496 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF
heard, and that the ladies, looking up^ saw a hackney-coach stop at the garden -gate.
- ^ More company/' said Mrs. Sanders.
It's a gentleman," said Mrs. Raddle.
Well, if it ain't Mr. Jackson, the young man from Dodson and Fogg's ! " cried Mrs. Eardell. " Why, gracious ! Surely Mr. Pick- wick can't have paid the damages.
" Or hoffered marriage ! " said Mrs. Cluppins.
" Dear me, how slow the gentleman is," exclaimed Mrs. Rogers : " Why doesn't he make haste ! "
As the lady spoke these words, Mr, Jackson turned from the coach where he had been addressing some observations to a shabby man in black leggings, who had just emerged from the vehicle with a thick ash stick in his hand, and made his way to the place where the adies were seated; winding his hair round the brim of his hat as he came along.
" Is anything the matter ? Has anything taken place, Mr. Jack- son?" said Mrs. Bardell eagerly.
" Nothing whatever, Ma'am," replied iIr. Jackson. " How de do, ladies } I have to ask pardon, ladies, for intruding — but the law, ladies — the law." With this apology Mr. Jackson smiled, made a comprehensive bow, and gave his hair another wind. Mrs. Rogers whispered Mrs. Raddle that he was really an elegant young man.
" I called in Gos well-street," resumed Jackson, " and hearing that you were here, from the slavey, took a coach and came on. Our people want you down in the city directly, Mrs. Bardell.
" Lor ! " ejaculated that lady, starting at the sudden nature of the communication.
"Yes," said Jackson, biting his lip. "It's very important and pressing business, which can't be postponed on any account. Indeed, Dodson expressly said so to me, and so did Fogg. I've kept the coach on purpose for you to go back in."
" How very strange ! " exclaimed Mrs. Bardell.
The ladies agreed that it was very strange^ but were unanimously of opinion that it must be very important, or Dodson and Fogg would never have sent; and further, that the business being urgent, she ought to repair to Dodson and Fogg's without any delay.
There was a certain degree of pride and importance about being wanted by one's lawyers in such a monstrous hurry, that was by no means displeasing to iMrs. Bardell, especially as it might be reasonably supposed to enhance her consequence in the eyes of the first-floor lodger. She simpered a little, affected extreme vexation and hesitation, and at last arrived at the conclusion that she supposed she must go.
"But won't you refresh yourself after your walk, Mr. Jackson .»* " said Mrs. Bardell, persuasively.
" Why, really there ain't much time to lose," replied Jackson ; " and I've got a friend here," he continued, looking towards the man with the ash stick.
- ' Oh, ask your friend to come here, Sir," said Mrs. Bardell. "Pray
ask your friend here. Sir."
