from strong, and, if he didn't takecare, he might lose her when he least expected it, which would be a verydreadful reflection for him afterwards; and so on.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'How sweet the country is, to be sure!' sighed Mrs.<>
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Bardellburst into tears, and requested to be led from the table instantly; uponwhich the affectionate child began to cry too, most dismally.<>
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Raddle, turning fiercelyto the first-floor lodger, 'that a woman could be married to such aunmanly creetur, which can tamper with a woman's feelings as he does,every hour in the day, ma'am?My dear,' remonstrated Mr. Raddle, 'I didn't mean anything, my dear.<>
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It's very important andpressing business, which can't be postponed on any account.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) The ladies agreed that it WAS very strange, but were unanimously ofopinion that it must be very important, or Dodson & Fogg would neverhave sent; and further, that the business being urgent, she ought torepair to Dodson & Fogg's without any delay.<>
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Bardell, especially as it might be reasonablysupposed to enhance her consequence in the eyes of the first-floorlodger.<>
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Mr. Lowtenhad still to be ferreted out from the back parlour of the Magpie andStump; and Job had scarcely accomplished this object, and communicatedSam Weller's message, when the clock struck ten.<>
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But won't it bebetter to see Mr. Perker to-night, so that we may be there, the firstthing in the morning?Why,' responded Lowten, after a little consideration, 'if it was inanybody else's case, Perker wouldn't be best pleased at my going up tohis house; but as it's Mr. Pickwick's, I think I may venture to take acab and charge it to the office.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'At ten precisely, I will be there,' said the little man.<>
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I would rather that the subject should be never mentioned between us,Perker,' interposed Mr. Pickwick hastily.<>
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Itmust be mentioned.<>
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Your time shall be mine.<>
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Hear me out,my dear Sir, if you please, and do not be so very energetic, for itwill only put you into a perspiration and do no good whatever.<>
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Now pray be quiet, my dear sir.<>
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I cannot undertake to say, at this moment,whether the wording of the cognovit, the nature of the ostensibleconsideration, and the proof we can get together about the whole conductof the suit, will be sufficient to justify an indictment for conspiracy.<>
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Can youhesitate to avail yourself of it, when it restores you to your friends,your old pursuits, your health and amusements; when it liberates yourfaithful and attached servant, whom you otherwise doom to imprisonmentfor the whole of your life; and above all, when it enables you to takethe very magnanimous revenge--which I know, my dear sir, is one afteryour own heart--of releasing this woman from a scene of misery anddebauchery, to which no man should ever be consigned, if I had my will,but the infliction of which on any woman, is even more frightful andbarbarous.<>
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Now I ask you, my dear sir, not only as your legal adviser,but as your very true friend, will you let slip the occasion ofattaining all these objects, and doing all this good, for the paltryconsideration of a few pounds finding their way into the pockets of acouple of rascals, to whom it makes no manner of difference, except thatthe more they gain, the more they'll seek, and so the sooner be ledinto some piece of knavery that must end in a crash? I have put theseconsiderations to you, my dear Sir, very feebly and imperfectly, butI ask you to think of them.<>
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Before Mr. Pickwick could reply, before Mr. Perker had taken onetwentieth part of the snuff with which so unusually long an addressimperatively required to be followed up, there was a low murmuring ofvoices outside, and then a hesitating knock at the door.<>
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This, Mr. Winkle, who had been for some seconds scratching hisnose with the brim of his hat, in a penitent manner, did; whereupon Mr.Pickwick slapped him on the back several times, and then shook handsheartily with Perker, who, not to be behind-hand in the compliments ofthe occasion, saluted both the bride and the pretty housemaid with rightgood-will, and, having wrung Mr. Winkle's hand most cordially, wound uphis demonstrations of joy by taking snuff enough to set any half-dozenmen with ordinarily-constructed noses, a-sneezing for life.<>
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If I were not amarried man myself, I should be disposed to envy you, you dog.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I can never be grateful enough to you, Sam, I am sure,' said Arabella,with the sweetest smile imaginable.<>
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Why, what have you been doingthese three months?Ah, to be sure!' interposed Perker; 'come, account for this idleness.<>
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Ah, to be sure,' said Perker gravely.<>
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If my brother hears of this, first, from you, I feelcertain we shall be reconciled.<>
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See after yourfriend, and be in the way to-morrow at one.<>
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Because I saw it would be of no use,' replied Mr. Robert Sawyer.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) While these observations were being exchanged between Mr. Bob Sawyer andMr. Benjamin Allen; and while the boy in the gray livery, marvelling atthe unwonted prolongation of the dinner, cast an anxious look, fromtime to time, towards the glass door, distracted by inward misgivingsregarding the amount of minced veal which would be ultimately reservedfor his individual cravings; there rolled soberly on through the streetsof Bristol, a private fly, painted of a sad green colour, drawn by achubby sort of brown horse, and driven by a surly-looking man with hislegs dressed like the legs of a groom, and his body attired in the coatof a coachman.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I can't permit it, on any account,' said the old lady; 'your testimonywill be very important, and I must take you into the house with me.<>
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And here Mr. Ben Allen, whowas not at the moment extraordinarily sober, added the word 'Arabella,'in what was meant to be a whisper, but which was an especially audibleand distinct tone of speech which nobody could avoid hearing, if anybodywere so disposed.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'My dear Benjamin,' said the old lady, struggling with a great shortnessof breath, and trembling from head to foot, 'don't be alarmed, my dear,but I think I had better speak to Mr. Sawyer, alone, for a moment.<>
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Don't be frightened, ma'am.<>
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We shall be able to setyou to rights in a very short time, I have no doubt, ma'am.<>
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I should be very sorry to think it was the heart,' said the old lady,with a slight groan.<>
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And this is the faithful creature,' exclaimed Mr. Ben Allen, 'whom Ihad nearly suffocated!--Mr. Pickwick, how dare you allow your fellowto be employed in the abduction of my sister? I demand that you explainthis matter, sir.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) But, just when matters were at their height, and threatening to remainso, Mr. Pickwick found a powerful assistant in the old lady, who,evidently much struck by the mode in which he had advocated her niece'scause, ventured to approach Mr. Benjamin Allen with a few comfortingreflections, of which the chief were, that after all, perhaps, it waswell it was no worse; the least said the soonest mended, and upon herword she did not know that it was so very bad after all; what was overcouldn't be begun, and what couldn't be cured must be endured;with various other assurances of the like novel and strengtheningdescription.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) At length, when this determination had been announced half a hundredtimes, the old lady suddenly bridling up and looking very majestic,wished to know what she had done that no respect was to be paid to heryears or station, and that she should be obliged to beg and pray, inthat way, of her own nephew, whom she remembered about five-and-twentyyears before he was born, and whom she had known, personally, when hehadn't a tooth in his head; to say nothing of her presence on the firstoccasion of his having his hair cut, and assistance at numerous othertimes and ceremonies during his babyhood, of sufficient importance tofound a claim upon his affection, obedience, and sympathies, for ever.<>
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Winkle, whose felicity, so far fromenvying, he would be the first to congratulate them upon.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) As Mr. Pickwick could by no means be prevailed upon to stay, it wasarranged at once, on his own proposition, that Mr. Benjamin Allen shouldaccompany him on his journey to the elder Mr. Winkle's, and that thecoach should be at the door, at nine o'clock next morning.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'In personal appearance, my uncle was a trifle shorter than the middlesize; he was a thought stouter too, than the ordinary run of people, andperhaps his face might be a shade redder.<>
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Theywere both suffocated, as nearly as could be ascertained, at the samemoment, but with this trifling exception, gentlemen, they were not a bitthe worse for it.<>
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But, thinking it mightnot be quite polite to go just then, my uncle voted himself into thechair, mixed another glass, rose to propose his own health, addressedhimself in a neat and complimentary speech, and drank the toast withgreat enthusiasm.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'There might be a dozen of them, or there might be more--my uncle wasnever quite certain on this point, and being a man of very scrupulousveracity about numbers, didn't like to say--but there they stood, allhuddled together in the most desolate condition imaginable.<>
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As a commercial man, he feltthat the mail-bags were not to be trifled with, and he resolved tomemorialise the Post Office on the subject, the very instant he reachedLondon.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'My uncle looked at the guard for a few seconds, in some doubt whetherit wouldn't be better to wrench his blunderbuss from him, fire it in theface of the man with the big sword, knock the rest of the company overthe head with the stock, snatch up the young lady, and go off in thesmoke.<>
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This shall be made known.<>
