Mr Tupman said again that he would really like to go to the ball. However Mr Snodgrass was not interested and rather disapproving while Mr Pickwick was obviously thinking of other things. Therefore Mr Tupman paid attention to drinking the port wine and eating dessert, which had just been placed on the table. The waiter went away, and the party were left to enjoy a relaxing few hours after dinner.

'Excuse me, sir,' said the stranger, 'the bottle is has stopped by you - pass it round,' and he emptied his glass, which he had filled about two minutes before, and poured out another, looking like a man who was used to doing this.

The wine was passed, and more wine was ordered. The stranger talked, and the Pickwickians listened.

Mr Tupman wanted to go to the ball more and more. Mr Pickwick's face glowed with an expression of liking for everyone, and Mr Winkle and Mr Snodgrass fell asleep.

'They're starting upstairs,' said the stranger - 'hear the musicians - getting their instruments into tune - there they go.' The various sounds which came downstairs told them that the first dance had begun.