I’msureIcryaboutitforhourstogether——mydearbrotherissogood，andsounsuspicious，thatheneverseesit。ifhedid，I’mquitecertainitwouldbreakhisheart。IwishIcouldthinkitwasonlymanner——Ihopeitmaybe——(heretheaffectionaterelativeheavedadeepsigh，andshookherheaddespondingly)。
I’msureaunt’stalkingaboutus，whisperedMissEmilyWardletohersister——I’mquitecertainofit——shelookssomalicious。
Isshe？repliedIsabella——Hem！auntdear！
Yes，mydearlove！
I’msoafraidyou’llcatchcold，aunt——haveasilkhandkerchieftotieroundyourdearoldhead——youreallyshouldtakecareofyourself——consideryourage！
Howeverwelldeservedthispieceofretaliationmighthavebeen，itwasasvindictiveaoneascouldwellhavebeenresortedto。Thereisnoguessinginwhatformofreplytheaunt’sindignationwouldhaveventeditself，hadnotMr。Wardleunconsciouslychangedthesubject，bycallingemphaticallyforJoe。
Damnthatboy，saidtheoldgentleman，he’sgonetosleepagain。
Veryextraordinaryboy，that，saidMr。Pickwick，doeshealwayssleepinthisway？
Sleep！saidtheoldgentleman，he’salwaysasleep。Goesonerrandsfastasleep，andsnoresashewaitsattable。
Howveryodd！saidMr。Pickwick。
Ah！oddindeed，returnedtheoldgentleman。I’mproudofthatboy——wouldn’tpartwithhimonanyaccount——he’sanaturalcuriosity！Here，Joe——Joe——takethesethingsaway，andopenanotherbottle——d’yehear？
Thefatboyrose，openedhiseyes，swallowedthehugepieceofpiehehadbeenintheactofmasticatingwhenhelastfellasleep，andslowlyobeyedhismaster’sorders——gloatinglanguidlyovertheremainsofthefeast，asheremovedtheplates，anddepositedtheminthehamper。Thefreshbottlewasproduced，andspeedilyemptied：thehamperwasmadefastinitsoldplace——thefatboyoncemoremountedthebox——thespectaclesandpocket-glasswereagainadjustedandtheevolutionsofthemilitaryrecommenced。Therewasagreatfizzingandbangingofguns，andstartingofladies——andthenaminewassprung，tothegratificationofeverybody——andwhentheminehadgoneoff，themilitaryandthecompanyfolloweditsexample，andwentofftoo。
Now，mind，saidtheoldgentleman，asheshookhandswithMr。Pickwickattheconclusionofaconversationwhichhadbeencarriedonatintervals，duringtheconclusionoftheproceedings——weshallseeyouallto-morrow。
Mostcertainly，repliedMr。Pickwick。
Youhavegottheaddress。
ManorFarm，DingleyDell，saidMrPickwick，consultinghispocket-book。
That’sit，saidtheoldgentleman。Idon’tletyouoff，mind，underaweek。andundertakethatyoushallseeeverythingworthseeing。Ifyou’vecomedownforacountrylife，cometome，andI’llgiveyouplentyofit。
Joe——damnthatboy，he’sgonetosleepagain——Joe，helpTomputinthehorses。
Thehorseswereputin——thedrivermounted——thefatboyclamberedupbyhisside——farewellswereexchanged——andthecarriagerattledoff。AsthePickwickiansturnedroundtotakealastglimpseofit，thesettingsuncastarichglowonthefacesoftheirentertainers，andfellupontheformofthefatboy。Hisheadwassunkuponhisbosom。andheslumberedagain。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter5[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERVASHORTONE。SHOWING，AMONGOTHERMATTERS，HOWMR。
PICKWICKUNDERTOOKTODRIVE，ANDMR。WINKLETORIDE。ANDHOWTHEYBOTH
DIDIT
BRIGHTandpleasantwasthesky，balmytheair，andbeautifultheappearanceofeveryobjectaround，asMr。PickwickleantoverthebalustradesofRochesterBridge，contemplatingnature，andwaitingforbreakfast。Thescenewasindeedonewhichmightwellhavecharmedafarlessreflectivemind，thanthattowhichitwaspresented。
Ontheleftofthespectatorlaytheruinedwall，brokeninmanyplaces，andinsome，overhangingthenarrowbeachbelowinrudeandheavymasses。
Hugeknotsofsea-weedhunguponthejaggedandpointedstones，tremblingineverybreathofwind。andthegreenivyclungmournfullyroundthedarkandruinedbattlements。Behinditrosetheancientcastle，itstowersroofless，anditsmassivewallscrumblingaway，buttellingusproudlyofitsownmightandstrength，aswhen，sevenhundredyearsago，itrangwiththeclashofarms，orresoundedwiththenoiseoffeastingandrevelry。Oneitherside，thebanksoftheMedway，coveredwithcornfieldsandpastures，withhereandthereawindmill，oradistantchurch，stretchedawayasfarastheeyecouldsee，presentingarichandvariedlandscape，renderedmorebeautifulbythechangingshadowswhichpassedswiftlyacrossit，asthethinandhalf-formedcloudsskimmedawayinthelightofthemorningsun。Theriver，reflectingtheclearblueofthesky，glistenedandsparkledasitflowednoiselesslyon。andtheoarsofthefishermendippedintothewaterwithaclearandliquidsound，astheheavybutpicturesqueboatsglidedslowlydownthestream。
Mr。Pickwickwasrousedfromtheagreeablereverieintowhichhehadbeenledbytheobjectsbeforehim，byadeepsigh，andatouchonhisshoulder。Heturnedround：andthedismalmanwasathisside。
Contemplatingthescene？inquiredthedismalman。
Iwas，saidMr。Pickwick。
Andcongratulatingyourselfonbeingupsosoon？Mr。Pickwicknoddedassent。
Ah！peopleneedtoriseearly，toseethesuninallhissplendour，forhisbrightnessseldomlaststhedaythrough。Themorningofdayandthemorningoflifearebuttoomuchalike。
Youspeaktruly，sir，saidMr。Pickwick。
Howcommonthesaying，continuedthedismalman，`Themorning’stoofinetolast。’Howwellmightitbeappliedtoourevery-dayexistence。
God！whatwouldIforfeittohavethedaysofmychildhoodrestored，ortobeabletoforgetthemforever！
Youhaveseenmuchtrouble，sir，saidMr。Pickwick，compassionately。
Ihave，saidthedismalman，hurriedly。Ihave。Morethanthosewhoseemenowwouldbelievepossible。Hepausedforaninstant，andthensaid，abruptly——
Diditeverstrikeyou，onsuchamorningasthis，thatdrowningwouldbehappinessandpeace？
Godblessme，no！repliedMr。Pickwick，edgingalittlefromthebalustrade，asthepossibilityofthedismalman’stippinghimover，bywayofexperiment，occurredtohimratherforcibly。
Ihavethoughtso，often，saidthedismalman，withoutnoticingtheaction。Thecalm，coolwaterseemstometomurmuraninvitationtoreposeandrest。Abound，asplash，abriefstruggle。thereisaneddyforaninstant，itgraduallysubsidesintoagentleripple。thewatershaveclosedaboveyourhead，andtheworldhascloseduponyourmiseriesandmisfortunesforever。Thesunkeneyeofthedismalmanflashedbrightlyashespoke，butthemomentaryexcitementquicklysubsided。andheturnedcalmlyaway，ashesaid——
There——enoughofthat。Iwishtoseeyouonanothersubject。Youinvitedmetoreadthatpaper，thenightbeforelast，andlistenedattentivelywhileIdidso。
Idid，repliedMr。Pickwick。andIcertainlythought——
Iaskedfornoopinion，saidthedismalman，interruptinghim，andIwantnone。Youaretravellingforamusementandinstruction。SupposeIforwardedyouacuriousmanuscript——observe，notcuriousbecausewildorimprobable，butcuriousasaleaffromtheromanceofreallife。Wouldyoucommunicateittotheclub，ofwhichyouhavespokensofrequently？
Certainly，repliedMr。Pickwick，ifyouwishedit。anditwouldbeenteredontheirtransactions。
Youshallhaveit，repliedthedismalman。Youraddress。and，Mr。
