“You see, Mr. Pickwick,” said the host in explanation of his wife’s lament, “that we are in some measure cut off from many enjoyments and pleasures of which we might otherwise partake. My public station, as editor of the Eatanswill Gazette , the position which that paper holds in the country, my constant immersion in the vortex of politics⁠—”

“ P. my dear⁠—” interposed Mrs. Pott.

“My life⁠—” said the editor.

“I wish, my dear, you would endeavour to find some topic of conversation in which these gentlemen might take some rational interest.”