the body of Mr.
Nupkins tingled up into the very tips of his ears. He had picked up the
captain at a neighbouring race-course. Charmed with his long list of
aristocratic acquaintance, his extensive travel, and his fashionable
demeanour, Mrs. Nupkins and Miss Nupkins had exhibited Captain
Fitz-Marshall, and quoted Captain Fitz-Marshall, and hurled Captain
Fitz-Marshall at the devoted heads of their select circle of
acquaintance, until their bosom friends, Mrs. Porkenham and the Misses
Porkenhams, and Mr. Sidney Porkenham, were ready to burst with
jealousy and despair. And now, to hear, after all, that he was a needy
adventurer, a strolling player, and if not a swindler, something so very
like it, that it was hard to tell the difference! Heavens! what would
the Porkenhams say! What would be the triumph of Mr. Sidney Porkenham
when he found that his addresses had been slighted for such a rival!
How should he, Nupkins, meet the eye of old Porkenham at the next
quarter-sessions! And what a handle would it be for the opposition
magisterial party if the story got abroad!

'But after all,' said Mr. Nupkins, brightening for a moment, after a
long pause; 'after all, this is a mere statement. Captain Fitz-Marshall
is a man of very engaging manners, and, I dare say, has many enemies.
What proof have you of the truth of these representations?'

'Confront me with him,' said Mr. Pickwick, 'that is all I ask, and all
I require. Confront him with me and my friends here; you will want no
further proof.'

'Why,' said Mr. Nupkins, 'that might be very easily done, for he will
be here to-night, and then there would be no occasion to make the matter
public, just--just--for the young man's own sake, you know. I--I--should
like to consult Mrs. Nupkins on the propriety of the step, in the first
instance, though. At all events, Mr. Pickwick, we must despatch this
legal business before we can do anything else. Pray step back into the
next room.'

Into the next room they went.

'Grummer,' said the magistrate, in an awful voice.

'Your Wash-up,' replied Grummer, with the smile of a favourite.

'Come, come, Sir,' said the magistrate sternly, 'don't let me see any of
this levity here. It is very unbecoming, and I can assure you that
you have very little to smile at. Was the account you gave me just now
strictly true? Now be careful, sir!' 'Your Wash-up,' stammered Grummer,
'I-'

'Oh, you are confused, are you?' said the magistrate. 'Mr. Jink