Pickwickhavingcommunicatedtheirprobableroute，thedismalmancarefullynoteditdowninagreasypocket-book，and，resistingMr。Pickwick’spressinginvitationtobreakfast，leftthatgentlemanathisinn，andwalkedslowlyaway。
Mr。Pickwickfoundthathisthreecompanionshadrisen，andwerewaitinghisarrivaltocommencebreakfast，whichwasreadylaidintemptingdisplay。
Theysatdowntothemeal。andbroiledham，eggs，tea，coffee，andsundries，begantodisappearwitharapiditywhichatonceboretestimonytotheexcellenceofthefare，andtheappetitesofitsconsumers。
Now，aboutManorFarm，saidMr。Pickwick。Howshallwego？
Wehadbetterconsultthewaiter，perhaps，saidMr。Tupman，andthewaiterwassummonedaccordingly。
DingleyDell，gentlemen——fifteenmiles，gentlemen——crossroad——post-chaise，sir？
Post-chaisewon’tholdmorethantwo，saidMr。Pickwick。
True，sir——begyourpardon，sir——Verynicefour-wheeledchaise，sir——seatfortwobehind——oneinfrontforthegentlemanthatdrives——oh！begyourpardon，sir——that’llonlyholdthree。
What’stobedone？saidMr。Snodgrass。
Perhapsoneofthegentlemenwouldliketoride，sir？suggestedthewaiter，lookingtowardsMr。Winkle。verygoodsaddlehorses，sir——anyofMr。Wardle’smencomingtoRochesterbring’emback，sir。
Theverything，saidMr。Pickwick。Winkle，willyougoonhorseback？
Mr。Winkledidentertainconsiderablemisgivingsintheverylowestrecessesofhisownheart，relativetohisequestrianskill。but，ashewouldnothavethemevensuspectedonanyaccount，heatoncerepliedwithgreathardihood，Certainly。Ishouldenjoyit，ofallthings。
Mr。Winklehadrusheduponhisfate。therewasnoresource。Letthembeatthedoorbyeleven，saidMr。Pickwick。
Verywell，sir，repliedthewaiter。
Thewaiterretired。thebreakfastconcluded。andthetravellersascendedtotheirrespectivebed-rooms，toprepareachangeofclothing，totakewiththemontheirapproachingexpedition。
Mr。Pickwickhadmadehispreliminaryarrangements，andwaslookingoverthecoffee-roomblindsatthepassengersinthestreet，whenthewaiterentered，andannouncedthatthechaisewasready——anannouncementwhichthevehicleitselfconfirmed，byforthwithappearingbeforethecoffee-roomblindsaforesaid。
Itwasacuriouslittlegreenboxonfourwheels，withalowplacelikeawine-binfortwobehind，andanelevatedperchforoneinfront，drawnbyanimmensebrownhorse，displayinggreatsymmetryofbone。Anhostlerstoodnear，holdingbythebridleanotherimmensehorse——apparentlyanearrelativeoftheanimalinthechaise——readysaddledforMr。Winkle。
Blessmysoul！saidMr。Pickwick，astheystooduponthepavementwhilethecoatswerebeingputin。Blessmysoul！who’stodrive？Ineverthoughtofthat。
Oh！you，ofcourse，saidMr。Tupman。
Ofcourse，saidMr。Snodgrass。
I！exclaimedMr。Pickwick。
Nottheslightestfear，sir，interposedthehostler。Warranthimquiet，sir。ahinfantinarmsmightdrivehim。
Hedon’tshy，doeshe？inquiredMr。Pickwick。
Shy，sir？——Hewouldn’tshyifhewastomeetavaggin-loadofmonkeyswiththeirtailsburntoff。
Thelastrecommendationwasindisputable。Mr。TupmanandMr。Snodgrassgotintothebin。Mr。Pickwickascendedtohisperch，anddepositedhisfeetonafloor-clothedshelf，erectedbeneathitforthatpurpose。
Now，shinyVilliam，saidthehostlertothedeputyhostler，givethegen’l’m’ntheribbins。ShinyVilliam——socalled，probably，fromhissleekhairandoilycountenance——placedthereinsinMr。Pickwick’slefthand。andtheupperhostlerthrustawhipintohisright。
Wo——o！criedMr。Pickwick，asthetallquadrupedevincedadecidedinclinationtobackintothecoffee-roomwindow。
Wo——o！echoedMr。TupmanandMr。Snodgrass，fromthebin。
Onlyhisplayfulness，gen’l’m’n，saidtheheadhostlerencouragingly。
jistkitchholdonhim，Villiam。Thedeputyrestrainedtheanimal’simpetuosity，andtheprincipalrantoassistMr。Winkleinmounting。
T’otherside，sir，ifyouplease。
Blowedifthegen’l’m’nworn’tagettin’uponthewrongside，whisperedagrinningpost-boytotheinexpressiblygratifiedwaiter。
Mr。Winkle，thusinstructed，climbedintohissaddle，withaboutasmuchdifficultyashewouldhaveexperiencedingettingupthesideofafirst-rateman-of-war。
Allright？inquiredMr。Pickwick，withaninwardpresentimentthatitwasallwrong。
Allright，repliedMr。Winklefaintly。
Let’emgo，criedthehostler，——Holdhimin，sir，andawaywentthechaise，andthesaddle-horse，withMr。Pickwickontheboxoftheone，andMr。Winkleonthebackoftheother，tothedelightandgratificationofthewholeinnyard。
Whatmakeshimgosideways？saidMr。Snodgrassinthebin，toMr。
Winkleinthesaddle。
Ican’timagine，repliedMr。Winkle。Hishorsewasdriftingupthestreetinthemostmysteriousmanner——sidefirst，withhisheadtowardsonesideoftheway，andhistailtowardstheother。
Mr。Pickwickhadnoleisuretoobserveeitherthisoranyotherparticular，thewholeofhisfacultiesbeingconcentratedinthemanagementoftheanimalattachedtothechaise，whodisplayedvariouspeculiarities，highlyinterestingtoabystander，butbynomeansequallyamusingtoanyoneseatedbehindhim。Besidesconstantlyjerkinghisheadup，inaveryunpleasantanduncomfortablemanner，andtuggingatthereinstoanextentwhichrendereditamatterofgreatdifficultyforMr。Pickwicktoholdthem，hehadasingularpropensityfordartingsuddenlyeverynowandthentothesideoftheroad，thenstoppingshort，andthenrushingforwardforsomeminutes，ataspeedwhichitwaswhollyimpossibletocontrol。
Whatcanhemeanbythis？saidMr。Snodgrass，whenthehorsehadexecutedthismanoeuvreforthetwentiethtime。
Idon’tknow，repliedMr。Tupman。itlooksverylikeshying，don’tit？Mr。Snodgrasswasabouttoreply，whenhewasinterruptedbyashoutfromMr。Pickwick。
Woo！saidthatgentleman。Ihavedroppedmywhip。
Winkle，saidMr。Snodgrass，astheequestriancametrottinguponthetallhorse，withhishatoverhisears，andshakingallover，asifhewouldshaketopieces，withtheviolenceoftheexercise，pickupthewhip，there’sagoodfellow。Mr。Winklepulledatthebridleofthetallhorsetillhewasblackintheface。andhavingatlengthsucceededinstoppinghim，dismounted，handedthewhiptoMr。Pickwick，andgraspingthereins，preparedtoremount。
Nowwhetherthetallhorse，inthenaturalplayfulnessofhisdisposition，wasdesirousofhavingalittleinnocentrecreationwithMr。Winkle，orwhetheritoccurredtohimthathecouldperformthejourneyasmuchtohisownsatisfactionwithoutarideraswithone，arepointsuponwhich，ofcourse，wecanarriveatnodefiniteanddistinctconclusion。Bywhatevermotivestheanimalwasactuated，certainitisthatMr。Winklehadnosoonertouchedthereins，thanheslippedthemoverhishead，anddartedbackwardstotheirfulllength。
Poorfellow，saidMr。Winkle，soothingly，——poorfellow——goodoldhorse。Thepoorfellowwasproofagainstflattery：themoreMr。Winkletriedtogetnearerhim，themorehesidledaway。and，notwithstandingallkindsofcoaxingandwheedling，therewereMr。Winkleandthehorsegoingroundandroundeachotherfortenminutes，attheendofwhichtimeeachwasatpreciselythesamedistancefromtheotheraswhentheyfirstcommenced——anunsatisfactorysortofthingunderanycircumstances，butparticularlysoinalonelyroad，wherenoassistancecanbeprocured。
WhatamItodo？shoutedMr。Winkle，afterthedodginghadbeenprolongedforaconsiderabletime。WhatamItodo？Ican’tgetonhim。
