Was it some vain and disappointed man - he would not say haberdasher (loud cheers) - who, jealous of the praise which had been - perhaps undeservedly - bestowed on his (Mr Pickwick's) researches, and smarting under the censure which had been heaped upon his own feeble attempts at rivalry, now took this vile method of ... .
Mr Blotton (of Aldgate) rose to order. Did the honourable Pickwickian refer to him? (Cries of 'Order,' 'Chair,' 'Yes,' 'No,' 'Go on,' 'Stop it,' etc.)
Mr Pickwick would not put up to be stopped by the clamour. He had referred to the honourable gentleman. (Great excitement.)
Mr Blotton would only say then, that he rejected the hon. gent.'s false accusation, with profound contempt.
(Great cheering.) The hon. gent. was a humbug. (Immense confusion, and loud cries of 'Chair,' and 'Order.')
Mr Snodgrass rose to order. He asked the Chairman whether this disgraceful contest between two members of the club should be allowed to continue. (Hear, hear.)
Vain: Interested only in himself Haberdasher: A man who sells hats Bestowed: Given to Smart: An irritating pain Censure: Criticism Feeble: Weak Rivalry: Strong competition Vile: Nasty and evil
To order: This means he had asked the Chairman's permission to speak Clamour: Noise
Profound: Very deep Humbug: Someone pretending in order to impress other people Hear, hear: This means 'I agree'.