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"Only, if this is a privateroom specially ordered for the occasion, I should think the public roommust be a VERY comfortable one;" with this, my uncle sat himself down ina high-backed chair, and took such an accurate measure of the gentleman,with his eyes, that Tiggin and Welps could have supplied him withprinted calico for a suit, and not an inch too much or too little, fromthat estimate alone.<>
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He had never had a swordin his hand before, except once when he played Richard the Third at aprivate theatre, upon which occasion it was arranged with Richmond thathe was to be run through, from behind, without showing fight at all.<>
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"'"May!" cried my uncle; "why, my dear, there's nobody else to kill, isthere?" My uncle was rather disappointed, gentlemen, for he thoughta little quiet bit of love-making would be agreeable after theslaughtering, if it were only to change the subject.<>
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Two minuteshence may be too late.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) '"Because your mouth looks so beautiful when you speak," rejoined myuncle, "that I'm afraid I shall be rude enough to kiss it.<>
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He had a good ear for wheels,and the trampling of hoofs; but there appeared to be so many horses andcarriages rattling towards them, from a distance, that it was impossibleto form a guess at their number.<>
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He lifted her into the coach, toldher not to be frightened, pressed his lips to hers once more, and thenadvising her to draw up the window to keep the cold air out, mounted tothe box.<>
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Thenoise was frightful, but, above all, rose the voice of the young lady,urging my uncle on, and shrieking, "Faster! Faster!"'They whirled past the dark trees, as feathers would be swept beforea hurricane.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Oh, ah! To be sure,' rejoined the landlord.<>
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Besides,' said Bob, lowering his voice to a confidentialwhisper, 'they will be all the better for it; for, being nearly out ofdrugs, and not able to increase my account just now, I should have beenobliged to give them calomel all round, and it would have been certainto have disagreed with some of them.<>
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This little billis to be wafered on the shop door: "Sawyer, late Nockemorf.<>
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If it gets into oneof the local papers, it will be the making of me.<>
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It may be so.<>
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Mr. Pickwick might very probably have reasoned himself into the beliefthat it really was, had he not, just then happening to look out ofthe coach window, observed that the looks of the passengers betokenedanything but respectful astonishment, and that various telegraphiccommunications appeared to be passing between them and some personsoutside the vehicle, whereupon it occurred to him that thesedemonstrations might be, in some remote degree, referable to thehumorous deportment of Mr. Robert Sawyer.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'What's to be done?' said Mr. Pickwick, looking at the bottle.<>
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I think it would be best to take it in,' replied Mr. Ben Allen; 'itwould serve him right to take it in and keep it, wouldn't it?It would,' said Mr. Pickwick; 'shall I?I think it the most proper course we could possibly adopt,' repliedBen.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'You cannot possibly be angry with him,' remarked Mr. Pickwick.<>
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Issuing theseorders with monstrous importance and bustle, Mr. Bob Sawyer at oncehurried into the house to superintend the arrangements; in less thanfive minutes he returned and declared them to be excellent.<>
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Under the auspicesof the three, the bottled ale and the Madeira were promptly disposed of;and when (the horses being once more put to) they resumed their seats,with the case-bottle full of the best substitute for milk-punch thatcould be procured on so short a notice, the key-bugle sounded, and thered flag waved, without the slightest opposition on Mr. Pickwick's part.<>
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If they persist in accompanying me, I must make the interview asbrief as possible, and be content that, for their own sakes, they willnot expose themselves.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Some slight symptoms of vitality having been awakened in Mr. Ben Allenby the soda-water, he suffered himself to be prevailed upon to wash hisface and hands, and to submit to be brushed by Sam.<>
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Will you oblige me by giving it the calmest andcoolest perusal, and by discussing the subject afterwards with me, inthe tone and spirit in which alone it ought to be discussed? You mayjudge of the importance of your decision to your son, and his intenseanxiety upon the subject, by my waiting upon you, without any previouswarning, at so late an hour; and,' added Mr. Pickwick, glancing slightlyat his two companions--'and under such unfavourable circumstances.<>
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It sohappened that Mr. Winkle, senior, instead of being deeply engaged inreading the letter, as Mr. Bob Sawyer thought, chanced to be lookingover the top of it at no less a person than Mr. Bob Sawyer himself;rightly conjecturing that the face aforesaid was made in ridiculeand derision of his own person, he fixed his eyes on Bob with suchexpressive sternness, that the late Mr. Grimaldi's lineaments graduallyresolved themselves into a very fine expression of humility andconfusion.<>
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He knows that verywell, so if I withdraw my countenance from him on this account, hehas no call to be surprised.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Sir,' said Mr. Ben Allen, staring at the old gentleman, out of a pairof very dim and languid eyes, and working his right arm vehemently upand down, 'you--you ought to be ashamed of yourself.<>
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A game-cock in the stableyard,deprived of every spark of his accustomed animation, balanced himselfdismally on one leg in a corner; a donkey, moping with drooping headunder the narrow roof of an outhouse, appeared from his meditativeand miserable countenance to be contemplating suicide.<>
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In the street,umbrellas were the only things to be seen, and the clicking of pattensand splashing of rain-drops were the only sounds to be heard.<>
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The host of the Saracen's Head opportunely appeared at this moment, toconfirm Mr. Weller's statement relative to the accommodations of theestablishment, and to back his entreaties with a variety of dismalconjectures regarding the state of the roads, the doubt of fresh horsesbeing to be had at the next stage, the dead certainty of its raining allnight, the equally mortal certainty of its clearing up in the morning,and other topics of inducement familiar to innkeepers.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Well,' said Mr. Pickwick; 'but I must send a letter to London by someconveyance, so that it may be delivered the very first thing in themorning, or I must go forwards at all hazards.<>
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Nothing could be easier than for thegentleman to inclose a letter in a sheet of brown paper, and send it on,either by the mail or the night coach from Birmingham.<>
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If the gentlemanwere particularly anxious to have it left as soon as possible, he mightwrite outside, 'To be delivered immediately,' which was sure tobe attended to; or 'Pay the bearer half-a-crown extra for instantdelivery,' which was surer still.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Pickwick sat down at a side table, and hastily indited a note to Mr.Winkle, merely informing him that he was detained by stress of weather,but would certainly be in London next day; until when he deferred anyaccount of his proceedings.<>
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If the excited and irritable populace knew I was here, I should be tornto pieces.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I should be the victim of their fury,' replied Pott.<>
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I think I may venture to say that you would not be long inestablishing your opinions on a firm and solid blue basis, sir.<>
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Why, does not the crawling creature see,that even if this be the fact, the Honourable Mr. Slumkey only appearsin a still more amiable and radiant light than before, if that bepossible? Does not even his obtuseness perceive that this amiable andtouching desire to carry out the wishes of the constituent body, mustfor ever endear him to the hearts and souls of such of his fellowtownsmen as are not worse than swine; or, in other words, who are not asdebased as our contemporary himself? But such is the wretched trickeryof hole-and-corner Buffery! These are not its only artifices.<>
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We boldly state, now that we are goaded to the disclosure, andwe throw ourselves on the country and its constables for protection--weboldly state that secret preparations are at this moment in progress fora Buff ball; which is to be held in a Buff town, in the very heart andcentre of a Buff population; which is to be conducted by a Buff masterof the ceremonies; which is to be attended by four ultra Buff members ofParliament, and the admission to which, is to be by Buff tickets! Doesour fiendish contemporary wince? Let him writhe, in impotent malice, aswe pen the words, WE WILL BE THERE.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) While the great Mr. Pott was dwelling upon this and other matters,enlivening the conversation from time to time with various extracts fromhis own lucubrations, a stern stranger, calling from the window of astage-coach, outward bound, which halted at the inn to deliver packages,requested to know whether if he stopped short on his journey andremained there for the night, he could be furnished with the necessaryaccommodation of a bed and bedstead.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'It wouldn't be a bad notion to have a cigar by the kitchen fire, wouldit?' said Bob Sawyer, still prompted by the demon aforesaid.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'It would be particularly comfortable, I think,' replied Mr. Pickwick.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Really! Dear me, this is too atrocious!' exclaimed Pott, at thisjuncture; still feigning to be absorbed in his reading.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'If you can wade through a few sentences of malice, meanness, falsehood,perjury, treachery, and cant,' said Slurk, handing the paper to Bob,'you will, perhaps, be somewhat repaid by a laugh at the style of thisungrammatical twaddler.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Nothing can be fairer,' observed Mr. Ben Allen.<>
