“A necklace,” replied Jack Hopkins. “Not all at once, you know, that would be too much⁠— you couldn’t swallow that, if the child did⁠—eh, Mr. Pickwick? ha, ha!” Mr. Hopkins appeared highly gratified with his own pleasantry, and continued⁠—“No, the way was this. Child’s parents were poor people who lived in a court. Child’s eldest sister bought a necklace⁠—common necklace, made of large black wooden beads. Child being fond of toys, cribbed the necklace, hid it, played with it, cut the string, and swallowed a bead. Child thought it capital fun, went back next day, and swallowed another bead.”

“Bless my heart,” said Mr. Pickwick, “what a dreadful thing! I beg your pardon, Sir. Go on.”