Mr. Pickwick should be called upon to explain his conduct, and to state distinctly why he had thus absented himself from the society of his admiring friends.

With this view, Mr. Wardle invited the full circle to dinner at the Adelphi; and the decanters having been thrice sent round, opened the business.

“We are all anxious to know,” said the old gentleman, “what we have done to offend you, and to induce you to desert us and devote yourself to these solitary walks.”

“Are you?” said Mr. Pickwick. “It is singular enough that I had intended to volunteer a full explanation this very day; so, if you will give me another glass of wine, I will satisfy your curiosity.”