Was it some vain and disappointed man? He would not say that it was a particular hat-seller (loud cheers). But he knew that man was jealous of him because of the praise which had been given to his (Mr Pickwick's) work. Now this man was even more upset, because nobody liked his attempts to do better than him (Mr Pickwick). So now this man was using this this nasty and wicked way to ...

Mr Blotton (of Aldgate) stood up, and the Chairman asked him to speak. Mr Blotton wanted to know whether Mr Pickwick was talking about him. (Cries of "Order," "Mr Chairman," "Yes," "No," "Go on," "Stop it," and so on.)

Mr Pickwick said that he would not be stopped by people shouting. Indeed he was talking about Mr Blotton. (Great excitement.)

Mr Blotton said that his only reply was that Mr Pickwick was talking rubbish, and he did not agree with any of it. (Loud cheering.) Mr Pickwick was a hypocrite. (Noise and shouting.)

Mr Snodgrass now stood up as well. He asked the Chairman whether this disgraceful argument between two members of the club should be allowed to continue. (Everyone agreed.)