Youhadbetterleadhimtillwecometoaturnpike，repliedMr。Pickwickfromthechaise。
Buthewon’tcome！roaredMr。Winkle。Docome，andholdhim。
Mr。Pickwickwastheverypersonationofkindnessandhumanity：hethrewthereinsonthehorse’sback，andhavingdescendedfromhisseat，carefullydrewthechaiseintothehedge，lestanythingshouldcomealongtheroad，andsteppedbacktotheassistanceofhisdistressedcompanion，leavingMr。TupmanandMr。Snodgrassinthevehicle。ThehorsenosoonerbeheldMr。Pickwickadvancingtowardshimwiththechaisewhipinhishand，thanheexchangedtherotarymotioninwhichhehadpreviouslyindulged，foraretrogrademovementofsoverydeterminedacharacter，thatitatoncedrewMr。Winkle，whowasstillattheendofthebridle，ataratherquickerratethanfastwalking，inthedirectionfromwhichtheyhadjustcome。
Mr。Pickwickrantohisassistance，butthefasterMr。Pickwickranforward，thefasterthehorseranbackward。Therewasagreatscrapingoffeet，andkickingupofthedust。andatlastMr。Winkle，hisarmsbeingnearlypulledoutoftheirsockets，fairlyletgohishold。Thehorsepaused，stared，shookhishead，turnedround，andquietlytrottedhometoRochester，leavingMr。WinkleandMr。Pickwickgazingoneachotherwithcountenancesofblankdismay。Arattlingnoiseatalittledistanceattractedtheirattention。Theylookedup。
Blessmysoul！exclaimedtheagonisedMr。Pickwick，there’stheotherhorserunningaway！
Itwasbuttootrue。Theanimalwasstartledbythenoise，andthereinswereonhisback。Theresultmaybeguessed。Hetoreoffwiththefour-wheeledchaisebehindhim，andMr。TupmanandMr。Snodgrassinthefour-wheeledchaise。Theheatwasashortone。Mr。Tupmanthrewhimselfintothehedge，Mr。Snodgrassfollowedhisexample，thehorsedashedthefour-wheeledchaiseagainstawoodenbridge，separatedthewheelsfromthebody，andthebinfromtheperch：andfinallystoodstockstilltogazeupontheruinhehadmade。
Thefirstcareofthetwounspiltfriendswastoextricatetheirunfortunatecompanionsfromtheirbedofquickset——aprocesswhichgavethemtheunspeakablesatisfactionofdiscoveringthattheyhadsustainednoinjury，beyondsundryrentsintheirgarments，andvariouslacerationsfromthebrambles。Thenextthingtobedonewas，tounharnessthehorse。Thiscomplicatedprocesshavingbeeneffected，thepartywalkedslowlyforward，leadingthehorseamongthem，andabandoningthechaisetoitsfate。
Anhour’swalkingbroughtthetravellerstoalittleroadsidepublic-house，withtwoelmtrees，ahorsetrough，andasign-post，infront。oneortwodeformedhay-ricksbehind，akitchengardenattheside，androttenshedsandmoulderingout-housesjumbledinstrangeconfusionallaboutit。A
red-headedmanwasworkinginthegarden。andtohimMr。Pickwickcalledlustily——Hallothere！
Thered-headedmanraisedhisbody，shadedhiseyeswithhishand，andstared，longandcoolly，atMr。Pickwickandhiscompanions。
Hallothere！repeatedMr。Pickwick。
Hallo！wasthered-headedman’sreply。
HowfarisittoDingleyDell？
Betterersevenmile。
Isitagoodroad？
Not’ant。Havingutteredthisbriefreply，andapparentlysatisfiedhimselfwithanotherscrutiny，thered-headedmanresumedhiswork。
Wewanttoputthishorseuphere，saidMr。Pickwick。Isupposewecan，can’twe？
Wanttoputthaterehorseup，doee？repeatedthered-headedman，leaningonhisspade。
Ofcourse，repliedMr。Pickwick，whohadbythistimeadvanced，horseinhand，tothegardenrails。
Missus——roaredthemanwiththeredhead，emergingfromthegarden，andlookingveryhardatthehorse——Missus！
Atallbonywoman——straightallthewaydown——inacoarsebluepelisse，withthewaistaninchortwobelowherarm-pits，respondedtothecall。
Canweputthishorseuphere，mygoodwoman？saidMr。Tupman，advancing，andspeakinginhismostseductivetones。Thewomanlookedveryhardatthewholeparty。andthered-headedmanwhisperedsomethinginherear。
No，repliedthewoman，afteralittleconsideration，I’mafeeredonit。
Afraid！exclaimedMr。Pickwick，what’sthewomanafraidof？
Itgotusintroublelasttime，saidthewoman，turningintothehouse。
Iwoanthavenothin’tosayto’un。
MostextraordinarythingIevermetwithinmylife，saidtheastonishedMr。Pickwick。
I——I——reallybelieve，whisperedMr。Winkle，ashisfriendsgatheredroundhim，thattheythinkwehavecomebythishorseinsomedishonestmanner。
What！exclaimedMr。Pickwick，inastormofindignation。Mr。Winklemodestlyrepeatedhissuggestion。
Hallo，youfellow！saidtheangryMr。Pickwick，doyouthinkwestolethishorse？
I’msureyedid，repliedthered-headedman，withagrinwhichagitatedhiscountenancefromoneauricularorgantotheother。Sayingwhich，heturnedintothehouse，andbangedthedoorafterhim。
It’slikeadream，ejaculatedMr。Pickwick，ahideousdream。Theideaofaman’swalkingabout，allday，withadreadfulhorsethathecan’tgetridof！ThedepressedPickwickiansturnedmoodilyaway，withthetallquadruped，forwhichtheyallfeltthemostunmitigateddisgust，followingslowlyattheirheels。
Itwaslateintheafternoonwhenthefourfriendsandtheirfour-footedcompanionturnedintothelaneleadingtoManorFarm：andevenwhentheyweresoneartheirplaceofdestination，thepleasuretheywouldotherwisehaveexperiencedwasmateriallydampedastheyreflectedonthesingularityoftheirappearance，andtheabsurdityoftheirsituation。Tornclothes，laceratedfaces，dustyshoes，exhaustedlooks，and，aboveall，thehorse。
Oh，howMr。Pickwickcursedthathorse：hehadeyedthenobleanimalfromtimetotimewithlooksexpressiveofhatredandrevenge。morethanoncehehadcalculatedtheprobableamountoftheexpensehewouldincurbycuttinghisthroat。andnowthetemptationtodestroyhim，ortocasthimlooseupontheworld，rusheduponhismindwithtenfoldforce。Hewasrousedfromameditationonthesedireimaginings，bythesuddenappearanceoftwofiguresataturnofthelane。ItwasMr。Wardle，andhisfaithfulattendant，thefatboy。
Why，wherehaveyoubeen？saidthehospitableoldgentleman。
I’vebeenwaitingforyouallday。Well，youdolooktired。What！
Scratches！Nothurt，Ihope——eh？Well，Iamgladtohearthat——very。
Soyou’vebeenspilt，eh？Nevermind。Commonaccidentintheseparts。Joe——he’sasleepagain！——Joe，takethathorsefromthegentleman，andleaditintothestable。
Thefatboysaunteredheavilybehindthemwiththeanimal。andtheoldgentleman，condolingwithhisguestsinhomelyphraseonsomuchoftheday’sadventuresastheythoughtpropertocommunicate，ledthewaytothekitchen。
We’llhaveyouputtorightshere，saidtheoldgentleman，andthenI’llintroduceyoutothepeopleintheparlour。Emma，bringoutthecherrybrandy。now，Jane，aneedleandthreadhere。towelsandwater，Mary。Come，girls，bustleabout。
Threeorfourbuxomgirlsspeedilydispersedinsearchofthedifferentarticlesinrequisition，whileacoupleoflarge-headed，circular-visagedmalesrosefromtheirseatsinthechimney-corner(foralthoughitwasaMayevening，theirattachmenttothewoodfireappearedascordialasifitwereChristmas)，anddivedintosomeobscurerecesses，fromwhichtheyspeedilyproducedabottleofblacking，andsomehalf-dozenbrushes。
