“Well then, you are,” said Wardle.

“How?” asked Mr. Pickwick anxiously. “In what way?”

“Really,” replied Wardle, “you’re such a fiery sort of a young fellow that I am almost afraid to tell you; but, however, if Perker will sit between us to prevent mischief, I’ll venture.”

Having closed the room door, and fortified himself with another application to Perker’s snuffbox, the old gentleman proceeded with his great disclosure in these words⁠—

“The fact is, that my daughter Bella⁠—Bella, who married young Trundle, you know.”

“Yes, yes, we know,” said Mr. Pickwick impatiently.