568 POSTHUMOUS PAPERS OF
which he had rendered his assistance, and, turning to his bene- factor, stood for a few seconds as if irresolute what to say or how to act. Job Trotter relieved his perplexity, for with a humble, grate- ful bow to Mr. Pickwick, he took his friend gently by the arm, and led him away.
^'^ A worthy couple," said Perker, as the door closed behind them.
" I hope they may become so," replied Mr. Pickmck. '• What do you think ? Is there any chance of their permanent reformation ?'*
Perker shrugged his shoulders doubtfully, but observing Mr. Pick- wick's anxious and disappointed look, rejoined—
- ' Of course there is a chance. I hope it may prove a good one.
They are unquestionably penitent now ; but then, you know, they have the recollection of very recent suffering fresh upon them. What they may become when that fades away, is a problem that neither you nor I can solve. However, my dear Sir," added Perker, laying his hand on Mr. Pickwick's shoulder, ^' your object is equally honourable, whatever the result is. Whether that species of benevolence which is so very cautious and long-sighted that it is seldom exercised at all, lest its owner should be imposed upon, and so wounded in his self-love, be real charity, or a worldly counterfeit, I leave to wiser heads than mine to determine. But if those two fellows were to commit a burglary to- morrow, my opinion of this action would be equally high."
With these remarks, which were delivered in a much more animated and earnest manner than is usual in legal gentlemen, Perker drew his chair to his desk, and listened to Mr. Pickwick's recital of old Mr. Winkle's obstinacy.
'* Give him a week," said Perker, nodding his head prophetically.
"Do you think he will come round? " enquired Mr. Pickwick.
" I think he will, rejoined Perker. " If not, we must try the young lady's persuasion ; and that is what any body but you would have done at first."
Mr. Perker was taking a pinch of snuff with various grotesque con- tractions of countenance, eulogistic of the persuasive powers appertain- ing unto young ladies, when the murmur of enquiry and answer was heard in the outer office, and Lowten tapped at the door.
" Come in," cried the little man.
The clerk came in, and shut the door after him with great mystery.
"W^hat'sthe matter.?" enquired Perker.
^^ You're wanted. Sir."
Who wants me }""
Lowten looked at Mr. Pickwick and coughed.
^' Who wants me ? can't you speak, Mr. Lowten ? "
" Why, Sir," replied Lowten, It's Mr. Dodson ; and Mr. Fogg is with him.
"Bless my life!" said the little man, looking at his watch, "I appointed them to be here at half-past eleven to settle that matter of yours, Pickwick. I gave them an undertaking on which they sent down your discharge ; it's very awkward, my dear Sir ; what will you do ? Would you like to step into the next room ? "
The next room being the identical room in which Messrs. Dodson
