Was it some vain and disappointed man? He would not say that it was a certain hat-seller (loud cheers); even though he knew that man was jealous of him because of the praise which had been - perhaps undeservedly - 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 he took this vile method of ... .
Mr Blotton (of Aldgate) rose to order. Was Mr Pickwick talking about him? (Cries of 'Order,' 'Chair,' 'Yes,' 'No,' 'Go on,' 'Stop it,' etc.)
Mr Pickwick said that he would not be stopped by people shouting. Indeed he was talking about that gentleman. (Great excitement.)
Mr Blotton would only say then, that he rejected this false accusation, with complete contempt. (Great cheering.) Mr Pickwick was a hypocrite. (Great confusion, and loud cries of 'Chair,' and 'Order.')
Mr Snodgrass rose to order. He asked the Chairman whether this disgraceful argument between two members of the club should be allowed to continue. (Hear, hear.)
Vain: Interested only in himself Jealous: Angry about someone else having something better Vile: Nasty and evil
To order: This means he had asked the Chairman's permission to speak Chairman: The person in charge of a committee meeting Chair: Here this refers to the Chairman That gentleman: i.e. Mr Blotton
Reject: Refuse to take Contempt: Anger at something shameful Hypocrite: Someone who says one thing, but does another Hear, hear: This means 'I agree'