Bustle！saidtheoldgentlemanagain，buttheadmonitionwasquiteunnecessary，foroneofthegirlspouredoutthecherrybrandy，andanotherbroughtinthetowels，andoneofthemensuddenlyseizingMr。Pickwickbytheleg，atimminenthazardofthrowinghimoffhisbalance，brushedawayathisboot，tillhiscornswerered-hot。whiletheothershampoo’dMr。Winklewithaheavyclothes-brush，indulging，duringtheoperation，inthathissingsoundwhichhostlersarewonttoproducewhenengagedinrubbingdownahorse。
Mr。Snodgrass，havingconcludedhisablutions，tookasurveyoftheroom，whilestandingwithhisbacktothefire，sippinghischerrybrandywithheartfeltsatisfaction。Hedescribesitasalargeapartment，witharedbrickfloorandacapaciouschimney。theceilinggarnishedwithhams，sidesofbacon，andropesofonions。Thewallsweredecoratedwithseveralhunting-whips，twoorthreebridles，asaddleandanoldrustyblunderbuss，withaninscriptionbelowit，intimatingthatitwasLoaded——asithadbeen，onthesameauthority，forhalfacenturyatleast。Anoldeight-dayclock，ofsolemnandsedatedemeanour，tickedgravelyinonecorner。andasilverwatch，ofequalantiquity，dangledfromoneofthemanyhookswhichornamentedthedresser。
Ready？saidtheoldgentlemaninquiringly，whenhisguestshadbeenwashed，mended，brushed，andbrandied。
Quite，repliedMr。Pickwick。
Comealong，then，andthepartyhavingtraversedseveradarkpassages，andbeingjoinedbyMr。Tupman，whohadlingeredbehindtosnatchakissfromEmma，forwhichhehadbeendulyrewardedwithsundrypushingsandscratchings，arrivedattheparlourdoor。
Welcome，saidtheirhospitablehost，throwingitopenandsteppingforwardtoannouncethem，Welcome，gentlemen，toManorFarm。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter6[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERVIANOLD-FASHIONEDCARD-PARTY。THECLERGYMAN’SVERSES。
THESTORYOFTHECONVICT’SRETURN
SEVERALguestswhowereassembledintheoldparlourrosetogreetMr。Pickwickandhisfriendsupontheirentrance。andduringtheperformanceoftheceremonyofintroduction，withalldueformalities，Mr。Pickwickhadleisuretoobservetheappearance，andspeculateuponthecharactersandpursuits，ofthepersonsbywhomhewassurrounded——ahabitinwhichheincommonwithmanyothergreatmendelightedtoindulge。
Averyoldlady，inaloftycapandfadedsilkgown——nolessapersonagethanMr。Wardle’smother——occupiedthepostofhonourontheright-handcornerofthechimney-piece。andvariouscertificatesofherhavingbeenbroughtupinthewaysheshouldgowhenyoung，andofhernothavingdepartedfromitwhenold，ornamentedthewalls，intheformofsamplersofancientdate，worstedlandscapesofequalantiquity，andcrimsonsilktea-kettleholdersofamoremodernperiod。Theaunt，thetwoyoungladies，andMr。
Wardle，eachvyingwiththeotherinpayingzealousandunremittingattentionstotheoldlady，crowdedroundhereasy-chair，oneholdingherear-trumpet，anotheranorange，andathirdasmelling-bottle，whileafourthwasbusilyengagedinpattingandpunchingthepillowswhichwerearrangedforhersupport。Ontheoppositesidesatabald-headedoldgentleman，withagood-humouredbenevolentface——theclergymanofDingleyDell。andnexthimsathiswife，astoutbloomingoldlady，wholookedasifshewerewellskilled，notonlyintheartandmysteryofmanufacturinghome-madecordialsgreatlytootherpeople’ssatisfaction，butoftastingthemoccasionallyverymuchtoherown。Alittlehard-headed，Ribston-pippin-facedman，wasconversingwithafatoldgentlemaninonecorner。andtwoorthreemoreoldgentlemen，andtwoorthreemoreoldladies，satboltuprightandmotionlessontheirchairs，staringveryhardatMr。Pickwickandhisfellow-voyagers。
Mr。Pickwick，mother，saidMr。Wardle，attheverytopofhisvoice。
Ah！saidtheoldlady，shakingherhead。Ican’thearyou。
Mr。Pickwick，grandma！screamedboththeyoungladiestogether。
Ah！exclaimedtheoldlady。Well。itdon’tmuchmatter。Hedon’tcareforanold’oomanlikeme，Idaresay。
Iassureyou，ma’am，saidMr。Pickwick，graspingtheoldlady’shand，andspeakingsoloudthattheexertionimpartedacrimsonhuetohisbenevolentcountenance，Iassureyou，ma’am，thatnothingdelightsmemorethantoseealadyofyourtimeoflifeheadingsofineafamily，andlookingsoyoungandwell。
Ah！saidtheoldlady，afterashortpause。it’sallveryfine，I
daresay。butIcan’thearhim。
Grandma’sratherputoutnow，saidMissIsabellaWardle，inalowtone。butshe’lltalktoyoupresently。
Mr。Pickwicknoddedhisreadinesstohumourtheinfirmitiesofage，andenteredintoageneralconversationwiththeothermembersofthecircle。
Delightfulsituationthis，saidMr。Pickwick。
Delightful！echoedMessrs。Snodgrass，Tupman，andWinkle。
Well，Ithinkitis，saidMr。Wardle。
Therean’tabetterspoto’groundinallKent，sir，saidthehard-headedmanwiththepippin-face。therean’tindeed，sir——I’msuretherean’t，sir。Thehard-headedmanlookedtriumphantlyround，asifhehadbeenverymuchcontradictedbysomebody，buthadgotthebetterofhimatlast。
Therean’tabetterspoto’groundinallKent，saidthehard-headedmanagain，afterapause。
’CeptMullins’sMeadows，observedthefatmansolemnly。
Mullins’sMeadows！ejaculatedtheother，withprofoundcontempt。
Ah，Mullins’sMeadows，repeatedthefatman。
Reg’largoodlandthat，interposedanotherfatman。
Andsoitis，sure-ly，saidathirdfatman。
Everybodyknowsthat，saidthecorpulenthost。
Thehard-headedmanlookeddubiouslyround，butfindinghimselfinaminority，assumedacompassionateair，andsaidnomore。
Whataretheytalkingabout？inquiredtheoldladyofoneofhergrand-daughters，inaveryaudiblevoice。for，likemanydeafpeople，sheneverseemedtocalculateonthepossibilityofotherpersonshearingwhatshesaidherself。
Abouttheland，grandma。
Whatabouttheland？——Nothingthematter，isthere？
No，no。Mr。MillerwassayingourlandwasbetterthanMullins’sMeadows。
Howshouldbeknowanythingaboutit？inquiredtheoldladyindignantly。
Miller’saconceitedcoxcomb，andyoumaytellhimIsaidso。Sayingwhich，theoldlady，quiteunconsciousthatshehadspokenaboveawhisper，drewherselfup，andlookedcarving-knivesatthehard-headeddelinquent。
Come，come，saidthebustlinghost，withanaturalanxietytochangetheconversation，——Whatsayyoutoarubber，Mr。Pickwick？
Ishouldlikeitofallthings，repliedthatgentleman。butpraydon’tmakeuponeonmyaccount。
Oh，Iassureyou，mother’sveryfondofarubber，saidMr。Wardle。
a’ntyou，mother？
Theoldlady，whowasmuchlessdeafonthissubjectthanonanyother，repliedintheaffirmative。
Joe，Joe！saidtheoldgentleman。Joe——damnthat——oh，hereheis。
putoutthecard-tables。
Thelethargicyouthcontrivedwithoutanyadditionalrousingtosetouttwocard-tables。theoneforPopeJoan，andtheotherforwhist。Thewhist-playerswereMr。Pickwickandtheoldlady。Mr。Millerandthefatgentleman。Theroundgamecomprisedtherestofthecompany。
Therubberwasconductedwithallthatgravityofdeportmentandsedatenessofdemeanourwhichbefitthepursuitentitledwhist——asolemnobservance，towhich，asitappearstous，thetitleofgamehasbeenveryirreverentlyandignominiouslyapplied。Theround-gametable，ontheotherhand，wassoboisterouslymerryasmateriallytointerruptthecontemplationsofMr。Miller，who，notbeingquitesomuchabsorbedasheoughttohavebeen，contrivedtocommitvarioushighcrimesandmisdemeanours，whichexcitedthewrathofthefatgentlemantoaverygreatextent，andcalledforththegood-humouroftheoldladyinaproportionatedegree。
