“P. my dear—” said Mrs. Pott.

“My life,” said Mr. Pott.

“Pray introduce the other gentleman.”

“I beg a thousand pardons,” said Mr. Pott. “Permit me. Mrs. Pott, Mr. ——”

“Winkle,” said Mr. Pickwick.

“Winkle,” echoed Mr. Pott; and the ceremony of introduction was complete.

“We owe you many apologies, ma’am,” said Mr. Pickwick, “for disturbing your domestic arrangements at so short a notice.”

“I beg you won’t mention it, sir,” replied the feminine Pott, with vivacity. “It is a high treat to me, I assure you, to see any new faces; living as I do, from day to day, and week to week, in this dull place, and seeing nobody.”

“Nobody, my dear!” exclaimed Mr. Pott, archly.