Afewsmallhouses，scatteredoneithersideoftheroad，betokentheentrancetosometownorvillage。Thelivelynotesoftheguard’skey-buglevibrateintheclearcoldair，andwakeuptheoldgentlemaninside，who，carefullylettingdownthewindow-sashhalf-way，andstandingsentryover，theair，takesashortpeepout，andthencarefullypullingitupagain，informstheotherinsidethatthey’regoingtochangedirectly。onwhichtheotherinsidewakeshimselfup，anddeterminestopostponehisnextnapuntilafterthestoppage。Againthebuglesoundslustilyforth，androusesthecottager’swifeandchildren，whopeepoutatthehouse-door，andwatchthecoachtillitturnsthecorner，whentheyoncemorecrouchroundtheblazingfire，andthrowonanotherlogofwoodagainstfathercomeshome。whilefatherhimself，afullmileoff，hasjustexchangedafriendlynodwiththecoachman，andturnedroundtotakeagoodlongstareatthevehicleasitwhirlsaway。
Andnowthebugleplaysalivelyairasthecoachrattlesthroughtheill-pavedstreetsofacountry-town。andthecoachman，undoingthebucklewhichkeepshisribandstogether，preparestothrowthemoffthemomenthestops。Mr。Pickwickemergesfromhiscoatcollar，andlooksabouthimwithgreatcuriosity。perceivingwhich，thecoachmaninformsMr。Pickwickofthenameofthetown，andtellshimitwasmarket-dayyesterday，bothofwhichpiecesofinformationMr。Pickwickretailstohisfellow-passengers。
whereupontheyemergefromtheircoatcollarstoo，andlookaboutthemalso。Mr。Winkle，whositsattheextremeedge，withonelegdanglingintheair，isnearlyprecipitatedintothestreet，asthecoachtwistsroundthesharpcornerbythecheesemonger’sshop，andturnsintothemarket-place。
andbeforeMr。Snodgrass，whositsnexttohim，hasrecoveredfromhisalarm，theypullupattheinnyard，wherethefreshhorses，withclothson，arealreadywaiting。Thecoachmanthrowsdownthereinsandgetsdownhimself，andtheotheroutsidepassengersdropdownalso：exceptthosewhohavenogreatconfidenceintheirabilitytogetupagain：andtheyremainwheretheyare，andstamptheirfeetagainstthecoachtoowarmthem——looking，withlongingeyesandrednoses，atthebrightfireintheinnbar，andthesprigsofhollywithredberrieswhichornamentthewindow。
Buttheguardhasdeliveredatthecorn-dealer’sshopthebrownpaperpackethetookoutofthelittlepouchwhichhangsoverhisshoulderbyaleathernstrap。andhasseenthehorsescarefullyputto。andhasthrownonthepavementthesaddlewhichwasbroughtfromLondononthecoach-roof。
andhasassistedintheconferencebetweenthecoachmanandthehostleraboutthegreymarethathurtheroff-fore-leglastTuesday。andheandMr。Wellerareallrightbehind，andthecoachmanisallrightinfront，andtheoldgentlemaninside，whohaskeptthewindowdownfulltwoinchesallthistime，haspulleditupagain，andtheclothsareoff，andtheyareallreadyforstarting，exceptthetwostoutgentlemen，whomthecoachmaninquiresafterwithsomeimpatience。Hereuponthecoachman，andtheguard，andSamWeller，andMr。Winkle，andMr。Snodgrass，andallthehostlers，andeveryoneoftheidlers，whoaremoreinnumberthanalltheothersputtogether，shoutforthemissinggentlemenasloudastheycanbawl。Adistantresponseisheardfromtheyard，andMr。PickwickandMr。Tupmancomerunningdownit，quiteoutofbreath，fortheyhavebeenhavingaglassofalea-piece，andMr。Pickwick’sfingersaresocoldthathehasbeenfullfiveminutesbeforehecouldfindthesixpencetopayforit。ThecoachmanshoutsanadmonitoryNowthen，gen’l’m’n！theguardre-echoesit。theoldgentlemaninsidethinksitaveryextraordinarythingthatpeoplewillgetdownwhentheyknowthereisn’ttimeforit。