There！saidthecriminalMillertriumphantly，ashetookuptheoddtrickattheconclusionofahand。thatcouldnothavebeenplayedbetter，Iflattermyself——impossibletohavemadeanothertrick！
Milleroughttohavetrumpedthediamond，oughtn’the，sir？saidtheoldlady。
Mr。Pickwicknoddedassent。
OughtI，though？saidtheunfortunate，withadoubtfulappealtohispartner。
Youought，sir，saidthefatgentleman，inanawfulvoice。
Verysorry，saidthecrest-fallenMiller。
Muchusethat，growledthefatgentleman。
Twobyhonoursmakesuseight，saidMr。Pickwick。Anotherhand。Canyouone？inquiredtheoldlady。
Ican，repliedMr。Pickwick。Double，single，andtherub。
Neverwassuchluck，saidMr。Miller。
Neverwassuchcards，saidthefatgentleman。
Asolemnsilence：Mr。Pickwickhumorous，theoldladyserious，thefatgentlemancaptious，andMr。Millertimorous。
Anotherdouble，saidtheoldlady：triumphantlymakingamemorandumofthecircumstance，byplacingonesixpenceandabatteredhalf-pennyunderthecandlestick。
Adouble，sir，saidMr。Pickwick。
Quiteawareofthefact，sir，repliedthefatgentleman，sharply。
Anothergame，withasimilarresult，wasfollowedbyarevokefromtheunluckyMiller。onwhichthefatgentlemanburstintoastateofhighpersonalexcitementwhichlasteduntiltheconclusionofthegame，whenheretiredintoacorner，andremainedperfectlymuteforonehourandtwenty-sevenminutes。attheendofwhichtimeheemergedfromhisretirement，andofferedMr。PickwickapinchofsnuffwiththeairofamanwhohadmadeuphismindtoaChristianforgivenessofinjuriessustained。Theoldlady’shearingdecidedlyimproved，andtheunluckyMillerfeltasmuchoutofhiselementasadolphininasentry-box。
Meanwhiletheroundgameproceededrightmerrily。IsabellaWardleandMr。Trundlewentpartners，andEmilyWardleandMr。Snodgrassdidthesame。andevenMr。Tupmanandthespinsterauntestablishedajoint-stockcompanyoffishandflattery。OldMr。Wardlewasintheveryheightofhisjollity。andhewassofunnyinhismanagementoftheboard，andtheoldladiesweresosharpaftertheirwinnings，thatthewholetablewasinaperpetualroarofmerrimentandlaughter。Therewasoneoldladywhoalwayshadabouthalf-a-dozencardstopayfor，atwhicheverybodylaughed，regularlyeveryround。andwhentheoldladylookedcrossathavingtopay，theylaughedlouderthanever。onwhichtheoldlady’sfacegraduallybrightenedup，tillatlastshelaughedlouderthananyofthem。Then，whenthespinsterauntgotmatrimony，theyoungladieslaughedafresh，andthespinsterauntseemeddisposedtobepettish。till，feelingMr。Tupmansqueezingherhandunderthetable，shebrighteneduptoo，andlookedratherknowing，asifmatrimonyinrealitywerenotquitesofaroffassomepeoplethoughtfor。whereuponeverybodylaughedagain，andespeciallyoldMr。Wardle，whoenjoyedajokeasmuchastheyoungest。AstoMr。Snodgrass，hedidnothingbutwhisperpoeticalsentimentsintohispartner’sear，whichmadeoneoldgentlemanfacetiouslysly，aboutpartnershipsatcardsandpartnershipsforlife，andcausedtheaforesaidoldgentlemantomakesomeremarksthereupon，accompaniedwithdiverswinksandchuckles，whichmadethecompanyverymerryandtheoldgentleman’swifeespeciallyso。AndMr。Winklecameoutwithjokeswhichareverywellknownintown，butarenotatallknowninthecountry：andaseverybodylaughedatthemveryheartily，andsaidtheywereverycapital，Mr。Winklewasinastateofgreathonourandglory。Andthebenevolentclergymanlookedpleasantlyon。forthehappyfaceswhichsurroundedthetablemadethegoodoldmanfeelhappytoo。andthoughthemerrimentwasratherboisterous，stillitcamefromtheheartandnotfromthelips：andthisistherightsortofmerriment，afterall。
Theeveningglidedswiftlyaway，inthesecheerfulrecreations。andwhenthesubstantialthoughhomelysupperhadbeendespatched，andthelittlepartyformedasocialcircleroundthefire，Mr。Pickwickthoughthehadneverfeltsohappyinhislife，andatnotimesomuchdisposedtoenjoy，andmakethemostof，thepassingmoment。
Nowthis，saidthehospitablehost，whowassittingingreatstatenexttheoldlady’sarm-chair，withherhandfastclaspedinhis——ThisisjustwhatIlike——thehappiestmomentsofmylifehavebeenpassedatthisoldfire-side：andIamsoattachedtoit，thatIkeepupablazingfirehereeveryevening，untilitactuallygrowstoohottobearit。Why，mypooroldmother，here，usedtositbeforethisfire-placeuponthatlittlestoolwhenshewasagirl。didn’tyou，mother？
Thetearwhichstartsunbiddentotheeyewhentherecollectionofoldtimesandthehappinessofmanyyearsagoissuddenlyrecalled，stoledowntheoldlady’sfaceassheshookherheadwithamelancholysmile。
Youmustexcusemytalkingaboutthisoldplace，Mr。Pickwick，resumedthehost，afterashortpause，forIloveitdearly，andknownoother——theoldhousesandfieldsseemlikelivingfriendstome：andsodoesourlittlechurchwiththeivy，——aboutwhich，by-the-bye，ourexcellentfriendtheremadeasongwhenhefirstcameamongstus。Mr。Snodgrass，haveyouanythinginyourglass？
Plenty，thankyou，repliedthatgentleman，whosepoeticcuriosityhadbeengreatlyexcitedbythelastobservationsofhisentertainer。I
begyourpardon，butyouweretalkingaboutthesongoftheIvy。
Youmustaskourfriendoppositeaboutthat，saidthehostknowingly：
indicatingtheclergymanbyanodofhishead。
MayIsaythatIshouldliketohearyourepeatit，sir？saidMr。
Snodgrass。
Whyreally，repliedtheclergyman，it’saveryslightaffair。andtheonlyexcuseIhaveforhavingeverperpetrateditis，thatIwasayoungmanatthetime。Suchasitis，however，youshallhearitifyouwish。
Amurmurofcuriositywasofcoursethereply。andtheoldgentlemanproceededtorecite，withtheaidofsundrypromptingsfromhiswife，thelinesinquestion。Icallthem，saidhe，THEIVYGREENOh，adaintyplantistheIvygreen，Thatcreepetho’erruinsold！OfrightchoicefoodarehismealsIween，Inhiscellsoloneandcold。Thewallmustbecrumbled，thestonedecayed，Topleasurehisdaintywhim：AndthemoulderingdustthatyearshavemadeIsamerrymealforhim。Creepingwherenolifeisseen，ArareoldplantistheIvygreen。Fasthestealethon，thoughhewearsnowings，Andastauncholdhearthashe。Howcloselyhetwineth，howtightheclingsTohisfriendthehugeOakTree！Andslilyhetrailethalongtheground，Andhisleaveshegentlywaves，AshejoyouslyhugsandcrawlethroundTherichmouldofdeadmen’sgraves。Creepingwheregrimdeathhasbeen，ArareoldplantistheIvygreen。Wholeageshavefledandtheirworksdecayed，Andnationshavescatteredbeen。ButthestoutoldIvyshallneverfade，Fromitshaleandheartygreen。Thebraveoldplantinitslonelydays，Shallfattenuponthepast：Forthestateliestbuildingmancanraise，IstheIvy’sfoodatlast。Creepingon，wheretimehasbeen，ArareoldplantistheIvygreen。
Whiletheoldgentlemanrepeatedtheselinesasecondtime，toenableMr。Snodgrasstonotethemdown，Mr。Pickwickperusedthelineamentsofhisfacewithanexpressionofgreatinterest。Theoldgentlemanhavingconcludedhisdictation，andMr。Snodgrasshavingreturnedhisnote-booktohispocket，Mr。Pickwicksaid：
Excuseme，sir，formakingtheremarkonsoshortanacquaintance。
butagentlemanlikeyourselfcannotfail，Ishouldthink，tohaveobservedmanyscenesandincidentsworthrecording，inthecourseofyourexperienceasaministeroftheGospel。
