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Pickwick.
To which I have reason to know, said Pott, looking towards
Mr. Perker for corroboration--to which I have reason to know
that my article of last Saturday in some degree contributed.
Not the least doubt of it, said the little man.
The press is a mighty engine, sir, said Pott.
Mr. Pickwick yielded his fullest assent to the proposition.
But I trust, sir, said Pott, that I have never abused the
enormous power I wield. I trust, sir, that I have never pointed the
noble instrument which is placed in my hands, against the sacred
bosom of private life, or the tender breast of individual reputation;
I trust, sir, that I have devoted my energies to--to endeavours--
humble they may be, humble I know they are--to
instil those principles of--which--are--
Here the editor of the Eatanswill GAZETTE, appearing to ramble,
Mr. Pickwick came to his relief, and said--
Certainly.
And what, Sir, said Pott--what, Sir, let me ask you as an
impartial man, is the state of the public mind in London, with
reference to my contest with the INDEPENDENT?
Greatly excited, no doubt, interposed Mr. Perker, with a
look of slyness which was very likely accidental.
The contest, said Pott, shall be prolonged so long as I have
health and strength, and that portion of talent with which I am
gifted. From that contest, Sir, although it may unsettle mens
minds and excite their feelings, and render them incapable for
the discharge of the everyday duties of ordinary life; from that
contest, sir, I will never shrink, till I have set my heel upon the
Eatanswill INDEPENDENT. I wish the people of London, and the
people of this country to know, sir, that they may rely upon me
--that I will not desert them, that I am resolved to stand by them,
Sir, to the last.
Your conduct is most noble, Sir, said Mr. Pickwick; and he
grasped the hand of the magnanimous Pott.
You are, sir, I perceive, a man of sense and talent, said Mr.
Pott, almost breathless with the vehemence of his patriotic
declaration. I am most happy, sir, to make the acquaintance of
such a man.
And I, said Mr. Pickwick, feel deeply honoured by this
expression of your opinion. Allow me, sir, to introduce you to
my fellow-travellers, the other corresponding members of the
club I am proud to have founded.
I shall be delighted, said Mr. Pott.
Mr. Pickwick withdrew, and returning with his friends,
presented them in due form to the editor of the Eatanswill GAZETTE.
Now, my dear Pott, said little Mr. Perker, the question is,
what are we to do with our friends here?
We can stop in this house, I suppose, said Mr. Pickwick.
Not a spare bed in the house, my dear sir--not a single bed.
Extremely awkward, said Mr. Pickwick.
Very, said his fellow-voyagers.
I have an idea upon this subject, said Mr. Pott, which I
think may be very successfully adopted. They have two beds at
the Peacock, and I can boldly say, on behalf of Mrs. Pott, that
she will be delighted to accommodate Mr. Pickwick and any
one of his friends, if the other two gentlemen and their servant
do not object to shifting, as they best can, at the Peacock.
After repeated pressings on the part of Mr. Pott, and repeated
protestations on that of Mr. Pickwick that he could not think of
incommoding or troubling his amiable wife, it was decided that
it was the only feasible arrangement that could be made. So it
WAS made; and after dinner together at the Town Arms, the
friends separated, Mr. Tupman and Mr. Snodgrass repairing to
the Peacock, and Mr. Pickwick and Mr. Winkle proceeding to
the mansion of Mr. Pott; it having been previously arranged
that they should all reassemble at the Town Arms in the morning,
and accompany the Honourable Samuel Slumkeys procession to
the place of nomination.
Mr. Potts domestic circle was limited to himself and his
wife. All men whom mighty genius has raised to a proud eminence
in the world, have usually some little weakness which
appears the more conspicuous from the contrast it presents to
their general character. If Mr. Pott had a weakness, it was,
perhaps, that he was rather too submissive to the somewhat
contemptuous control and sway of his wife. We do not feel
justified in laying any particular stress upon the fact, because
on the present occasion all Mrs. Potts most winning ways
were brought into requisition to receive the two gentlemen.
My dear, said Mr. Pott, Mr. Pickwick--Mr. Pickwick of The Pickwick Papers page 78 The Pickwick Papers page 80 |