He was apparently about to proceed to do so, when Lieutenant Tappleton, who had been eyeing him with great curiosity, said with considerable scorn, “Haven’t I seen you at the theatre, Sir?”

“Certainly,” replied the unabashed stranger.

“He is a strolling actor!” said the lieutenant contemptuously, turning to Doctor Slammer.⁠—“He acts in the piece that the officers of the 52nd get up at the Rochester Theatre tomorrow night. You cannot proceed in this affair, Slammer⁠—impossible!”

“Quite!” said the dignified Payne.

“Sorry to have placed you in this disagreeable situation,” said Lieutenant Tappleton, addressing Mr. Pickwick; “allow me to suggest, that the best way of avoiding a recurrence of such scenes in future will be to be more select in the choice of your companions. Good evening, Sir!” and the lieutenant bounced out of the room.