Ihavewitnessedsomecertainly，repliedtheoldgentleman。buttheincidentsandcharactershavebeenofahomelyandordinarynature，mysphereofactionbeingsoverylimited。
Youdidmakesomenotes，Ithink，aboutJohnEdmunds，didyounot？inquiredMr。Wardle，whoappearedverydesiroustodrawhisfriendout，fortheedificationofhisnewvisitors。
Theoldgentlemanslightlynoddedhisheadintokenofassent，andwasproceedingtochangethesubject，whenMr。Pickwicksaid——
Ibegyourpardon，sir。butpray，ifImayventuretoinquire，whowasJohnEdmunds？
TheverythingIwasabouttoask，saidMr。Snodgrass，eagerly。
Youarefairlyinforit，saidthejollyhost。Youmustsatisfythecuriosityofthesegentlemen，soonerorlater。soyouhadbettertakeadvantageofthisfavourableopportunity，anddosoatonce。
Theoldgentlemansmiledgood-humouredlyashedrewhischairforward——theremainderofthepartydrewtheirchairsclosertogether，especiallyMr。
Tupmanandthespinsteraunt，whowerepossiblyratherhardofhearing。
andtheoldlady’sear-trumpethavingbeendulyadjusted，andMr。Miller(whohadfallenasleepduringtherecitaloftheverses)rousedfromhisslumbersbyanadmonitorypinch，administeredbeneaththetablebyhisex-partnerthesolemnfatman，theoldgentleman，withoutfurtherpreface，commencedthefollowingtale，towhichwehavetakenthelibertyofprefixingthetitleofTHECONVICT’SRETURN
WhenIfirstsettledinthisvillage，saidtheoldgentleman，whichisnowjustfive-and-twentyyearsago，themostnotoriouspersonamongmyparishionerswasamanofthenameofEdmunds，wholeasedasmallfarmnearthisspot。Hewasamorose，savage-hearted，badman：idleanddissoluteinhishabits。cruelandferociousinhisdisposition。Beyondthefewlazyandrecklessvagabandswithwhomhesaunteredawayhistimeinthefields，orsottedinthealehouse，hehadnotasinglefriendoracquaintance。
noonecaredtospeaktothemanwhommanyfeared，andeveryonedetested——andEdmundswasshunnedbyall。
Thismanhadawifeandoneson，whowhenIfirstcamehere，wasabouttwelveyearsold。Oftheacutenessofthatwoman’ssufferings，ofthegentleandenduringmannerinwhichsheborethem，oftheagonyofsolicitudewithwhichsherearedthatboy，noonecanformanadequateconception。
Heavenforgivemethesupposition，ifitbeanuncharitableone，butI
dofirmlyandinmysoulbelieve，thatthemansystematicallytriedformanyyearstobreakherheart。butsheboreitallforherchild’ssake，and，howeverstrangeitmayseemtomany，forhisfather’stoo。forbruteashewasandcruellyashehadtreatedher，shehadlovedhimonce。andtherecollectionofwhathehadbeentoher，awakenedfeelingsofforbearanceandmeeknessundersufferinginherbosom，towhichallGod’screatures，butwomen，arestrangers。
Theywerepoor——theycouldnotbeotherwisewhenthemanpursuedsuchcourses。butthewoman’sunceasingandunweariedexertions，earlyandlate，morning，noon，andnight，keptthemaboveactualwant。Thoseexertionswerebutillrepaid。Peoplewhopassedthespotintheevening——sometimesatalatehourofthenight——reportedthattheyhadheardthemoansandsobsofawomanindistress，andthesoundofblows：andmorethanonce，whenitwaspastmidnight，theboyknockedsoftlyatthedoorofaneighbour’shouse，whitherhehadbeensent，toescapethedrunkenfuryofhisunnaturalfather。
Duringthewholeofthistime，andwhenthepoorcreatureoftenboreabouthermarksofill-usageandviolencewhichshecouldnotwhollyconceal，shewasaconstantattendantatourlittlechurch。RegularlyeverySunday，morningandafternoon，sheoccupiedthesameseatwiththeboyatherside。
andthoughtheywerebothpoorlydressed——muchmoresothanmanyoftheirneighbourswhowereinalowerstation——theywerealwaysneatandclean。
Everyonehadafriendlynodandakindwordfor`poorMrs。Edmunds’。andsometimes，whenshestoppedtoexchangeafewwordswithaneighbourattheconclusionoftheserviceinthelittlerowofelmtreeswhichleadstothechurchporch，orlingeredbehindtogazewithamother’sprideandfondnessuponherhealthyboy，ashesportedbeforeherwithsomelittlecompanions，hercare-wornfacewouldlightenupwithanexpressionofheart-feltgratitude。andshewouldlook，ifnotcheerfulandhappy，atleasttranquilandcontented。
Fiveorsixyearspassedaway。theboyhadbecomearobustandwell-grownyouth。Thetimethathadstrengthenedthechild’sslightframeandknithisweaklimbsintothestrengthofmanhoodhadbowedhismother’sform，andenfeebledhersteps。butthearmthatshouldhavesupportedherwasnolongerlockedinhers。thefacethatshouldhavecheeredher，nomorelookeduponherown。Sheoccupiedheroldseat，buttherewasavacantonebesideher。TheBiblewaskeptascarefullyasever，theplaceswerefoundandfoldeddownastheyusedtobe：buttherewasnoonetoreaditwithher。andthetearsfellthickandfastuponthebook，andblottedthewordsfromhereyes。Neighbourswereaskindastheywerewonttobeofold，butsheshunnedtheirgreetingswithavertedhead。Therewasnolingeringamongtheoldelmtreesnow——nocheeringanticipationsofhappinessyetinstore。Thedesolatewomandrewherbonnetcloseroverherface，andwalkedhurriedlyaway。
ShallItellyou，thattheyoungman，who，lookingbacktotheearliestofhischildhood’sdaystowhichmemoryandconsciousnessextended，andcarryinghisrecollectiondowntothatmoment，couldremembernothingwhichwasnotinsomewayconnectedwithalongseriesofvoluntaryprivationssufferedbyhismotherforhissake，withill-usage，andinsult，andviolence，andallenduredforhim——shallItellyou，thathe，witharecklessdisregardofherbreakingheart，andasullenwilfulforgetfulnessofallshehaddoneandborneforhim，hadlinkedhimselfwithdepravedandabandonedmen，andwasmadlypursuingaheadlongcareer，whichmustbringdeathtohim，andshametoher？Alasforhumannature！Youhaveanticipateditlongsince。
Themeasureoftheunhappywoman’smiseryandmisfortunewasabouttobecompleted。Numerousoffenceshadbeencommittedintheneighbourhood。
theperpetratorsremainedundiscovered，andtheirboldnessincreased。A
robberyofadaringandaggravatednatureoccasionedavigilanceofpursuit，andastrictnessofsearch，theyhadnotcalculatedon。YoungEdmundswassuspectedwiththreecompanions。Hewasapprehended——committed——tried——condemned——todie。
Thewildandpiercingshriekfromawoman’svoice，whichresoundedthroughthecourtwhenthesolemnsentencewaspronounced，ringsinmyearsatthismoment。Thatcrystruckaterrortotheculprit’sheart，whichtrial，condemnation——theapproachofdeathitself，hadfailedtoawaken。
Thelipswhichhadbeencompressedindoggedsullennessthroughout，quiveredandpartedinvoluntarily。thefaceturnedashypaleasthecoldperspirationbrokeforthfromeverypore。thesturdylimbsofthefelontrembled，andhestaggeredinthedock。
Inthefirsttransportsofhermentalanguish，thesufferingmotherthrewherselfuponherkneesatmyfeet，andferventlybesoughttheAlmightyBeingwhohadhithertosupportedherinallhertroubles，toreleaseherfromaworldofwoeandmisery，andtosparethelifeofheronlychild。
Aburstofgrief，andaviolentstruggle，suchasIhopeImayneverhavetowitnessagain，succeeded。Iknewthatherheartwasbreakingfromthathour。butIneveronceheardcomplaintormurmurescapeherlips。
