“ We , Sir! I shall accompany you.”

“You!” said Mr. Winkle.

“I,” replied Mr. Pickwick mildly. “In affording you this interview, the young lady has taken a natural, perhaps, but still a very imprudent step. If I am present at the meeting⁠—a mutual friend, who is old enough to be the father of both parties⁠—the voice of calumny can never be raised against her hereafter.”

Mr. Pickwick’s eyes lightened with honest exultation at his own foresight, as he spoke thus. Mr. Winkle was touched by this little trait of his delicate respect for the young protégée of his friend, and took his hand with a feeling of regard, akin to veneration.