HIE PICKWICK CLUB. 45
resisting Mr. Pickwick's pressing- invitation to breakfast, left that gen- tleman at his inn, and walked slowly away.
Mr. Pickwick found that his three companions had risen, and were waiting his arrival to commence hreakfast, which was ready laid in tempting display. They sat down to the meal; and broiled ham, eggn^ tea, coffee, and sundries, began to disappear with a rapidity which at once bore testimony to the excellence of the fare, and the appetites of its consumers.
- Now, about Manor Farm," said Mr. Pickwick. " How shall we
go?
- We had better consult the waiter, perhaps," said Mr. Tupman ;
and the waiter was summoned accordingly.
- ' Dingley Dell, gentlemen — fifteen miles, gentlemen — cross road —
postchaise. Sir? "
'• Post-chaise won't hold more than two," said Mr. Pickwick.
" True, Sir — beg your pardon. Sir. — Very nice four-wheel chaise, Sir — seat for two behind — one in front for the gentleman that drives — oh ! beg your pardon, Sir — that'll only hold three."
- What's to be done ? " said Mr. Snodgrass.
" Perhaps one of the gentlemen like to ride, Sir," suggested the waiter, looking towards Mr. Winkle ; ** very good saddle horses. Sir — any of Mr. Wardle's men coming to Rochester, bring 'em back. Sir."
'* The very thing," said Mr. Pickwick. " Winkle, will you go on horseback ? "
Now Mr. Winkle did entertain considerable misgivings in the very lowest recesses of his own heart, relative to his equestrian skill ; but, as he would not have them even suspected on any account, he at once replied with great hardihood, " Certainly. I should enjoy it, of all things."
Mr. Winkle had rushed upon his fate ; there was no resource.
- Let them be at the door by eleven," said Mr. Pickwick.
- Very well. Sir," replied the waiter.
The waiter retired ; the breakfast concluded ; and the travellers ascended to their respective bedrooms, to prepare a change of clothing, to take with them on their approaching expedition.
Mr. Pickwick had made his preliminary arrangements, and was looking over the coffee-room blinds at the passengers in the street, when the waiter entered, and announced that the chaise was ready — an announcement which the vehicle itself confirmed, by forth- with appearing before the coffee-room blinds aforesaid.
It was a curious little green box on four wheels, with a low place like a wine bin for two behind, and an elevated perch for one in front, drawn by an immense brown horse, displaying great symmetry of bone. An hostler stood near it, holding by the bridle another immense horse — apparently a near relative of the animal in the chaise — ready saddled for Mr. Winkle.
" Bless my soul I " said Mr. Pickwick, as they stood upon the pave- ment while the coats were being put in. " Bless my soul ! who's to drive ? I never thought of that."
" Oh ! you, of course," said Mr. Tupmao