Itwasapiteousspectacletoseethatwomanintheprisonyardfromdaytoday，eagerlyandferventlyattempting，byaffectionandentreaty，tosoftenthehardheartofherobdurateson。Itwasinvain。Heremainedmoody，obstinate，andunmoved。Noteventheunlooked-forcommutationofhissentencetotransportationforfourteenyears，softenedforaninstantthesullenhardihoodofhisdemeanour。
Butthespiritofresignationandendurancethathadsolongupheldher，wasunabletocontendagainstbodilyweaknessandinfirmity。Shefellsick。Shedraggedhertotteringlimbsfromthebedtovisithersononcemore，butherstrengthfailedher，andshesunkpowerlessontheground。
Andnowtheboastedcoldnessandindifferenceoftheyoungmanweretestedindeed。andtheretributionthatfellheavilyuponhim，nearlydrovehimmad。Adaypassedawayandhismotherwasnotthere。anotherflewby，andshecamenotnearhim。athirdeveningarrived，andyethehadnotseenher。andinfour-and-twentyhourshewastobeseparatedfromher——perhapsforever。Oh！howthelongforgottenthoughtsofformerdaysrusheduponhismind，ashealmostranupanddownthenarrowyard——asifintelligencewouldarrivethesoonerforhishurrying——andhowbitterlyasenseofhishelplessnessanddesolationrusheduponhim，whenheheardthetruth！
Hismother，theonlyparenthehadeverknown，layill——itmightbe，dying——withinonemileofthegroundhestoodon。werehefreeandunfettered，afewminuteswouldplacehimbyherside。Herushedtothegate，andgraspingtheironrailswiththeenergyofdesperation，shookittillitrangagain，andthrewhimselfagainstthethickwallasiftoforceapassagethroughthestone。butthestrongbuildingmockedhisfeebleefforts，andhebeathishandstogetherandweptlikeachild。
Iborethemother’sforgivenessandblessingtohersoninprison。
andIcarriedhissolemnassuranceofrepentance，andhisferventsupplicationforpardon，tohersickbed。Iheard，withpityandcompassion，therepentantmandeviseathousandlittleplansforhercomfortandsupportwhenhereturned。butIknewthatmanymonthsbeforehecouldreachhisplaceofdestination，hismotherwouldbenolongerofthisworld。
Hewasremovedbynight。Afewweeksafterwardsthepoorwoman’ssoultookitsflight，Iconfidentlyhope，andsolemnlybelieve，toaplaceofeternalhappinessandrest。Iperformedtheburialserviceoverherremains。
Sheliesinourlittlechurchyard。Thereisnostoneathergrave’shead。
Hersorrowswereknowntoman。hervirtuestoGod。
Ithadbeenarrangedpreviouslytotheconvict’sdeparture，thatheshouldwritetohismotherassoonashecouldobtainpermission，andthatthelettershouldbeaddressedtome。Thefatherhadpositivelyrefusedtoseehissonfromthemomentofhisapprehension。anditwasamatterofindifferencetohimwhetherhelivedordied。Manyyearspassedoverwithoutanyintelligenceofhim。andwhenmorethanhalfhistermoftransportationhadexpired，andIhadreceivednoletter，Iconcludedhimtobedead，asindeed，Ialmosthopedhemightbe。
Edmunds，however，hadbeensentaconsiderabledistanceupthecountryonhisarrivalatthesettlement，andtothiscircumstance，perhaps，maybeattributedthefact，thatthoughseverallettersweredespatched，noneofthemeverreachedmyhands。Heremainedinthesameplaceduringthewholefourteenyears。Attheexpirationoftheterm，steadilyadheringtohisoldresolutionandthepledgehegavehismother，hemadehiswaybacktoEnglandamidstinnumerabledifficulties，andreturned，onfoot，tohisnativeplace。
OnafineSundayevening，inthemonthofAugust，JohnEdmundssetfootinthevillagehehadleftwithshameanddisgraceseventeenyearsbefore。Hisnearestwaylaythroughthechurchyard。Theman’sheartswelledashecrossedthestile。Thetalloldelms，throughwhosebranchesthedecliningsuncasthereandtherearichrayoflightupontheshadypath，awakenedtheassociationsofhisearliestdays。Hepicturedhimselfashewasthen，clingingtohismother’shand，andwalkingpeacefullytochurch。
Herememberedhowheusedtolookupintoherpaleface。andhowhereyeswouldsometimesfillwithtearsasshegazeduponhisfeatures——tearswhichfellhotuponhisforeheadasshestoopedtokisshim，andmadehimweeptoo，althoughhelittleknewthenwhatbittertearsherswere。Hethoughthowoftenhehadrunmerrilydownthatpathwithsomechildishplayfellow，lookingback，everandagain，tocatchhismother’ssmile，orhearhergentlevoice。andthenaveilseemedliftedfromhismemory，andwordsofkindnessunrequited，andwarningsdespised，andpromisesbroken，throngeduponhisrecollectiontillhisheartfailedhim，andhecouldbearitnolonger。
Heenteredthechurch。Theeveningservicewasconcludedandthecongregationhaddispersed，butitwasnotyetclosed。Hisstepsechoedthroughthelowbuildingwithahollowsound，andhealmostfearedtobealone，itwassostillandquiet。Helookedroundhim。Nothingwaschanged。Theplaceseemedsmallerthanitusedtobe，butthereweretheoldmonumentsonwhichhehadgazedwithchildishaweathousandtimes。thelittlepulpitwithitsfadedcushion。theCommunion-tablebeforewhichhehadsooftenrepeatedtheCommandmentshehadreverencedasachild，andforgottenasaman。Heapproachedtheoldseat。itlookedcoldanddesolate。Thecushionhadbeenremoved，andtheBiblewasnotthere。Perhapshismothernowoccupiedapoorerseat，orpossiblyshehadgrowninfirmandcouldnotreachthechurchalone。Hedarednotthinkofwhathefeared。Acoldfeelingcreptoverhim，andhetrembledviolentlyasheturnedaway。
Anoldmanenteredtheporchjustashereachedit。Edmundsstartedback，forheknewhimwell。manyatimehehadwatchedhimdigginggravesinthechurchyard。Whatwouldhesaytothereturnedconvict？
Theoldmanraisedhiseyestothestranger’sface，bidhim`goodevening，’
andwalkedslowlyon。Hehadforgottenhim。
Hewalkeddownthehill，andthroughthevillage。Theweatherwaswarm，andthepeopleweresittingattheirdoors，orstrollingintheirlittlegardensashepassed，enjoyingtheserenityoftheevening，andtheirrestfromlabour。Manyalookwasturnedtowardshim，andmanyadoubtfulglancehecastoneithersidetoseewhetheranyknewandshunnedhim。Therewerestrangefacesinalmosteveryhouse。insomeherecognisedtheburlyformofsomeoldschoolfellow——aboywhenhelastsawhim——surroundedbyatroopofmerrychildren。inothershesaw，seatedinaneasy-chairatacottagedoor，afeebleandinfirmoldman，whomheonlyrememberedasahaleandheartylabourer。buttheyhadallforgottenhim，andhepassedonunknown。
Thelastsoftlightofthesettingsunhadfallenontheearth，castingarichglowontheyellowcornsheaves，andlengtheningtheshadowsoftheorchardtrees，ashestoodbeforetheoldhouse——thehomeofhisinfancy——towhichhishearthadyearnedwithanintensityofaffectionnottobedescribed，throughlongandwearyyearsofcaptivityandsorrow。Thepalingwaslow，thoughhewellrememberedthetimewhenithadseemedahighwalltohim。
andhelookedoverintotheoldgarden。Thereweremoreseedsandgayerflowersthanthereusedtobe，butthereweretheoldtreesstill——theverytree，underwhichhehadlainathousandtimeswhentiredofplayinginthesun，andfeltthesoftmildsleepofhappyboyhoodstealgentlyuponhim。Therewerevoiceswithinthehouse。Helistened，buttheyfellstrangelyuponhisear。heknewthemnot。Theyweremerrytoo。andhewellknewthathispooroldmothercouldnotbecheerful，andheaway。Thedooropened，andagroupoflittlechildrenboundedout，shoutingandromping。
