Mr. Tupman glanced timidly at his leader. “Why,” said he, “there was nothing suspicious; but⁠—I don’t know how it happened, mind⁠—she certainly was reclining in his arms.”

“Gracious powers!” ejaculated Mr. Pickwick, as the recollection of the scene in question struck forcibly upon him; “what a dreadful instance of the force of circumstances! So she was⁠—so she was.”

“And our friend was soothing her anguish,” said Mr. Winkle, rather maliciously.

“So I was,” said Mr. Pickwick. “I don’t deny it. So I was.”

“Hallo!” said Wardle; “for a case in which there’s nothing suspicious, this looks rather queer⁠—eh, Pickwick? Ah, sly dog⁠—sly dog!” and he laughed till the glasses on the sideboard rang again.