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-cornerforalthoughitwasaMayevening，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。Millerwhohadfallenasleepduringtherecitaloftheversesrousedfromhisslumbersbyanadmonitorypinch，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。