'Here - not I - but you'd better - good house - nice beds - Wright's next house, dear - very dear. Half-a-crown on the bill if you look at the waiter - charge you more if you dine at a friend's than they would if you dined in the coffee-room. Rum fellows - very.'

Mr Winkle turned to Mr Pickwick, and murmured a few words; a whisper passed from Mr Pickwick to Mr Snodgrass, from Mr Snodgrass to Mr Tupman, and nods of assent were exchanged. Mr Pickwick addressed the stranger.

'You rendered us a very important service this morning, sir,' said he, 'will you allow us to offer a slight mark of our gratitude by begging the favour of your company at dinner?'

'Great pleasure - not presume to dictate, but broiled fowl and mushrooms - capital thing! What time?'

'Let me see,' replied Mr Pickwick, referring to his watch, 'it is now nearly three. Shall we say five?'