To this the fat boy, considerably terrified, briefly responded, “Missis.”
“What do you want me for?” inquired Emily, turning her head aside, “you stupid creature!”
“Master and Mr. Pickwick is a going to dine here at five,” replied the fat boy.
“Leave the room!” said Mr. Snodgrass, glaring upon the bewildered youth.
“No, no, no,” added Emily hastily. “Bella, dear, advise me.”
Upon this Emily and Mr. Snodgrass, and Arabella and Mary, crowded into a corner, and conversed earnestly in whispers for some minutes, during which the fat boy dozed.
“Joe,” said Arabella, at length, looking round with a most bewitching smile, “how do you do, Joe?”
“Joe,” said Emily, “you’re a very good boy; I won’t forget you, Joe.”
“Joe,” said Mr. Snodgrass, advancing to the astonished youth, and seizing his hand, “I didn’t know you before. There’s five shillings for you, Joe!”