Mr Tupman rang the bell, purchased the tickets, and ordered chamber candlesticks. In another quarter of an hour the stranger was completely arrayed in a full suit of Mr Nathaniel Winkle's.

'It's a new coat,' said Mr Tupman, as the stranger surveyed himself with great complacency in a cheval glass; 'the first that's been made with our club button,' and he called his companions' attention to the large gilt button which displayed a bust of Mr Pickwick in the centre, and the letters 'P. C.' on either side.

'P. C.' said the stranger - 'A strange arrangement - that's the old fellow's likeness, and "P. C." - What does "P. C." stand for - Peculiar Coat, eh?'

Mr Tupman, with rising indignation and great importance, explained the mystic meaning.

'Rather short in the waist, ain't it?' said the stranger, screwing himself round to catch a glimpse in the glass of the waist buttons, which were half - way up his back. 'Like a general postman's coat. Strange coats those - made by contract - no measuring - mysterious how all the short men get long coats - all the long men short ones.' Running on in this way, Mr Tupman's new companion adjusted his clothing, or rather the clothing of Mr Winkle; and, accompanied by Mr Tupman, ascended the staircase leading to the ballroom.

Vocabulary:

Chamber candlesticks: Candles to light the way to your room.
Arrayed: Here it means 'dressed'.
Surveyed: Looked at.
Complacency: Being pleased with yourself.
Cheval glass: A kind of mirror.
Gilt: Looking like gold
Bust: Head and shoulders
Indignation: Anger and irritation
Mystic: Strange, almost supernatural
Running on: Still talking.
Ascended: Went up