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The indignant Independent did not wait to hear the end of this personaldenunciation; for, catching up his carpet-bag, which was well stuffedwith movables, he swung it in the air as Pott turned away, and, lettingit fall with a circular sweep on his head, just at that particular angleof the bag where a good thick hairbrush happened to be packed, caused asharp crash to be heard throughout the kitchen, and brought him at onceto the ground.<>
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Awed by these threats, and quite out of breath, the INDEPENDENT sufferedhimself to be disarmed; and Mr. Weller, removing the extinguisher fromPott, set him free with a caution.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'My DEAR SAMMLE,'I am werry sorry to have the pleasure of being a Bear of ill news yourMother in law cort cold consekens of imprudently settin too long on thedamp grass in the rain a hearing of a shepherd who warnt able to leaveoff till late at night owen to his having vound his-self up vith brandyand vater and not being able to stop his-self till he got a little soberwhich took a many hours to do the doctor says that if she'd svallo'dvarm brandy and vater artervards insted of afore she mightn't have beenno vus her veels wos immedetly greased and everythink done to set heragoin as could be inwented your father had hopes as she vould havevorked round as usual but just as she wos a turnen the corner my boy shetook the wrong road and vent down hill vith a welocity you never see andnotvithstandin that the drag wos put on directly by the medikel manit wornt of no use at all for she paid the last pike at twenty minutesafore six o'clock yesterday evenin havin done the journey wery muchunder the reglar time vich praps was partly owen to her haven taken inwery little luggage by the vay your father says that if you vill comeand see me Sammy he vill take it as a wery great favor for I am werylonely Samivel n.<>
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Can't be helped now, can it, Mary?'Mary shook her head, and sighed too.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I shan't be wery long avay,' said Sam.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I shan't be avay more than a day, or two, Sir, at the furthest,' saidSam, when he had communicated to Mr. Pickwick the intelligence of hisfather's loss.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'As long as may be necessary, Sam,' replied Mr. Pickwick, 'you have myfull permission to remain.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'You will tell your father, Sam, that if I can be of any assistance tohim in his present situation, I shall be most willing and ready to lendhim any aid in my power,' said Mr. Pickwick.<>
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The blinds were pulled down, and the shutterspartly closed; of the knot of loungers that usually collected about thedoor, not one was to be seen; the place was silent and desolate.<>
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I begin to see now," she says, "ven it's too late, that if a married'ooman vishes to be religious, she should begin vith dischargin' herdooties at home, and makin' them as is about her cheerful and happy,and that vile she goes to church, or chapel, or wot not, at all propertimes, she should be wery careful not to con-wert this sort o' thinginto a excuse for idleness or self-indulgence.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'You see, Mr. Samuel,' said the buxom female, 'as I was telling himyesterday, he will feel lonely, he can't expect but what he should, sir,but he should keep up a good heart, because, dear me, I'm sure we allpity his loss, and are ready to do anything for him; and there's nosituation in life so bad, Mr. Samuel, that it can't be mended.<>
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Wot a thing it is to be so sought arter!' observed Sam, smiling.<>
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Cos a coachman may do vithout suspicion wot othermen may not; 'cos a coachman may be on the wery amicablest terms witheighty mile o' females, and yet nobody think that he ever means to marryany vun among 'em.<>
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With these words, Mr. Weller refilled and relighted his pipe, and oncemore summoning up a meditative expression of countenance, continued asfollows--'Therefore, my boy, as I do not see the adwisability o' stoppin hereto be married vether I vant to or not, and as at the same time I donot vish to separate myself from them interestin' members o' societyaltogether, I have come to the determination o' driving the Safety,and puttin' up vunce more at the Bell Savage, vich is my nat'ral bornelement, Sammy.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'The bis'ness, Samivel,' replied the old gentleman, 'good-vill, stock,and fixters, vill be sold by private contract; and out o' the money, twohundred pound, agreeable to a rekvest o' your mother-in-law's to me,a little afore she died, vill be invested in your name in--What do youcall them things agin?Wot things?' inquired Sam.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Ah!' rejoined Mr. Weller, 'the funs; two hundred pounds o' the money isto be inwested for you, Samivel, in the funs; four and a half per cent.<>
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The rest will be inwested in my name,' continued the elder Mr. Weller;'and wen I'm took off the road, it'll come to you, so take care youdon't spend it all at vunst, my boy, and mind that no widder gets ainklin' o' your fortun', or you're done.<>
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Itwas impossible to foresee that the old gentleman would be so stronglyprepossessed against his son's marriage, you know.<>
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Oh, my dear Mr. Pickwick,' said Arabella, 'what shall we do, if hecontinues to be angry with us?Why, wait patiently, my dear, until he thinks better of it,' repliedMr. Pickwick cheerfully.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'In that case, my love,' rejoined Mr. Pickwick, 'I will venture toprophesy that he will find some other friend who will not be backward inhelping him to start in the world.<>
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The agent atLiverpool said he had been obliged to you many times when you were inbusiness, and he would be glad to take him on your recommendation.<>
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Well, and so did I, from what little I saw of him,' replied Lowten, 'itonly shows how one may be deceived.<>
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Well, well,' said Mr. Pickwick, who had been bestowing a score or twoof frowns upon Perker, to stop his summary of benefits conferred, whichthe little attorney obstinately disregarded, 'you must be careful notto play any more desperate cricket matches, Mr. Jingle, or to renewyour acquaintance with Sir Thomas Blazo, and I have little doubt of yourpreserving your health.<>
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He emigrated to America, Sir, inconsequence of being too much sought after here, to be comfortable; andhas never been heard of since.<>
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Deliver this letter to the agent when you reach Liverpool, and letme advise you, gentlemen, not to be too knowing in the West Indies.<>
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Ifyou throw away this chance, you will both richly deserve to be hanged,as I sincerely trust you will be.<>
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Whether that species of benevolence which is so very cautiousand long-sighted that it is seldom exercised at all, lest its ownershould be imposed upon, and so wounded in his self-love, be real charityor a worldly counterfeit, I leave to wiser heads than mine to determine.<>
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But if those two fellows were to commit a burglary to-morrow, my opinionof this action would be equally high.<>
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Bless my life!' said the little man, looking at his watch, 'I appointedthem to be here at half-past eleven, to settle that matter of yours,Pickwick.<>
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Dodson & Fogg ought to be ashamed to look himin the face, instead of his being ashamed to see them.<>
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My dear Sir, pray let the matter rest where it is,' said the littleattorney, who had been in a state of nervous apprehension during thewhole interview; 'Mr. Pickwick, I beg--I will not be put down, Sir,' replied Mr. Pickwick hastily.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Perker said nothing at all until he had emptied his snuff-box, and sentLowten out to fill it, when he was seized with a fit of laughing, whichlasted five minutes; at the expiration of which time he said thathe supposed he ought to be very angry, but he couldn't think of thebusiness seriously yet--when he could, he would be.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I think it is a knock at the door,' said Mr. Pickwick, as if therecould be the smallest doubt of the fact.<>
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How's Arabella?Very well,' replied Mr. Pickwick, 'and will be delighted to see you, Iam sure.<>
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Both my girls are pictures of their dear mother, and as I growold I like to sit with only them by me; for their voices and looks carryme back to the happiest period of my life, and make me, for the moment,as young as I used to be then, though not quite so light-hearted.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'To be sure she is,' replied Wardle.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Now, whether the shake had jumbled the fat boy's faculties together,instead of arranging them in proper order, or had roused such a quantityof new ideas within him as to render him oblivious of ordinary formsand ceremonies, or (which is also possible) had proved unsuccessfulin preventing his falling asleep as he ascended the stairs, it is anundoubted fact that he walked into the sitting-room without previouslyknocking at the door; and so beheld a gentleman with his arms claspinghis young mistress's waist, sitting very lovingly by her side on a sofa,while Arabella and her pretty handmaid feigned to be absorbed in lookingout of a window at the other end of the room.<>
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The fat boy looked from the pie-dish to the steak, as if he thought afavour must be in a manner connected with something to eat; and thentook out one of the half-crowns and glanced at it nervously.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) There was so much to say upstairs, and there were so many plansto concert for elopement and matrimony in the event of old Wardlecontinuing to be cruel, that it wanted only half an hour of dinner whenMr. Snodgrass took his final adieu.<>
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He will be here, in time, if he means to come; andif he does not, it's of no use waiting.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Is nothing to be said to me?' cried Wardle, with open arms.<>
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You are a little rebel,' replied Wardle, in the same tone, 'and I amafraid I shall be obliged to forbid you the house.<>
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People like you, whoget married in spite of everybody, ought not to be let loose on society.<>
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As these tokens were rather calculated toawaken suspicion than allay it, and were somewhat embarrassing besides,they were occasionally answered by a frown or shake of the head fromArabella, which the fat boy, considering as hints to be on his guard,expressed his perfect understanding of, by smirking, grinning, andwinking, with redoubled assiduity.<>
