THE PICKWICK CLUB. 277
Sam was so lost in the contemplation of this comfortable scene, that he suffered the first inquiry of the rather stout lady to pass wholly un- heeded. It was not until it had been twice repeated, each time in a shriller tone, that he became conscious of the impropriety of his behaviour.
" Governor in ?" inquired Sam, in reply to the question.
•* No, he isn't," replied Mrs. Weller, for the rather stout lady was no other than the quondam relict and sole executrix of the dead-and- gone Mr. Clarke ; — " No, he isn't, and I don't expect him, either."
- I suppose he's a drivin' up to-day?" said Sam.
" He may be, or he may not," replied Mrs. Weller, buttering the round of toast which the red-nosed man had just finished, " I don't know, and, what's more, I don't care. Ask a blessin', Mr. Stiggins."
The red-nosed man did as he was desired, and instantly commenced on the toast with fierce voracity.
The appearance of the red-nosed man had induced Sam, at first sight, to more than half suspect that he was the deputy shepherd, of whom his estimable parent had spoken. The moment he saw him eat, all doubt on the subject was removed, and he perceived at once that if he proposed to take up his temporary quarters where he was, he must make his footing good without delay. He therefore commenced proceedings by putting his arm over the half-door of the bar, coolly unbolting it, and leisurely walking in.
" Mother-in-law," said Sam, " how are you?"
" Why, I do believe he is a Welier," said Mrs. W., raising her eyes to Sam's face, with no very gratified expression of countenance.
" I rayther think he is," said the imperturbable Sam ; " and I hope this here reverend genlm'n *11 excuse me saying that I wish I was the Weller as owns you, mother-in-law."
This was a double-barrelled compliment : it implied that Mrs. Weller was a most agreeable female, and also that Mr. Stiggins had a clerical appearance. It made a visible impression at once ; and Sam followed up his advantage by kissing his mother-in-law.
" Get along with you," said Mrs. Weller, pushing him away.
" For shame, young man," said the gentleman with the red nose.
" No offence. Sir, no offence," replied Sam ; " you're wery right, though ; it ain't the right sort o' thing, ven mothers-in-law is young and good looking, is it, Sir ? "
" It's all vanity," said Mr. Stiggins.
" Ah, so it is," said Mrs. Weller, setting her cap to rights.
Sam thought it was, too, but he held his peace.
The deputy shepherd seemed by no means best pleased with Sam's arrival ; and when the first effervescence of the compliment had sub- sided, even Mrs. Weller looked as if she could have spared him without the smallest inconvenience. However, there he was ; and as he couldn't be decently turned out, they all three sat down to tea.
" And how's father ?" said Sam.
At this inquiry, Mrs. Weller raised her hands, and turned up her eyes, as if the subject were too painful to be alluded to./
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