“Allow me, Sir, the honour of grasping your hand. Permit me, Sir, to shake it,” said the grave man.

“Certainly,” said Mr. Pickwick. The stranger shook the extended hand, and then continued⁠—

“We have heard of your fame, sir. The noise of your antiquarian discussion has reached the ears of Mrs. Leo Hunter⁠—my wife, sir; I am Mr. Leo Hunter”⁠—the stranger paused, as if he expected that Mr. Pickwick would be overcome by the disclosure; but seeing that he remained perfectly calm, proceeded⁠—