Mr。Pickwickstrugglesupononeside，Mr。Tupmanontheother。Mr。WinklecriesAllright。andofftheystart。Shawlsarepulledup，coatcollarsarere-adjusted，thepavementceases，thehousesdisappear，andtheyareonceagaindashingalongtheopenroad，withthefreshclearairblowingintheirfaces，andgladdeningtheirveryheartswithinthem。
SuchwastheprogressofMr。PickwickandhisfriendsbytheMuggletonTelegraph，ontheirwaytoDingleyDell。andatthreeo’clockthatafternoontheyallstood，highanddry，safeandsound，haleandhearty，uponthestepsoftheBlueLion，havingtakenontheroadquiteenoughofaleandbrandytoenablethemtobiddefiancetothefrostthatwasbindinguptheearthinitsironfetters，andweavingitsbeautifulnet-workuponthetreesandhedges。Mr。Pickwickwasbusilyengagedincountingthebarrelsofoystersandsuperintendingthedisintermentofthecod-fish，whenhefelthimselfgentlypulledbytheskirtsofthecoat。Lookinground，hediscoveredthattheindividualwhoresortedtothismodeofcatchinghisattentionwasnootherthanMr。Wardle’sfavouritepage，betterknowntothereadersofthisunvarnishedhistory，bythedistinguishingappellationofthefatboy。
Aha！saidMr。Pickwick。
Aha！saidthefatboy。
Ashesaidit，heglancedfromthecod-fishtotheoyster-barrels，andchuckledjoyously。Hewasfatterthanever。
Well，youlookrosyenough，myyoungfriend，saidMr。Pickwick。
I’vebeenasleep，rightinfrontofthetap-roomfire，repliedthefatboy，whohadheatedhimselftothecolourofanewchimney-pot，inthecourseofanhour’snap。Mastersentmeoverwiththeshay-cart，tocarryyourluggageuptothehouse。He’dha’sentsomesaddle-horses，buthethoughtyou’dratherwalk，beingacoldday。
Yes，yes，saidMr。Pickwick，hastily，forherememberedhowtheyhadtravelledovernearlythesamegroundonapreviousoccasion。Yes，wewouldratherwalk。Here，Sam！
Sir，saidMr。Weller。
HelpMr。Wardle’sservanttoputthepackagesintothecart，andthenrideonwithhim。Wewillwalkforwardatonce。
Havinggiventhisdirection，andsettledwiththecoachman，Mr。Pickwickandhisthreefriendsstruckintothefoot-pathacrossthefields，andwalkedbrisklyaway，leavingMr。Wellerandthefatboyconfrontedtogetherforthefirsttime。Samlookedatthefatboywithgreatastonishment，butwithoutsayingaword。andbegantostowtheluggagerapidlyawayinthecart，whilethefatboystoodquietlyby，andseemedtothinkitaveryinterestingsortofthingtoseeMr。Wellerworkingbyhimself。
There，saidSam，throwinginthelastcarpet-bag。Theretheyare！
Yes，saidthefatboy，inaverysatisfiedtone，theretheyare。
Vell，youngtwentystun，saidSam，You’reanicespecimenofaprizeboy，youare！
Thank’ee，saidthefatboy。
Youain’tgotnothin’onyourmindasmakesyoufretvourself，haveyou？inquiredSam。
NotasIknowson，repliedthefatboy。
Ishouldraytherha’thought，tolookatyou，thatyouwasalabourin’
underanunrequitedattachmenttosomeyoung’ooman，saidSam。
Thefatboyshookhishead。
Vell，saidSam，I’mgladtohearit。Doyoueverdrinkanythin’？
Ilikeseating，better，repliedtheboy。
Ah，saidSam，Ishouldha’s’posedthat。butwhatImeanis，shouldyoulikeadropofanythin’as’dwarmyou？butIs’poseyouneverwascold，withallthemelasticfixtures，wasyou？
Sometimes，repliedtheboy。andIlikesadropofsomething，whenit’sgood。
Oh，youdo，doyou？saidSam，comethisway，then！
TheBlueLiontapwassoongained，andthefatboyswallowedaglassofliquorwithoutsomuchaswinking。afeatwhichconsiderablyadvancedhiminMr。Weller’sgoodopinion。Mr。Wellerhavingtransactedasimilarpieceofbusinessonhisownaccount，theygotintothecart。
Canyoudrive？saidthefatboy。
Ishouldraytherthinkso，repliedSam。
