“Going!” said Mrs. Raddle, thrusting her nightcap over the banisters just as Mr. Pickwick, followed by Mr. Tupman, emerged from the sitting-room. “Going! what did they ever come for?”

“My dear ma’am,” remonstrated Mr. Pickwick, looking up.

“Get along with you, old wretch!” replied Mrs. Raddle, hastily withdrawing the nightcap. “Old enough to be his grandfather, you willin! You’re worse than any of ’em.”