Page:The Posthumous Papers of the Pickwick Club.djvu/676

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POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF THE PICKWICK CLUB
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" My one room," replied that much-injured gentleman, " was on the Coffee Room flight."

  • ' Oh, indeed ! " said Dodson. '^ I believe that is a very pleasant

part of the establishment."

"Very," replied Mr. Pickwick drily.

There was a coolness about all this, which to a gentleman of an excitable temperament had, under the circumstances, rather an exaspe- rating tendency. Mr. Pickwick restrained his wrath by gigantic efforts, but when Perker wrote a cheque for the whole amount, and Fogg deposited it in a small pocket-book, with a triumphant smile playing over his pimply features, which communicated itself likewise to the stern countenance of Dodson, he felt the blood in his cheeks tingling with indignation.

  • ' Now Mr. Dodson," said Fogg, putting up the pocket-book and

drawing on his gloves, I am at your service."

" Very good," said Dodson, rising, '^I am quite ready." " I am very happy," said Fogg, softened by the cheque, " to have had the pleasure of making Mr. Pickwick's acquaintance, I hope you don't think quite so badly of us, Mr. Pickwick, as when we first had the pleasure of seeing you."

  • ' I hope not," said Dodson, with the high tone of calumniated

virtue. "^Mr. Pickwick now knows us better, I trust; whatever your opinion of gentlemen of our profession may be, I beg to assure you. Sir, that I bear no ill-will or vindictive feeling towards you for the sentiments you thought proper to express in our office in Freeman's Court, Cornhill, on the occasion to which my partner has referred," " Oh no, no ; nor I," said Fogg, in a most forgiving manner.

  • ^ Our conduct. Sir," said Dodson, " will speak for itself, and justify

itself I hope, upon every occasion. We have been in the profession, some years, Mr. Pickwick, and have been honoured with the confidence of many excellent clients. I wish you good morning, Sir."

  • ' Good morning, Mr, Pickwick," said Fogg; and so saying he put

his umbrella under his arm, drew off his right glove, and extended the hand of reconciliation to that most indignant gentleman, who there- upon thrust his hands beneath his coat tails, and eyed the attorney with looks of scornful amazement.

  • ^ Lowten ! " cried Perker at this moment, " open the door,"

" Wait one instant," said Mr, Pickwick, " Perker, I will speak." " My dear Sir, pray let the matter rest where it is," said the little attorney, who had been in a state of nervous apprehension during the whole interview ; " Mr. Pickwick, I beg — "

I will not be put down. Sir," replied Mr. Pickwick hastily*

    • Mr. Dodson, you have addressed some remarks to me."

Dodson turned round, bent his head meekly, and smiled. " Some remarks to me," repeated Mr. Pickwick, almost breathless, "and your partner has tendered me his hand, and you have both as- sumed a tone of forgiveness and high-mindedness, which is an extent of impudence that I was not prepared for, even in you."

  • ' What, Sir ! " exclaimed Dodson.
  • ' What, Sir ! " reiterated Fogg.