There，then，saidthefatboy，puttingthereinsinhishand，andpointingupalane，it’sasstraightasyoucango。youcan’tmissit。
Withthesewords，thefatboylaidhimselfaffectionatelydownbythesideofthecod-fish：andplacinganoyster-barrelunderhisheadforapillow，fellasleepinstantaneously。
Well，saidSam，ofallthecoolboyseverIsetmyeyeson，thishereyounggen’l’m’nisthecoolest。Come，wakeup，youngdropsy！
Butasyoungdropsyevincednosymptomsofreturninganimation，SamWellersathimselfdowninfrontofthecart，andstartingtheoldhorsewithajerkoftherein，joggedsteadilyon，towardsManorFarm。
Meanwhile，Mr。Pickwickandhisfriendshavingwalkedtheirbloodintoactivecirculation，proceededcheerfullyon。Thepathswerehard。thegrasswascrispandfrosty。theairhadafine，dry，bracingcoldness。andtherapidapproachofthegreytwilightslate-colouredisabetterterminfrostyweathermadethemlookforwardwithpleasantanticipationtothecomfortswhichawaitedthemattheirhospitableentertainer’s。Itwasthesortofafternoonthatmightinduceacoupleofelderlygentlemen，inalonelyfield，totakeofftheirgreat-coatsandplayatleap-froginpurelightnessofheartandgaiety。andwefirmlybelievethathadMr。Tupmanatthatmomentprofferedaback，Mr。Pickwickwouldhaveacceptedhisofferwiththeutmostavidity。
However，Mr。Tupmandidnotvolunteeranysuchaccommodation，andthefriendswalkedon，conversingmerrily。Astheyturnedintoalanetheyhadtocross，thesoundofmanyvoicesburstupontheirears。andbeforetheyhadevenhadtimetoformaguesstowhomtheybelonged，theywalkedintotheverycentreofthepartywhowereexpectingtheirarrival——afactwhichwasfirstnotifiedtothePickwickians，bytheloudHurrah，whichburstfromoldWardle’slips，whentheyappearedinsight。
First，therewasWardlehimself，looking，ifpossible，morejollythanever。thentherewereBellaandherfaithfulTrundle。and，lastly，therewereEmilyandsomeeightortenyoungladies，whohadallcomedowntothewedding，whichwastotakeplacenextday，andwhowereinashappyandimportantastateasyoungladiesusuallyare，onsuchmomentousoccasions。
andtheywere，oneandall，startlingthefieldsandlanes，farandwide，withtheirfrolicandlaughter。
Theceremonyofintroduction，undersuchcircumstances，wasverysoonperformed，orweshouldrathersaythattheintroductionwassoonover，withoutanyceremonyatall。Intwominutesthereafter，Mr。Pickwickwasjokingwiththeyoungladieswhowouldn’tcomeoverthestilewhilehelooked——orwho，havingprettyfeetandunexceptionableankles，preferredstandingonthetop-railforfiveminutesorso，declaringthattheyweretoofrightenedtomove——withasmucheaseandabsenceofreserveorconstraint，asifhehadknownthemforlife。itisworthyofremark，too，thatMr。
SnodgrassofferedEmilyfarmoreassistancethantheabsoluteterrorsofthestilealthoughitwasfullthreefeethigh，andhadonlyacoupleofstepping-stoneswouldseemtorequire。whileoneblack-eyedyoungladyinaverynicelittlepairofbootswithfurroundthetop，wasobservedtoscreamveryloudly，whenMr。Winkleofferedtohelpherover。
Allthiswasverysnugandpleasant。Andwhenthedifficultiesofthestilewereatlastsurmounted，andtheyoncemoreenteredontheopenfield，oldWardleinformedMr。Pickwickhowtheyhadallbeendowninabodytoinspectthefurnitureandfittings-upofthehouse，whichtheyoungcoupleweretotenant，aftertheChristmasholidays。atwhichcommunicationBellaandTrundlebothcolouredup，asredasthefatboyafterthetap-roomfire。andtheyoungladywiththeblackeyesandthefurroundtheboots，whisperedsomethinginEmily’sear，andthenglancedarchlyatMr。Snodgrass：
