“Do be quiet, Payne,” interposed the lieutenant. “Will you allow me to ask you, sir,” he said, addressing Mr. Pickwick, who was considerably mystified by this very unpolite byplay⁠—“will you allow me to ask you, Sir, whether that person belongs to your party?”

“No, Sir,” replied Mr. Pickwick, “he is a guest of ours.”

“He is a member of your club, or I am mistaken?” said the lieutenant inquiringly.

“Certainly not,” responded Mr. Pickwick.

“And never wears your club-button?” said the lieutenant.

“No⁠—never!” replied the astonished Mr. Pickwick.