600 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OP
said Mr. Pickwick, whose voice had faltered a little hitherto, but now resumed its customary tone, " proud and happy to make your future prospects in life my grateful and peculiar care."
There was a profound silence for a short time, and then Sam said in -a low husky sort of voice, but firmly withal —
" I'm very much obliged to you for your goodness. Sir, as is only like yourself, but it can't be done."
" Can't be done ! " ejaculated Mr. Pickwick in astonishment.
" Samivel ! said Mr. Weller, with dignity.
" I say it can't be done," repeated Sam in a louder key. " Wot's to become of you. Sir ? "
" My good fellow," replied Mr. Pickwick, *' the recent changes among my friends will alter my mode of life in future, entirely ; besides I am growing older, and want repose and quiet. My rambles, Sam, are ^ver."
- ' How do I know that 'ere. Sir ?" argued Sam ; " you think so now !
S'pose you wos to change your mind, vich is not unlikely, for you've the spirit o' five-and-tventy in you still, — what 'ud become on you vithout me ? It can't be done. Sir, it can't be done."
" Wery good, Samivel, there's a good deal in that,'* said Mr. Weller, encouragingly.
"I speak after long deliberation, Sam, and with the certainty that I shall keep my word," said Mr. Pickwick, shaking his head. " New scenes have closed upon me ; my rambles are at an end."
- ' Wery good," rejoined Sam. '^ Then that's the wery best reason wy
you should alvays have somebody by you as understands you, to keep you up and make you comfortable. If you vant a more polished sort o' feller, veil and good, have him ; but vages or no vages, notice or no notice, board or no board, lodgin' or no lodgin', Sam Veller, as you took from the old inn in the Borough, sticks by you, come what come may ; and let ev'rythin' and everybody do their wery fiercest, nothin' shall ever per went it.
At the close of this declaration, which Sam made with great emotion, the elder Mr. Weller rose from his chair, and forgetting all considera- tions of time, place, or propriety, waved his hat above his head and gave three vehement cheers.
" My good fellow," said Mr. Pickwick, when Mr. Weller had sat down again, rather abashed at his o^vn enthusiasm, " you are bound to consider the young woman also."
" I do consider the young 'ooman. Sir," said Sam. " I have considered the young 'ooman, I've spoke to her, I've told her how I'm sitivated, she's ready to vait till I'm ready, and I believe she vill. If she don't, she's not the young 'ooman I take her for, and I give her up vith readiness. You've know'd me afore. Sir. My mind's made up, and nothin' can ever alter it."
Who could combat this resolution? Not Mr. Pickwick. He derived at that moment more pride and luxury of feeling from the disinterested attachment of his humble friends, than ten thousand protestations from the greatest men living could have awakened in his ieart.
