exaggerated and wholesale statements that were scarcely well founded.
This is found in some degree even in the sweeping attacks in _Bleak
House_. But he was so vivid, so persuasive, in his pictures, that there
was no appeal.

The unreasoning fury of Mr. Pickwick is specially shown in the case of
Jingle, whom he pursued with an animosity that was almost frantic. One
would think it was some public enemy he was hunting down for the public
good. Poor Jingle had really done nothing so monstrous, after all. He
had "chaffed" Dr. Slammer, "run off" with the spinster aunt--nothing so
uncommon in those days--had been consigned to the Fleet for non-payment
of his debts, and there showed penitence and other signs of a good heart.
His one serious offence was passing himself off as a naval officer, and
under an assumed name. But he had _crossed_ Mr. Pickwick--had ridiculed
him--had contemptuously sent a message to "Tuppy." When he dared to play
a practical joke on his persecutor, his infamy passed beyond bounds.
Here was the key to Mr. Pickwick's nature--any lack of homage or respect
was an offence against morality. So with Dodson and Fogg. He had
settled in his mind that a condescending visit to these gentlemen, with a
little explanation and remonstrance would completely disarm them. His
fury on his advances being rejected was extraordinary.

Here Boz shows, as he ever does, his profound and most logical treatment
of human character. He never goes astray, being guided by a happy and
true instinct. Mr. Pickwick had grown to be the most inflated of men.
Flattered and followed--submitted to with the greatest
deference--ordering people about--doing what he pleased--he could not
stand the slightest opposition. No one was to contradict--no one to
question even his stockings--speckled or others. Even when he was
clearly wrong, it was an affront to hint at it. He had much in common
with that great man, Mr. Gladstone, who was the political Pickwick of his
time. He was overbearing and arrogant and unrestrained, and I am afraid
vindictive. Dodson and Fogg were associated with the great mortification
of his life. He could not forgive them--the very sight of them roused
his hatred, and the having to pay them ransom stung him to fury. All
which is most natural and yet unexpected.

The popular and genial Sir Frank Lockwood was almost the first to put
forward a plea in abatement of prejudice for the firm. He showed that
they w