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Elisha Cuthbert Photos Books: Martin Eden The Pickwick Papers The Sea Wolf |
In her eyes Tracy Tupman
was a youth; she viewed his years through a diminishing glass.
Dont be frightened, called out the old host, fearful of
alarming his daughters. The little party had crowded so
completely round Mr. Tupman, that they could not yet clearly
discern the nature of the accident.
Dont be frightened, said the host.
Whats the matter? screamed the ladies.
Mr. Tupman has met with a little accident; thats all.
The spinster aunt uttered a piercing scream, burst into an
hysteric laugh, and fell backwards in the arms of her nieces.
Throw some cold water over her, said the old gentleman.
No, no, murmured the spinster aunt; I am better now.
Bella, Emily--a surgeon! Is he wounded?--Is he dead?--Is
he-- Ha, ha, ha! Here the spinster aunt burst into fit number
two, of hysteric laughter interspersed with screams.
Calm yourself, said Mr. Tupman, affected almost to tears by
this expression of sympathy with his sufferings. Dear, dear
madam, calm yourself.
It is his voice! exclaimed the spinster aunt; and strong
symptoms of fit number three developed themselves forthwith.
Do not agitate yourself, I entreat you, dearest madam, said
Mr. Tupman soothingly. I am very little hurt, I assure you.
Then you are not dead! ejaculated the hysterical lady. Oh,
say you are not dead!
Dont be a fool, Rachael, interposed Mr. Wardle, rather
more roughly than was consistent with the poetic nature of the
scene. What the devils the use of his saying he isnt dead?
No, no, I am not, said Mr. Tupman. I require no assistance
but yours. Let me lean on your arm. He added, in a whisper,
Oh, Miss Rachael! The agitated female advanced, and offered
her arm. They turned into the breakfast parlour. Mr. Tracy
Tupman gently pressed her hand to his lips, and sank upon the sofa.
Are you faint? inquired the anxious Rachael.
No, said Mr. Tupman. It is nothing. I shall be better
presently. He closed his eyes.
He sleeps, murmured the spinster aunt. (His organs of vision
had been closed nearly twenty seconds.) Dear--dear--Mr. Tupman!
Mr. Tupman jumped up--Oh, say those words again! he exclaimed.
The lady started. Surely you did not hear them! she
said bashfully.
Oh, yes, I did! replied Mr. Tupman; repeat them. If you
would have me recover, repeat them.
Hush! said the lady. My brother.
Mr. Tracy Tupman resumed his former position; and Mr.
Wardle, accompanied by a surgeon, entered the room.
The arm was examined, the wound dressed, and pronounced
to be a very slight one; and the minds of the company having
been thus satisfied, they proceeded to satisfy their appetites with
countenances to which an expression of cheerfulness was again
restored. Mr. Pickwick alone was silent and reserved. Doubt and
distrust were exhibited in his countenance. His confidence in
Mr. Winkle had been shaken--greatly shaken--by the proceedings
of the morning.
Are you a cricketer? inquired Mr. Wardle of the marksman.
At any other time, Mr. Winkle would have replied in the
affirmative. He felt the delicacy of his situation, and modestly
replied, No.
Are you, sir? inquired Mr. Snodgrass.
I was once upon a time, replied the host; but I have given it
up now. I subscribe to the club here, but I dont play.
The grand match is played to-day, I believe, said Mr. Pickwick.
It is, replied the host. Of course you would like to see it.
I, sir, replied Mr. Pickwick, am delighted to view any sports
which may be safely indulged in, and in which the impotent
effects of unskilful people do not endanger human life. Mr.
Pickwick paused, and looked steadily on Mr. Winkle, who
quailed beneath his leaders searching glance. The great man
withdrew his eyes after a few minutes, and added: Shall we be
justified in leaving our wounded friend to the care of the ladies?
You cannot leave me in better hands, said Mr. Tupman.
Quite impossible, said Mr. Snodgrass.
It was therefore settled that Mr. Tupman should be left at
home in charge of the females; and that the remainder of the
guests, under the guidance of Mr. Wardle, should proceed to the
spot where was to be held that trial of skill, which had roused all
Muggleton from its torpor, and inoculated Dingley Dell with a
fever of excitement.
As their walk, which was not above two miles long, lay
through shady lanes and sequestered footpaths, and as their
conversation turned upon the delightful scenery by which they
were on every side surrounded, Mr. Pickwick The Pickwick Papers page 41 The Pickwick Papers page 43 |