Thefather，withalittleboyinhisarms，appearedatthedoor，andtheycrowdedroundhim，clappingtheirtinyhands，anddragginghimout，tojointheirjoyoussports。Theconvictthoughtonthemanytimeshehadshrunkfromhisfather’ssightinthatveryplace。Herememberedhowoftenhehadburiedhistremblingheadbeneaththebed-clothes，andheardtheharshword，andthehardstripe，andhismother’swailing。andthoughthemansobbedaloudwithagonyofmindasheleftthespot，hisfistwasclenched，andhisteethwereset，infierceanddeadlypassion。
Andsuchwasthereturntowhichhehadlookedthroughthewearyperspectiveofmanyyears，andforwhichhehadundergonesomuchsuffering！Nofaceofwelcome，nolookofforgiveness，nohousetoreceive，nohandtohelphim——andthistoointheoldvillage。Whatwashislonelinessinthewildthickwoods，wheremanwasneverseen，tothis！
Hefeltthatinthedistantlandofhisbondageandinfamy，hehadthoughtofhisnativeplaceasitwaswhenheleftit。notasitwouldbewhenhereturned。Thesadrealitystruckcoldlyathisheart，andhisspiritsankwithinhim。Hehadnotcouragetomakeinquiries，ortopresenthimselftotheonlypersonwhowaslikelytoreceivehimwithkindnessandcompassion。Hewalkedslowlyon。andshunningtheroadsidelikeaguiltyman，turnedintoameadowhewellremembered。andcoveringhisfacewithhishands，threwhimselfuponthegrass。
Hehadnotobservedthatamanwaslyingonthebankbesidehim。hisgarmentsrustledasheturnedroundtostealalookatthenew-comer。andEdmundsraisedhishead。
Themanhadmovedintoasittingposture。Hisbodywasmuchbent，andhisfacewaswrinkledandyellow。Hisdressdenotedhimaninmateoftheworkhouse：hehadtheappearanceofbeingveryold，butitlookedmoretheeffectofdissipationordisease，thanlengthofyears。Hewasstaringhardatthestranger，andthoughhiseyeswerelustrelessandheavyatfirst，theyappearedtoglowwithanunnaturalandalarmedexpressionaftertheyhadbeenfixeduponhimforashorttime，untiltheyseemedtobestartingfromtheirsockets。Edmundsgraduallyraisedhimselftohisknees，andlookedmoreandmoreearnestlyupontheoldman’sface。Theygazeduponeachotherinsilence。
Theoldmanwasghastlypale。Heshudderedandtotteredtohisfeet。
Edmundssprangtohis。Hesteppedbackapaceortwo。Edmundsadvanced。
`Letmehearyouspeak，’saidtheconvict，inathickbrokenvoice。
`Standoff！’criedtheoldman，withadreadfuloath，Theconvictdrewclosertohim。
`Standoff！’shriekedtheoldman。Furiouswithterrorheraisedhisstick，andstruckEdmundsaheavyblowacrosstheface。
`Father——devil！’murmuredtheconvict，betweenhissetteeth。Herushedwildlyforward，andclenchedtheoldmanbythethroat——buthewashisfather。andhisarmfellpowerlessbyhisside。
Theoldmanutteredaloudyellwhichrangthroughthelonelyfieldslikethehowlofanevilspirit。Hisfaceturnedblack：thegorerushedfromhismouthandnose，anddyedthegrassadeepdarkred，ashestaggeredandfell。Hehadrupturedablood-vessel：andhewasadeadmanbeforehissoncouldraisehim。
Inthatcornerofthechurchyard，saidtheoldgentleman，afterasilenceofafewmoments，inthatcornerofthechurchyardofwhichI
havebeforespoken，thereliesburiedaman，whowasinmyemploymentforthreeyearsafterthisevent：andwhowastrulycontrite，penitent，andhumbled，ifevermanwas。Noonesavemyselfknewinthatman’slifetimewhohewas，orwhencehecame：——itwasJohnEdmundsthereturnedconvict。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter7[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERVIIHOWMR。WINKLE，INSTEADOFSHOOTINGATTHEPIGEON
ANDKILLINGTHECROW，SHOTATTHECROWANDWOUNDEDTHEPIGEON。HOWTHE
DINGLEYDELLCRICKETCLUBPLAYEDALL-MUGGLETON，ANDHOWALL-MUGGLETONDINED
ATTHEDINGLEYDELLEXPENSE：WITHOTHERINTERESTINGANDINSTRUCTIVEMATTERS
THEfatiguingadventuresofthedayorthesomniferousinfluenceoftheclergyman’stale，operatedsostronglyonthedrowsytendenciesofMr。Pickwick，thatinlessthanfiveminutesafterhehadbeenshowntohiscomfortablebedroom，hefellintoasoundanddreamlesssleep，fromwhichhewasonlyawakenedbythemorningsundartinghisbrightbeamsreproachfullyintotheapartment。Mr。Pickwickwasnosluggard。andhespranglikeanardentwarriorfromhistent——bedstead。
Pleasant，pleasantcountry，sighedtheenthusiasticgentleman，asheopenedhislatticewindow。Whocouldlivetogazefromdaytodayonbricksandslates，whohadoncefelttheinfluenceofascenelikethis？
Whocouldcontinuetoexist，wheretherearenocowsbutthecowsonthechimney-pots。nothingredolentofPanbutpan-tiles。nocropbutstonecrop？Whocouldbeartodragoutalifeinsuchaspot？WhoIaskcouldendureit？and，havingcross-examinedsolitudeafterthemostapprovedprecedents，atconsiderablelength，Mr。Pickwickthrusthisheadoutofthelattice，andlookedaroundhim。
Therich，sweetsmellofthehayricksrosetohischamberwindow。thehundredperfumesofthelittleflower-gardenbeneathscentedtheairaround。
thedeep-greenmeadowsshoneinthemorningdewthatglistenedoneveryleafasittrembledinthegentleair：andthebirdssangasifeverysparklingdropwereafountainofinspirationtothem。Mr。Pickwickfellintoanenchantinganddeliciousreverie。
Hallo！wasthesoundthatrousedhim。
Helookedtotheright，buthesawnobody。hiseyeswanderedtotheleft，andpiercedtheprospect。hestaredintothesky，buthewasn’twantedthere。andthenhedidwhatacommonmindwouldhavedoneatonce——lookedintothegarden，andtheresawMr。Wardle。
Howareyou？saidthatgood-humouredindividual，outofbreathwithhisownanticipationsofpleasure。Beautifulmorning，an’tit？Gladtoseeyouupsoearly。Makehastedown，andcomeout。I’llwaitforyouhere。
Mr。Pickwickneedednosecondinvitation。Tenminutessufficedforthecompletionofhistoilet，andattheexpirationofthattimehewasbytheoldgentleman’sside。
Hallo！saidMr。Pickwickinhisturn：seeingthathiscompanionwasarmedwithagun，andthatanotherlayreadyonthegrass。What’sgoingforward？
Why，yourfriendandI，repliedthehost，aregoingoutrook-shootingbeforebreakfast。He’saverygoodshot，an’the？
I’veheardhimsayhe’sacapitalone，repliedMr。Pickwick。butIneversawhimaimatanything。
Well，saidthehost，Iwishhe’dcome。Joe——Joe！
Thefatboy，whoundertheexcitinginfluenceofthemorningdidnotappeartobemorethanthreepartsandafractionasleep，emergedfromthehouse。
Goup，andcallthegentleman，andtellhimhe’llfindmeandMr。Pickwickintherookery。Showthegentlemanthewaythere。d’yehear？
Theboydepartedtoexecutehiscommission。andthehost，carryingbothgunslikeasecondRobinsonCrusoe，ledthewayfromthegarden。
Thisistheplace，saidtheoldgentleman，pausingafterafewminutes’
walking，inanaveuueoftrees。Theinformationwasunnecessary。fortheincessantcawingoftheunconsciousrookssufficientlyindicatedtheirwhereabout。
Theoldgentlemanlaidonegunontheground，andloadedtheother。
Heretheyare，saidMr。Pickwick。andashespoke，theformsofMr。
Tupman，Mr。Snodgrass，andMr。Winkleappearedinthedistance。Thefatboy，notbeingquitecertainwhichgentlemanhewasdirectedtocall，hadwithpeculiarsagacity，andtopreventthepossibilityofanymistake，calledthemall。
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