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Don't come nearhim; he's vicious; ring the bell, and let him be taken downstairs.<>
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It was a painful situation to be placed in; but he now regretted itthe less, inasmuch as it afforded him an opportunity of acknowledging,before their mutual friends, that he loved Mr. Wardle's daughter deeplyand sincerely; that he was proud to avow that the feeling was mutual;and that if thousands of miles were placed between them, or oceansrolled their waters, he could never for an instant forget those happydays, when first--et cetera, et cetera.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Dear, dear,' said Arabella, taking up the defence, 'what is the use ofasking all that now, especially when you know you had set your covetousold heart on a richer son-in-law, and are so wild and fierce besides,that everybody is afraid of you, except me? Shake hands with him, andorder him some dinner, for goodness gracious' sake, for he looks halfstarved; and pray have your wine up at once, for you'll not be tolerableuntil you have taken two bottles at least.<>
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In wirtue o'vich, them arrangements is to be made as I told you on, last night,respectin' the funs.<>
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Cos it must be proved, and probated, andswore to, and all manner o' formalities.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'As four heads is better than two, Sammy,' said Mr. Weller, as theydrove along the London Road in the chaise-cart, 'and as all this hereproperty is a wery great temptation to a legal gen'l'm'n, ve'll take acouple o' friends o' mine vith us, as'll be wery soon down upon him ifhe comes anythin' irreg'lar; two o' them as saw you to the Fleetthat day.<>
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Pell was a tall figure,' said Pell, 'a splendid woman, with anoble shape, and a nose, gentlemen, formed to command and be majestic.<>
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He had been revolving in his mindwhether any business was to be transacted, or whether he had been merelyinvited to partake of a glass of brandy-and-water, or a bowl of punch,or any similar professional compliment, and now the doubt was set atrest without his appearing at all eager for its solution.<>
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I shallwant a matter of five pound of you before I begin, ha! ha! ha!'It being decided by the committee that the five pound might be advanced,Mr. Weller produced that sum; after which, a long consultationabout nothing particular took place, in the course whereof Mr. Pelldemonstrated to the perfect satisfaction of the gentlemen who saw fair,that unless the management of the business had been intrusted to him, itmust all have gone wrong, for reasons not clearly made out, but no doubtsufficient.<>
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Next week, there were more visits to Doctors' Commons,and there was a visit to the Legacy Duty Office besides, and there weretreaties entered into, for the disposal of the lease and business, andratifications of the same, and inventories to be made out, and lunchesto be taken, and dinners to be eaten, and so many profitable things tobe done, and such a mass of papers accumulated that Mr. Solomon Pell,and the boy, and the blue bag to boot, all got so stout that scarcelyanybody would have known them for the same man, boy, and bag, that hadloitered about Portugal Street, a few days before.<>
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--'Has vispered to me,'resumed his father, 'that it vould be better to dewote the liquor tovishin' you success and prosperity, and thankin' you for the manner inwhich you've brought this here business through.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Well, gentlemen,' said Mr. Pell, 'all I can say is, that such marks ofconfidence must be very gratifying to a professional man.<>
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I'm generally to be found here, gentlemen, but if I'm not here, orover the way, that's my address.<>
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If you have any opportunity ofrecommending me to any of your friends, gentlemen, I shall be very muchobliged to you, and so will they too, when they come to know me.<>
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With this expression of his feelings, Mr. Solomon Pell laid three smallwritten cards before Mr. Weller's friends, and, looking at the clockagain, feared it was time to be walking.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Crossing a courtyard which was all noise and bustle, and passing acouple of porters who seemed dressed to match the red fire engine whichwas wheeled away into a corner, they passed into an office where theirbusiness was to be transacted, and where Pell and Mr. Flasher leftthem standing for a few moments, while they went upstairs into the WillOffice.<>
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The referees at once gave it as their decided opinion that the businesscould not be legally proceeded with, under the letter W.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'Well, well,' said Mr. Pickwick, at length in a kind but somewhatmelancholy tone, 'it is the best way in which I could reward him for hisattachment and fidelity; let it be so, in Heaven's name.<>
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No, no,' added Mr. Pickwick more cheerfully,'it would be selfish and ungrateful.<>
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I ought to be happy to have anopportunity of providing for him so well.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) Mr. Pickwick, perceiving that there was some embarrassment on the oldgentleman's part, affected to be engaged in cutting the leaves of a bookthat lay beside him, and waited patiently until Mr. Weller should arriveat the object of his visit.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'He von't begin, sir,' rejoined Mr. Weller; 'he knows I ain't ekal toex-pressin' myself ven there's anythin' partickler to be done, and yethe'll stand and see me a-settin' here taking up your walable time, andmakin' a reg'lar spectacle o' myself, rayther than help me out vith asyllable.<>
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This here money,' said Sam, with a little hesitation, 'he's anxious toput someveres, vere he knows it'll be safe, and I'm wery anxious too,for if he keeps it, he'll go a-lendin' it to somebody, or inwestin'property in horses, or droppin' his pocket-book down an airy, or makin'a Egyptian mummy of his-self in some vay or another.<>
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I'm a-goin' to vork a coach reg'lar, and ha'n'tgot noveres to keep it in, unless I vos to pay the guard for takin'care on it, or to put it in vun o' the coach pockets, vich 'ud be atemptation to the insides.<>
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If you'll take care on it for me, sir, Ishall be wery much obliged to you.<>
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With these words, Mr. Wellerplaced the pocket-book in Mr. Pickwick's hands, caught up his hat, andran out of the room with a celerity scarcely to be expected from socorpulent a subject.<>
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Overtake him; bringhim back instantly! Mr. Weller--here--come back!'Sam saw that his master's injunctions were not to be disobeyed; and,catching his father by the arm as he was descending the stairs, draggedhim back by main force.<>
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Just the wery thing, to be sure,' said Mr. Weller, brightening up; 'o'course you can, sir.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I mean an interest in her doing well,' resumed Mr. Pickwick; 'a desirethat she may be comfortable and prosperous.<>
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Sammy must be careful.<>
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At length he said that it was not for him to oppose Mr.Pickwick's inclination, and that he would be very happy to yield tohis advice; upon which, Mr. Pickwick joyfully took him at his word, andcalled Sam back into the room.<>
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I shall be proud, Sam,' said Mr.Pickwick, whose voice had faltered a little hitherto, but now resumedits customary tone, 'proud and happy to make your future prospects inlife my grateful and peculiar care.<>
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There was a profound silence for a short time, and then Sam said, in alow, husky sort of voice, but firmly withal--'I'm very much obliged to you for your goodness, Sir, as is only likeyourself; but it can't be done.<>
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Can't be done!' ejaculated Mr. Pickwick in astonishment.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I say it can't be done,' repeated Sam in a louder key.<>
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You think so now! S'poseyou wos to change your mind, vich is not unlikely, for you've the spirito' five-and-twenty in you still, what 'ud become on you vithout me? Itcan't be done, Sir, it can't be done.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) 'I am very sorry to have done anything which has lessened your affectionfor me, Sir,' said Mr. Winkle; 'but I will say, at the same time, that Ihave no reason to be ashamed of having this lady for my wife, nor you ofhaving her for a daughter.<>
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Others rather inclined to the belief that he had projectedsome distant tour, and was at present occupied in effecting thepreliminary arrangements; but this again was stoutly denied by Samhimself, who had unequivocally stated, when cross-examined by Mary, thatno new journeys were to be undertaken.<>
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I wish, if my friend Wardle entertains no objection,that his daughter should be married from my new house, on the day I takepossession of it.<>
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If I have done but little good, I trust I have done lessharm, and that none of my adventures will be other than a source ofamusing and pleasant recollection to me in the decline of life.<>
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( Dickens The Pickwick papers ) There were few preparatory arrangements to be made for the marriage ofMr. Snodgrass.<>
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Communicating his intelligence to theold lady with characteristic impetuosity, she instantly fainted away;but being promptly revived, ordered the brocaded silk gown to be packedup forthwith, and proceeded to relate some circumstances of asimilar nature attending the marriage of the eldest daughter of LadyTollimglower, deceased, which occupied three hours in the recital, andwere not half finished at last.<>
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Trundle had to be informed of all the mighty preparations that weremaking in London; and, being in a delicate state of health, was informedthereof through Mr. Trundle, lest the news should be too much for her;but it was not too much for her, inasmuch as she at once wrote offto Muggleton, to order a new cap and a black satin gown, and moreoveravowed her determination of being present at the ceremony.<>
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And she did go; the doctorwith great attention sending in half a dozen of medicine, to be drunkupon the road.<>
