He had felt rather proud - he was going to admit this, and his enemies could use the fact against him if they wanted to - he had felt proud when he presented his Tittlebatian Theory to the world. It might be famous or it might not. (A shout of 'It is famous,' and great cheering.) Mr Pickwick was happy to believe that honourable Pickwickian who had just spoken - it was famous; perhaps his theory would become famous all over the known world.

Still, the pride which he could feel because he had written that document would be nothing compared with the pride which he felt as he looked around him, on this, the proudest moment of his existence. He was a humble individual. ('No, no.') Still he really felt that they had selected him for a very honourable task, and a task which was quite dangerous. Travelling was not easy, and coachmen were worried and unhappy. Let the members of the club look at the world around them and think about what was happening there.

Stage-coaches were falling over everywhere, the horses were running away, on the seas and rivers boats were overturning, and boilers were bursting in their engine rooms. (Cheers - a voice 'No.') No! (Cheers.) Let that honourable Pickwickian who cried 'No' so loudly come forward and deny it, if he could. (Cheers.) Who was it that cried 'No'? (Enthusiastic cheering.)