“Take this little villain away,” said the agonised Mr. Pickwick, “he’s mad.”

“What is the matter?” said the three tongue-tied Pickwickians.

“I don’t know,” replied Mr. Pickwick pettishly. “Take away the boy.” (Here Mr. Winkle carried the interesting boy, screaming and struggling, to the farther end of the apartment.) “Now help me, lead this woman downstairs.”

“Oh, I am better now,” said Mrs. Bardell faintly.

“Let me lead you downstairs,” said the ever-gallant Mr. Tupman.