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Mr. Pickwick is somewhatinfirm now; but he retains all his former juvenility of spirit, andmay still be frequently seen, contemplating the pictures in the DulwichGallery, or enjoying a walk about the pleasant neighbourhood on a fineday.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) It can be seen in many a large hotel-proprietorwhose one ambition is to be a small peasant.<>
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It can be seen in many aFrench provincial shopkeeper, who pauses at the moment when he mightdevelop into a detestable millionaire and buy a street of shops, to fallback quietly and comfortably on domesticity and dominoes.<>
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But on oneparticular morning he was observed by his family to be unusuallyrestless and excited; and he outran the little boys and descended thegreater part of the long mountain slope to meet the visitor who wascoming across the valley; even when the visitor was still a black dot inthe distance.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) The black dot gradually increased in size without very much altering inthe shape; for it continued, roughly speaking, to be both round andblack.<>
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"I may say that some of our people are saying yourscience can't be expounded, because it's something more than justnatural science.<>
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They say your secret's not to be divulged, as beingoccult in its character.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I don't exactly know how it's to be helped," said Mr. Chace humorously.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I had planned out each of the crimes very carefully," went on FatherBrown, "I had thought out exactly how a thing like that could be done,and in what style or state of mind a man could really do it.<>
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All these things,which may be seen later from other angles and in other moods than hisown, rose up in his memory at the challenge and began to form themselvesinto anecdotes and arguments.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Ours is the only trade," said Bagshaw, "in which the professional isalways supposed to be wrong.<>
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After all, people don't write stories inwhich hairdressers can't cut hair and have to be helped by a customer;or in which a cabman can't drive a cab until his fare explains to himthe philosophy of cab-driving.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "He may be right," answered the other; "but I mean a collective rule.<>
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I wish this wall were a little lower, or I were a little lighter;but it's got to be tried.<>
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The opalescent ring oflight, like the halo of the moon, round the sloping sides of the pond,was broken by two black stripes or streaks which soon proved themselvesto be the long, black legs of a figure fallen head downwards into thehollow, with the head in the pond.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) There was, indeed, another shadowy figure beginning to be visiblethrough the fire-shot gloaming, a squat, square-headed figure,wearing a red waistcoat as the most conspicuous part of a rather shabbylivery.<>
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He appeared to be making with unobtrusive haste towards a side-door in the house, until Bagshaw halloed to him to halt.<>
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The dead man (forthe briefest examination proved him to be dead) lay with his head in thepond, where the glow of the artificial illumination encircled the headwith something of the appearance of an unholy halo.<>
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The dead man was inevening-dress, and his long, black legs, so thin as to be almostspidery, were sprawling at different angles up the steep bank from whichhe had fallen.<>
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Of course, he may be innocent; but he didenter the garden in an irregular fashion.<>
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"But, of course, I may be wrong.<>
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But I seemto be almost the only person who did.<>
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Said the old judge had gone out to a grand legal dinner andcouldn't be home for hours, and gave that as his excuse for slippingout.<>
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He seems to be scared of something.<>
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At the other end of it could be seen thetelephone which the servant had used to summon the priest; and a half-open door, showing, even through the crack, the serried ranks of greatleather-bound books, marked the entrance to the judge's study.<>
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"I thought the front doorwould be shut, but it's left on the latch.<>
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His opinions seemed to be of a nihilistic anddestructive sort, as was indeed the tendency of his poetry for those whocould follow it; and it seemed possible that his business with thejudge, and perhaps his quarrel with the judge, had been something in theanarchist line.<>
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Anyhow, one coincidence,only a few moments after his capture, confirmed Bagshaw in theimpression that the case must be taken seriously.<>
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SirMatthew Blake, the very able counsel for the defence, turned this lastargument the other way: asking why any man should entrap himself in aplace without possible exit, when it would obviously be much moresensible to slip out into the street.<>
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If my learned friend himself falls a victim to hiseminence, and the hatred which the hellish powers of destruction feelfor the guardians of law, he will be murdered, and he will not know thereason.<>
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Half the decent people in this court will be butchered in theirbeds, and we shall not know the reason.<>
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"Some people are saying he went beyond the usuallimit and that the prosecutor in a murder case oughtn't to be sovindictive.<>
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They would think he must be rather eccentric; but he isn't at alleccentric, he's only conventional.<>
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"Thank your lucky stars apriest has to be more charitable than a poet.<>
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Surely, he would be more likely to retreat into the house? His gun wasthere; his telephone was there; his servant, so far as he knew, wasthere.<>
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ButGwynne wasn't there to be fired at.<>
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"You begin to see why all thesuspects in this case must be innocent.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) He seemed to be gazing into vacancy for a moment, and then added:"A queer thing is a mirror; a picture frame that holds hundreds ofdifferent pictures, all vivid and all vanished for ever.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Well, we believe murderers can be pretty well classified," observedCrake.<>
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First, all killing can be divided into rational andirrational, and we'll take the last first, because they are much fewer.<>
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He wasworthy to be turned into legend and not merely into news.<>
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He was far toocapable a burglar to be a murderer.<>
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Opal, who wasalso thin and dark and supposed to be psychic--at any rate, by herself;for she had little domestic encouragement.<>
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Spirits of an ardently astralturn will be well advised not to materialize as members of a largefamily.<>
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Heseemed to be always in the act of selling one car and buying another;and by some process, hard for the economic theorist to follow, it wasalways possible to buy a much better article by selling the one that wasdamaged or discredited.<>
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"He must be quite a new-comer; butwho can he possibly be?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I don't know any particularly new-comers," said her husband, "exceptSir Leopold Pulman, at Beechwood House.<>
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"I'm afraid I shall be too busy forpleasure this evening," he said.<>
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"Your bees must be very busy if they keep you at it all night.<>
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Perhapsyou'd be kind enough to give some-of my friends a run, if you want acompanion.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "But think what fun it will be for your sister to see you arrive in acar!" cried Carver.<>
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Don't be so selfish.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I must be going," said Devine.<>
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It was full of faded fashions, rather than historic customs; ofthe order and ornament that is just recent enough to be recognized asdead.<>
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Here and there, Early Victorian coloured glass tinted thetwilight; the high ceilings made the long rooms look narrow; and at theend of the long room down which she was walking was one of those roundwindows, to be found in the buildings of its period.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "There's no need to be distressed about that," he said.<>
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Most of the ghosts aren't ghosts, and the few that may be won'tdo you any harm.<>
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I was up at the Pulmans' place just now, when I was rung up andasked to come round here to meet a man who is coming to communicatesomething that may be of some moment to you.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) At this point, the conference was for a moment disturbed, by the returnof John Bankes, from what appeared to be an abortive expedition in thecar.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) After a pause, he continued: "I can claim to be one of the more useful,though equally annoying, insects.<>
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Why shouldn't it be a hiding-placefor him?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) Devine nodded gloomily, and the detective turned back to his papers.<>
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Searching his house, I found some curious things to be ownedby an innocent old rustic interested only in bees.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "But I also found something," continued Carver, "that more directlyconcerns this house, and must be my excuse for intruding to-night.<>
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It seemedalmost too deafening to be distinguishable as words; yet it was enoughto stop Devine in his stride, and he knew what had happened.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) Devine had, indeed, noticed as the young man plunged past him that hewas defiantly brandishing a revolver, and hoped there would be no needfor him to so defend himself.<>