towhichEmilyrespondedthatshewasafoolishgirl，butturnedveryred，notwithstanding。andMr。Snodgrass，whowasasmodestasallgreatgeniusesusuallyare，feltthecrimsonrisingtothecrownofhishead，anddevoutlywishedintheinmostrecessesofhisownheartthattheyoungladyaforesaid，withherblackeyes，andherarchness，andherbootswiththefurroundthetop，wereallcomfortablydepositedintheadjacentcounty。
Butiftheyweresocialandhappyoutsidethehouse，whatwasthewarmthandcordialityoftheirreceptionwhentheyreachedthefarm！TheveryservantsgrinnedwithpleasureatsightofMr。Pickwick。andEmmabestowedahalf-demure，half-impudent，andallpretty，lookofrecognition，onMr。
Tupman，whichwasenoughtomakethestatueofBonaparteinthepassage，unfoldhisarms，andclaspherwithinthem。
Theoldladywasseatedincustomarystateinthefrontparlour，butshewasrathercross，and，byconsequence，mostparticularlydeaf。Sheneverwentoutherself，andlikeagreatmanyotheroldladiesofthesamestamp，shewasapttoconsideritanactofdomestictreason，ifanybodyelsetookthelibertyofdoingwhatshecouldn’t。So，blessheroldsoul，shesatasuprightasshecould，inhergreatchair，andlookedasfierceasmightbe——andthatwasbenevolentafterall。
Mother，saidWardle，Mr。Pickwick。Yourecollecthim？
Nevermind，repliedtheoldladywithgreatdignity。Don’ttroubleMr。Pickwickaboutanoldcreeturlikeme。Nobodycaresaboutmenow，andit’sverynat’raltheyshouldn’t。Heretheoldladytossedherhead，andsmootheddownherlavender-colouredsilkdress，withtremblinghands。
Come，come，ma’am，saidMr。Pickwick，Ican’tletyoucutanoldfriendinthisway。Ihavecomedownexpresslytohavealongtalk，andanotherrubberwithyou。andwe’llshowtheseboysandgirlshowtodanceaminuet，beforethey’reeight-and-fortyhoursolder。
Theoldladywasrapidlygivingway，butshedidnotliketodoitallatonce。sosheonlysaid，Ah！Ican’thearhim！
Nonsense，mother，saidWardle。Come，come，don’tbecross，there’sagoodsoul。RecollectBella。come，youmustkeepherspiritsup，poorgirl。
Thegoodoldladyheardthis，forherlipquiveredashersonsaidit。
Butagehasitslittleinfirmitiesoftemper，andshewasnotquitebroughtroundyet。So，shesmootheddownthelavender-coloureddressagain，andturningtoMr。Pickwicksaid，Ah，Mr。Pickwick，youngpeoplewasverydifferent，whenIwasagirl。
Nodoubtofthat，ma’am，saidMr。Pickwick，andthat’sthereasonwhyIwouldmakemuchofthefewthathaveanytracesoftheoldstock，——andsayingthis，Mr。PickwickgentlypulledBellatowardshim，andbestowingakissuponherforehead，badehersitdownonthelittlestoolathergrandmother’sfeet。Whethertheexpressionofhercountenance，asitwasraisedtowardstheoldlady’sface，calledupathoughtofoldtimes，orwhethertheoldladywastouchedbyMr。Pickwick’saffectionategoodnature，orwhateverwasthecause，shewasfairlymelted。soshethrewherselfonhergrand-daughter’sneck，andallthelittleill-humourevaporatedinagushofsilenttears。
Ahappypartytheywere，thatnight。SedateandsolemnwerethescoreofrubbersinwhichMr。Pickwickandtheoldladyplayedtogether。uproariouswasthemirthoftheroundtable。Longaftertheladieshadretired，didthehotelderwine，wellqualifiedwithbrandyandspice，goround，andround，androundagain。andsoundwasthesleepandpleasantwerethedreamsthatfollowed。ItisaremarkablefactthatthoseofMr。SnodgrassboreconstantreferencetoEmilyWardle。andthattheprincipalfigureinMr。
Winkle’svisionswasayoungladywithblackeyes，anarchsmile，andapairofremarkablynicebootswithfurroundthetops。
