“We’re capital hands at likenesses here. Take ’em in no time, and always exact. Walk in, sir, and make yourself at home.”

Mr. Pickwick complied with the invitation, and sat himself down; when Mr. Weller, who stationed himself at the back of the chair, whispered that the sitting was merely another term for undergoing an inspection by the different turnkeys, in order that they might know prisoners from visitors.

“Well, Sam,” said Mr. Pickwick, “then I wish the artists would come. This is rather a public place.”

“They von’t be long, Sir, I des-say,” replied Sam. “There’s a Dutch clock, sir.”

“So I see,” observed Mr. Pickwick.