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"After all hisadventures, to be shot almost by accident by a stockbroker in a suburbangarden.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "There will have to be an inquest, of course," said Carver, gravely.<>
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"But I think there will be nothing for you to worry about.<>
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It did megood to be near so good a man.<>
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They might well be; for ifever a man went straight to heaven, it might be he.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Yes," said Father Brown; "and only a convicted thief has ever in thisworld heard that assurance: 'This night shalt thou be with Me inParadise.<>
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It may already be settled for me,and--did you hear that noise?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "A motor-car starting," remarked Devine.<>
---------------
"You were quiteright when you said that Bankes was gone with the jewels; but I don'tknow how you knew, or even what there was to be known.<>
---------------
Any man can be a murderer like poor John; anyman, even the same man, can be a saint like poor Michael.<>
---------------
But if thereis one type that tends at times to be more utterly godless than another,it is that rather brutal sort of business man.<>
---------------
It might be considered a mild joke, for it consistedmerely of asking people if they had seen his goldfish.<>
---------------
Fromthe other end of the room it looked like a rather unusually large bowlcontaining rather unusually large living fish; a closer inspectionshowed it to be a huge bubble of beautifully blown Venetian glass, verythin and delicately clouded with faintly iridescent colour, in thetinted twilight of which hung grotesque golden fishes with great rubiesfor eyes.<>
---------------
Itisn't only the Count, either; that man at the bank looks to me much tooyellow to be English.<>
---------------
"He may not be exactly aforeigner, but he is not such a fool as he looks.<>
---------------
(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) Her disapproval would probably have deepened if she had heard theconversation, in her master's drawing-room that afternoon, aconversation of which the goldfish were the text, though the offensiveforeigner tended more and more to be the central figure.<>
---------------
Perhaps his backgroundbrought out something atmospherically Asiatic about his face and figure,for the room was a chaos of more or less costly curiosities, amid whichcould be seen the crooked curves and burning colours of countlessEastern weapons, Eastern pipes and vessels, Eastern musical instrumentsand illuminated manuscripts.<>
---------------
Of thesehouses Peregrine Smart's was the oldest, largest, and most picturesque;it straggled down almost the whole of one side of the square, leavingonly room for a small villa, inhabited by a retired colonel namedVarney, who was reported to be an invalid, and certainly was never seento go abroad.<>
---------------
Doubtless agreat deal can be done with hypnotism and suggestion, to say nothing ofsleight-of-hand.<>
---------------
"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Can't all that be explained by telepathy?" asked the doctor sharply.<>
---------------
"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Well," said old Smart cheerfully, "I don't profess to be an authorityon spiritual powers.<>
---------------
What do you say, Father Brown?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "The only thing that strikes me," answered the little priest, "is thatall the supernatural acts we have yet heard of seem to be thefts.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Something might be done with music," murmured the Count dreamily.<>
---------------
"Itwould be better than all these words.<>
---------------
I should prefer you, Jameson, to sleep upstairs inmy room to-night; if you put the bowl in the back room as usual, itwill be quite safe then.<>
---------------
(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) He did not see why there should be anyparticular danger of normal burglary; and as for the spiritual burglarythat figured in the traveller's tales of the Count de Lara, if histhoughts ran on them so near to sleep it was because they were suchstuff as dreams are made of.<>
---------------
" Therather ghostly grey twilight which begins to define and yet to discoloureverything when the light in the east has ceased to be localized, liftedslowly like a veil of grey gauze and showed him a figure wrapped inoutlandish raiment.<>
---------------
But the fish are gone, God knows how, though I think ourfriend ought to be asked.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Much better be telephoning the police at once," answered Boyle.<>
---------------
But it may be there are things even the police carsand wires won't outstrip.<>
---------------
Nor did itsoothe the inspector to be told by a foreign Count--in a soft, purringvoice--that the bounds of experience were being enlarged.<>
---------------
The man named Harmer, who had cometo the village on purpose to buy the goldfish, might be excused forbeing a little testy on learning they were not there to be bought.<>
---------------
When a man as ragged as those I described is able,by speaking a word, to dissolve a solid vessel inside the four walls ofthe house he stands outside, it might perhaps be called an example ofwhat I said about spiritual powers and material barriers.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "And it might be called an example of what I said," said the doctorsharply, "about a little scientific knowledge being enough to show howthe tricks are done.<>
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What a pity that what was supposed to be a sort oflarge meadow has been turned into a small and petty wilderness.<>
---------------
"A thing can sometimes be too close to be seen, as, for instance,a man cannot see himself.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I was saying that a man may be in the mood to look for something verydistant, and not realize that it is something very close, something veryclose to himself, perhaps something very like himself.<>
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It was tooclose to you to be seen.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Jameson did not expect the doors to be barred," said Father Brown.<>
---------------
"Heknew that a lot of men, especially careless men like you and youremployer, could go on saying for days that something ought to be done,or might as well be done.<>
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But if you convey to a woman that somethingought to be done, there is always a dreadful danger that she willsuddenly do it.<>
---------------
Hence, to see the sapphire Gates of Bluebeard's BluePalace, or portions of the Enchanted Grove of Golden Orange Trees,leaning up against the wall to be festooned with cobwebs or nibbled bymice, did not give him that soothing sense of a return to simplicitywhich we all ought to have when given a glimpse of that wonderland ofour childhood.<>
---------------
It was the sort of thing that does sometimes happen in thatstrange world behind the scenes; but it was big enough to be serious.<>
---------------
Miss Maroni, the talented young actress of Italian parentage, who hadundertaken to act an important part in the play that was to be rehearsedthat afternoon and performed that evening, had abruptly and evenviolently refused at the last moment to do anything of the kind.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) If it be possible for a heavy and healthy man to look haggard, he lookedhaggard.<>
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His face was full, but his eye-sockets were hollow; his mouthtwitched as if it were always trying to bite the black strip ofmoustache that was just too short to be bitten.<>
---------------
Hasn't she anyfriends here? Has nobody any influence with her?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Jarvis thinks the only man who might manage her is her own priest roundthe corner," said Randall; "and in case she does start hanging herselfon a hat peg, I really thought perhaps he'd better be here.<>
---------------
(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) Father Brown seemed to take it quite naturally and even casually, thathe should be called in to consider the queer conduct of one of hisflock, whether she was to be regarded as a black sheep or only as a lostlamb.<>
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Mundon Mandeville rather wearily, "that Igave her what ought to be the best part.<>
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It's supposed to be what stage-struck young women want, isn't it--to act the beautiful young heroineand marry the beautiful young hero in a shower of bouquets and cheersfrom the gallery? Women of my age naturally have to fall back on actingrespectable matrons, and I was careful to confine myself to that.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "It would be devilish awkward to alter the parts now, anyhow," saidRandall.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "It's not to be thought of," declared Norman Knight firmly.<>
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If she had been a German, gone away to think quietly about metaphysicsand weltschmerz, I should be all for breaking the door down.<>
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"It may be literature, but Iwant plays.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) Father Brown moved off in company with the man who had brought him in,who happened, indeed, to be a friend and person of a similar persuasion,which is not uncommon among actors.<>
---------------
Mandeville seems to be an intelligent woman," said the priest tohis companion, "though she keeps so much in the background.<>
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Might be a bit funny.<>
---------------
Well, twice over I happened to pass by there when everyonethought he was alone; and what's more, when I myself happened to be ableto account for all the women in the company, and all the women likely tohave to do with him, being absent or at their usual posts.<>
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But shecan't be a ghost.<>
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She may be mad.<>
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You may be right, butI shouldn't jump to conclusions.<>
---------------
The door seemed to be still closed; and.<>
---------------
"Saw him go into his little room at the endof the passage a minute or two ago; just before the prompter called andthe curtain went up-Must be there still, for I ain't seen him comeout.<>
---------------
"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) They both remained for an instant in a listening attitude, so that thebooming voice of the actor on the stage could indeed be heard rollingfaintly down the stairs and along the passage.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Do you mean," asked Jarvis with a rather ghastly look, "that theunknown visitor has got in here again? Do you think it's anythingserious?" After a moment he added: "I may be able to push back the bolt;I know the fastening on these doors.<>
---------------
She wouldn't be likely tobreak a mirror; so I suspect she broke a window.<>
---------------
It's true that all thisis under the ground floor; but it might be a skylight or a windowopening on an area.<>
---------------
