resolution was not at that time sufficiently strong,
or that his better feelings conquered, if better feelings he has, or
that the charms and accomplishments of my client prevailed against his
unmanly intentions; by proving to you that on one occasion, when he
returned from the country, he distinctly and in terms offered her
marriage; previously, however, taking special care that there should
be no witnesses to their solemn contract; and I am in a situation to
prove to you, on the testimony of three of his own friends--most
unwilling witnesses, gentlemen--most unwilling witnesses--that on that
morning he was discovered by them holding the plaintiff in his arms,
and soothing her agitation by his caresses and endearment."

A visible impression was produced upon the auditors by this part of
the learned Serjeant's address. Drawing forth two very small scraps
of paper, he proceeded,--

"And now, gentlemen, but one word more. Two letters have passed
between these parties, letters which are admitted to be in the
handwriting of the defendant, and which speak volumes indeed. These
letters, too, bespeak the character of the man. They are not open,
fervent, eloquent epistles, breathing nothing but the language of
affectionate attachment. They are covert, sly, underhanded
communications; but, fortunately, far more conclusive than if couched
in the most glowing language and the most poetic imagery--letters that
must be viewed with a cautious and suspicious eye--letters that were
evidently intended at the time, by Pickwick, to mislead and delude any
third parties into whose hands they might fall. Let me read the
first:--'Garraway's, twelve o'clock. Dear Mrs. B.--Chops and Tomato
sauce; Yours, PICKWICK.' Gentlemen, what does this mean? Chops and
Tomato sauce. Yours, PICKWICK! Chops! Gracious heavens! and Tomato
sauce! Gentlemen, is the happiness of a sensitive and confiding
female to be trifled away by such shallow artifices as these? The
next has no date whatever, which is in itself suspicious. 'Dear Mrs.
B., I shall not be at home till to-morrow. Slow coach.' And then
follows this very remarkable expression: 'Don't trouble yourself about
the warming-pan.' The warming-pan! Why, gentlemen, who _does_
trouble himself about a warming-pan? When was the peace of mind of
man or woman broken or disturbed by a warming-