There sat the man who had found the source of the mighty ponds of Hampstead; the man who had excited the scientific world with his Theory of Tittlebats. He was as calm and unmoved as the deep waters of the ponds on a frosty day, or as a solitary tittlebat in the deepest parts of an earthen jar. And the spectacle became much more interesting , when Pickwick came into full life and animation. All at once a call for 'Pickwick' burst from his followers, and that illustrious man slowly climbed onto the chair where he had been sitting, and addressed the club which he himself had begun.

What an opportunity for an artist that exciting scene presented! The eloquent Pickwick, with one hand gracefully concealed behind his coat, and the other waving in the air to assist his glowing speech. His elevated position revealed those tights and gaiters, which no-one would have noticed if they had been on an ordinary man, but when Pickwick wore them inspired awe and respect. Pickwick was surrounded by the men who had volunteered to share the dangers of his travels, and who were certain to participate in the glory of his discoveries.

Vocabulary:

Source: Where something comes from.
Unmoved: Without emotion.
Earthen: Made from mud (wet earth)
Recesses: Dark corners.
Spectacle: An astonishing sight.
Animation: Movement.
Burst: Exploded loudly.
Illustrious: Famous and honourable.
Addressed: Spoke to.
Eloquent: A good speaker.
Elevated: Raised.
Tights: Long thin socks (not worn by men today)
Gaiters: For holding up tights.
Inspired: Gave the idea of.
Awe: Almost religious respect
Volunteered: Offered to do something.
Participate: Share.