But there don't seem to be any skylights or areashere.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) When it was fated that the theatre should be turned into a house ofmourning, an opportunity was given to the actors to show many of thereal virtues of their type and trade.<>
---------------
Their corporate alibi, as you say, dependschiefly on Lady Miriam and her friend in the box; though there is thegeneral common-sense corroboration that the act had to be gone throughand the routine of the theatre seems to have suffered no interruption.<>
---------------
We certainly might be accused of the crime, especially as we found thebody.<>
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There seems nobody else who can be accused.<>
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His wife was almost too much with him; so much with him that youall charitably suppose that she must be somebody else.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Well, it can't be very nice to elope with a murderess," said the otherdispassionately.<>
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Perhaps I hadn't known her longenough to be wrong about her.<>
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If you want to know what a lady is really like, don't look at her;for she may be too clever for you.<>
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Don't look at the men round her, forthey may be too silly about her.<>
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It may be worthremarking on the curious fact that she wanted that.<>
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She may be wicked; but she isn't a witch.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Well, I wouldn't be so sure," said Father Brown, with a smile.<>
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She is technically 'on,' but she might practically be verymuch 'off.<>
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There are many littledifficulties, of course, but I think they could all be met in time andin turn.<>
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Wasany motive strong enough? Was she very much in love with Knight?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I hope so," replied his companion; "for really it would be the mosthuman excuse.<>
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The hamlet could not be called a village; indeed, it waslittle more than a small and strangely-isolated street.<>
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He wasseen by two young men staying at his house--Evan Smith, who was acting ashis secretary, and John Dalmon, who was generally supposed to be engagedto his ward.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) When all the three guests returned to breakfast, they seemed to thinklittle or nothing of the continued absence of the squire; but when theday wore on and he missed one meal after another, they naturally beganto be puzzled, and Sybil Rye, the lady of the household, began to beseriously alarmed.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) Thus it happened that when the new day's dawn broke without news, FatherBrown was early afoot and on the look-out for anything; his black,stumpy figure could be seen pacing the garden path where the garden wasembanked along the river, as he scanned the landscape up and down withhis short-sighted and rather misty gaze.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I should be very glad to hear your views," said the little priestpleasantly.<>
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His longslits of eyes were rather sleepy and, indeed, he was an elderlygentleman to be up so early; but he had a look at once robust andweatherbeaten, as of an old farmer or sea captain who had once been outin all weathers.<>
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Heseemed to be still young, but his black hair had gone prematurely greyabout the temples.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "You must be the judge," said Father Brown gravely.<>
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She admitted that her repulsion might be morbid; she confessed it like asecret madness.<>
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It recalled Godiva andcertain tales of virgin martyrs; only the shy can be so shameless forconscience's sake.<>
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But I warn you to be prepared.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Let's see; how does the row of shops run? First, the butcher's; well,of course, a butcher would be an ideal performer with a large carving-knife.<>
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Then there is the dressmaker's, run by two maidenladies, and then a refreshment shop run by a man who happens to be inhospital and who has left his wife in charge.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I know you had," be said.<>
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The victim wouldnot even be alarmed at the razor and the hand.<>
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A little nervous fellow like that would be thelast man really to kill a big strong man for a tiff about money.<>
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But hewould be the first man to fear that he would be accused of having doneit.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) The priest still seemed to be in a sort of trance, like a man staringdown into an abyss.<>
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To begin with, about thatquestion you asked just now--why should the blackmailer be the murderer?Well, there are a good many conventional confusions and errors on apoint like that.<>
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One is, that rich men never want to be richer; theother is, that a man can only be blackmailed for money.<>
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Sybil Rye, for instance, has the same thin skin and managesto be a sort of saint.<>
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Oh, my God! he liked his revenges to be appropriate andartistic.<>
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He had obeyed,not altogether unwillingly; he had been a tool; and he suddenly foundhow the tool was to be broken and thrown away.<>
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He would indeed be of aninflammable temperament who was stirred to any of the more paganpassions by the display of interrupted spirals, inverted cones andbroken cylinders with which the art of the future inspired or menacedmankind.<>
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Among the people the priestdid not particularly want to know was a very dominant-looking lady,sensationally clad in scarlet, with a mane of yellow hair too long to becalled bobbed, but too loose to be called anything else.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) Father Brown gazed at the lady, feeling that the appearance and approachof his niece would be an agreeable contrast.<>
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Yet he continued to gaze,for some reason, until he reached the point of feeling that theappearance of anybody would be an agreeable contrast It was thereforewith a certain relief, though with a slight start as of awakening, thathe turned at the sound of his name and saw another face that he knew.<>
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Do you know SirJohn Musgrave?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "No," answered the priest; "but I should hardly have thought he was asecret, though they say be does hide himself in a castle.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "You know," she said, "that she wants me to be engaged to CaptainMusgrave.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I didn't," said Father Brown with resignation; "but Captain Musgraveseems to be quite a fashionable topic.<>
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He was staring right up atthe ceiling; but his eyes seemed to be turned inwards, and he laughed sothat my blood ran cold.<>
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"You mustn't be hasty in a case of this sort," he began.<>
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He said a few words toher that could not be heard.<>
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I--I have to be in London forsome days.<>
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"Imay explain that I have some status in Mr. Granby's inquiry, and itwould be a great relief to my mind if I could go.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) The impatient Granby, dancing upon the bank, called out to hiscompanion:"Oh, I can't stand these stick-in-the-mud ways! Why, it'd be lesstrouble to jump.<>
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In another long room beyond could be seen, through thehalf-open door, the dark colours of the rows of family portraits.<>
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Will you be good enough to stepinto the next room with me for a moment.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "And we shall be only too glad," said the solicitor, "to convey such ahappy assurance to your son.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "But," objected the lawyer, "if you want to find out about him, whydon't you go after him? Why should you hang about in this desolate holewhere he hardly ever comes?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "What would be the use of my going after him?" asked the other.<>
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For the baronet, in spite of his years, was very vigorousand a great walker, and could often be seen stumping through thevillage, and along the country lanes.<>
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He does not mind if nobody sees the joke; if nobodycan safely be allowed even to know the joke.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) There was another silence, but this time the silence seemed to be ratherfull and oppressive than merely empty; it seemed to settle down on themlike the twilight that was gradually turning from dusk to dark.<>
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And then what a good chance he ran! As soon as thebody was at all decayed in the stagnant water there would sooner orlater be nothing but a skeleton in fourteenth-century armour, a thingvery likely to be found in the moat of an old Border castle.<>
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It wasunlikely that anybody would look for anything there, but if they did,that would soon be all they would find.<>
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He would be an even less graceful jumper than I was.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "You mean," said Granby slowly, "that this pleasing youth killed hisfather, hid the corpse first in the armour and then in the moat,disguised himself and so on?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "They happened to be almost exactly alike," said the priest.<>
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Don't you seethat while it secured the post obit, it also provided some sort ofanswer to what would soon be the greatest difficulty of all?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I see several difficulties," said Granby; "which one do you mean?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I mean that if the son was not even disinherited, it would look ratherodd that the father and son never met.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) Father Brown seemed to be a little bemused, and went on in a moreabstracted fashion.<>
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Perhaps they symbolized the readiness ofdivine help to be had within; perhaps they merely implied that the idealbeing of a pious palmist would have as many hands as possible.<>
