“You rogue! you traitor! Jo, how could you?” cried the three girls, as Snodgrass led her friend triumphantly forth; and, producing both a chair and a badge, installed him in a jiffy.

“The coolness of you two rascals is amazing,” began Mr. Pickwick, trying to get up an awful frown, and only succeeding in producing an amiable smile. But the new member was equal to the occasion; and, rising, with a grateful salutation to the Chair, said, in the most engaging manner, “ Mr. President and ladies⁠—I beg pardon, gentlemen⁠—allow me to introduce myself as Sam Weller, the very humble servant of the club.”

“Good! good!” cried Jo, pounding with the handle of the old warming-pan on which she leaned.