Mr. Lowten disappeared with a grin, and immediately returned ushering in the firm, in due form of precedence⁠—Dodson first, and Fogg afterwards.

“You have seen Mr. Pickwick, I believe?” said Perker to Dodson, inclining his pen in the direction where that gentleman was seated.

“How do you do, Mr. Pickwick?” said Dodson, in a loud voice.

“Dear me,” cried Fogg, “how do you do, Mr. Pickwick? I hope you are well, Sir. I thought I knew the face,” said Fogg, drawing up a chair, and looking round him with a smile.