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ButPhroso the Phrenologist, a lean, shabby, sunburnt person, with an almostimprobably fierce black moustache and whiskers, was standing outside hisown temple, and talking, at the top of his voice, to nobody inparticular, explaining that the head of any passer-by would doubtlessprove, on examination, to be every bit as knobbly as Shakespeare's.<>
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Hardcastle was apromising politician; who seemed in society to be interested ineverything except politics.<>
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It may be answered gloomily that everypolitician is emphatically a promising politician.<>
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He only came down here ina hurry when he heard the Master was to be here, I believe.<>
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Are you coming into be operated on? I confess I am full of curiosity.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "I should be delighted to see the collection," said Hardcastle quietly,""including the Master of the Mountain, if that prophet is one exhibitin the museum.<>
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While he wasdelighted to show his treasures, he seemed to treasure them much morefor the truths supposed to be symbolized in them than for their value incollections, let alone cash.<>
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Even when he brought out the great ruby,perhaps the only thing of great value in the museum, in a merelymonetary sense, he seemed to be much more interested in its name than inits size, let alone its price.<>
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Heasked to be allowed to look at the stone; and as evening was closing in,and the long room with its single door was steadily darkening, hestepped out in the cloister beyond, to examine the jewel by a betterlight.<>
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Between the pillars hung thin curtains, or rather veils,made of beads or light canes, in a continental or southern manner; andon these again could be traced the lines and colours of Asiatic dragonsor idols, that contrasted with the grey Gothic framework in which theywere suspended.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "Now, don't tell me you're going to be silly," said Lady Mounteagle.<>
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The thing must be here.<>
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And the mystery is, where has he lost it so that we can't find it?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "It must be somewhere," said Hunter.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "You must be very strong," said the priest pleasantly.<>
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He seemed to be laughing, in a still unfathomable fashion attheir efforts to trace what they had all seen him take.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "If you were to be utterly, unfathomably, silent, do you think you mighthear a cry from the other end of the world? The cry of a worshipperalone in those mountains, where the original image sits, itself like amountain.<>
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They all turned theirfaces in the same direction; and on every face there seemed to be thesame suspended animation.<>
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"There cannot be the least doubt it is as yousay.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "We seem to be back among the mystics again.<>
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He said he'd waste no time on such nonsense;having apparently wasted a lot of his life on proving it to be nonsense.<>
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Are they,by George! I tell you some of them are so different that the best man ofone creed will be callous, where the worst man of another will besensitive.<>
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Itwouldn't be specially his temptation to take jewels; but it would be histemptation to take credit for miracles that didn't belong to him anymore than the jewels.<>
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We should all be anxious that nobody should think we haddone it.<>
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Look at old Mounteagle himself, for instance! Ah, you may be as Easternand esoteric as you like, and weal a turban and a long robe and live onmessages from Mahatmas; but if a bit of stone is stolen in your house,and your friends are suspected, you will jolly soon find out that you'rean ordinary English gentleman in a fuss.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "We mustn't be too hard on either of them," said Father Brown.<>
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He wore a picturesque short cloak or cape clasped with asilver clasp and chain, which blazed like a star when the flash touchedit; and something metallic in his motionless figure was emphasized bythe fact that his closely-curled hair was of the burnished yellow thatcan be really called gold; and had the look of being younger than hisface, which was handsome in a hard aquiline fashion, but looked, underthe strong light, a little wrinkled and withered.<>
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A tree is not supposed to be a good umbrella forthe lightning, but we shall want it soon for the rain.<>
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The young man glanced at the lady a little anxiously and said: "Can't weget shelter anywhere? There seems to be a house over there.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "It's curious," said his wife sadly, "that we should be caught in astorm with no house near but that one, of all others.<>
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"Thereseem to be all sorts of weird stories about why he hides himself likethat.<>
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His whole life seemed to be in that idolatry, and oneday the idol tumbled down, and was broken like any china doll.<>
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It's not raining now, but Ithink we'd better be moving back to the car.<>
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A newatmosphere of attention seemed to be created with the mention of thenewspaper proprietor.<>
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If it were onlypeople like you and the general, it might be only a private matter; butif Sir John Cockspur is going to spread some sort or scare in his papers--well, he's a Toronto Orangeman, and we can hardly keep out of it.<>
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Idon't see why even a religious maniac should be that particular sort ofmonomaniac, or how religion could increase that mania, except bybrightening it with a little hope.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "First, it was stated that James Mair was engaged to be married, butsomehow became unattached again after the death of Maurice Mair.<>
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I don't knowif it occurred to the lady that there might be another meaning to thatinquiry.<>
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Hecould be brought here in no time; but there's no need to bring him heretill we know.<>
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(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) That seemed to be all over, like the noise that wakes a man up.<>
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Even if therewere some double-dealing or darker motive not yet understood, onewould think it would be done for the sake of appearances.<>
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Anyhow, whenthe thing was all over, it would be natural for the second to stir longbefore the other second had vanished beyond the sandhills.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "You are right," said the priest, "and it shall be counted to you.<>
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I had heard of him as a mourner, andthen as a murderer; but already I had hazy suspicions that his reasonfor hiding might not only be concerned with what lie was, but with whohe was.<>
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I said I could pardon a regular decent duel, butof all the treacherous assassins----"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "He ought to be lynched," cried Cockspur excitedly.<>
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Youforgive because there isn't anything to be forgiven.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "But, hang it all," cried Mallow, "you don't expect us to be able topardon a vile thing like this?"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "No," said the priest; "but we have to be able to pardon it.<>
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What I mean is that, when I tried toimagine the state of mind in which such a thing would be done, I alwaysrealized that I might have done it myself under certain mentalconditions, but not under others; and not generally under the obviousones.<>
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It isn't,if you think what it would really be like to be a revolutionary poet.<>
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Now I set myself conscientiously down to be a revolutionary poet.<>
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But morbidity or no, there'sone thing to be said; it must be an interesting experience.<>
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I dare sayit might sometimes be a painful duty.<>
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It'squite a wild effort of imagination to be so conventional.<>
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It must be confessed that there did flash once beneath hisheavy frown a look of something almost like alarm.<>
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Father Brown could notreally be the monster and murderer he had beheld for that blinding andbewildering instant.<>
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You think of it assomething like an eruption of Vesuvius; but that would not really be soterrible as this house catching fire.<>
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If a criminal suddenly appeared inthis room----"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) "If a criminal appeared in this room," said Chace, smiling, "I think youwould be a good deal too favourable to him.<>
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Ithink that the practical effect would be that no criminal would everreform.<>
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"(Chesterton The secret of father Brown ) There was an instant of profound stillness, in which could be faintlyheard the belated laughter of Flambeau's children in the high, darkhouse above them, and the crunching and snorting of the great, grey pigsin the twilight.<>
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"We have been friends, I hope,for some considerable period; and I should be pretty much pained tosuppose you thought me capable of playing you such a trick while I wasenjoying your hospitality and the society of your family, merely becauseyou chose to tell me a little of your own autobiography of your own freewill.<>
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And when you spoke merely in defence of your friend --no, sir, Ican't imagine any gentleman double-crossing another under suchcircumstances; it would be a damned sight better to be a dirty informerand sell men's blood for money.<>
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