Mr。Pickwickwasawakened，earlyinthemorning，byahumofvoicesandapatteringoffeet，sufficienttorouseeventhefatboyfromhisheavyslumbers。Hesatupinbedandlistened。Thefemaleservantsandfemalevisitorswererunningconstantlytoandfro。andthereweresuchmultitudinousdemandsforhotwater，suchrepeatedoutcriesforneedlesandthread，andsomanyhalf-suppressedentreatiesofOh，docomeandtieme，there’sadear！thatMr。Pickwickinhisinnocencebegantoimaginethatsomethingdreadfulmusthaveoccurred：whenhegrewmoreawake，andrememberedthewedding。Theoccasionbeinganimportantonehedressedhimselfwithpeculiarcare，anddescendedtothebreakfastroom。
Therewereallthefemaleservantsinabrannewuniformofpinkmuslingownswithwhitebowsintheircaps，runningaboutthehouseinastateofexcitementandagitationwhichitwouldbeimpossibletodescribe。Theoldladywasdressedoutinabrocadedgownwhichhadnotseenthelightfortwentyyears，savingandexceptingsuchtruantraysashadstolenthroughthechinksintheboxinwhichithadbeenlainby，duringthewholetime。
Mr。Trundlewasinhighfeatherandspirits，butalittlenervouswithal。
Theheartyoldlandlordwastryingtolookverycheerfulandunconcerned，butfailingsignallyintheattempt。Allthegirlswereintearsandwhitemuslin，exceptaselecttwoorthreewhowerebeinghonouredwithaprivateviewofthebrideandbridesmaids，up-stairs。AllthePickwickianswereinmostbloomingarray。andtherewasaterrificroaringonthegrassinfrontofthehouse，occasionedbyallthemen，boys，andhobbledehoysattachedtothefarm，eachofwhomhadgotawhitebowinhisbutton-hole，andallofwhomwerecheeringwithmightandmain：beingincitedthereunto，andstimulatedtherein，bythepreceptandexampleofMr。SamuelWeller，whohadmanagedtobecomemightypopularalready，andwasasmuchathomeasifhehadbeenbornontheland。
Aweddingisalicensedsubjecttojokeupon，buttherereallyisnogreatjokeinthematterafterall——wespeakmerelyoftheceremony，andbegittobedistinctlyunderstoodthatweindulgeinnohiddensarcasmuponamarriedlife。Mixedupwiththepleasureandjoyoftheoccasion，arethemanyregretsatquittinghome，thetearsofpartingbetweenparentandchild，theconsciousnessofleavingthedearestandkindestfriendsofthehappiestportionofhumanlife，toencounteritscaresandtroubleswithothersstilluntriedandlittleknown：naturalfeelingswhichwewouldnotrenderthischaptermournfulbydescribing，andwhichweshouldbestillmoreunwillingtobesupposedtoridicule。
Letusbrieflysay，then，thattheceremonywasperformedbytheoldclergyman，intheparishchurchofDingleyDell，andthatMr。Pickwick’snameisattachedtotheregister，stillpreservedinthevestrythereof。
thattheyoungladywiththeblackeyessignedhernameinaveryunsteadyandtremulousmanner。thatEmily’ssignature，astheotherbridesmaid，isnearlyillegible。thatitallwentoffinveryadmirablestyle。thattheyoungladiesgenerallythoughtitfarlessshockingthantheyhadexpected。
andthatalthoughtheowneroftheblackeyesandthearchsmileinformedMr。Winklethatshewassureshecouldneversubmittoanythingsodreadful，wehavetheverybestreasonsforthinkingshewasmistaken。Toallthis，wemayadd，thatMr。Pickwickwasthefirstwhosalutedthebride，andthatinsodoing，hethrewoverherneckarichgoldwatchandchain，whichnomortaleyesbutthejeweller’shadeverbeheldbefore。Then，theoldchurchbellrangasgailyasitcould，andtheyallreturnedtobreakfast。
Veredoesthemincepiesgo，youngopiumeater？saidMr。Wellertothefatboy，asheassistedinlayingoutsucharticlesofconsumptionashadnotbeendulyarrangedonthepreviousnight。
Thefatboypointedtothedestinationofthepies。
Werygood，saidSam，stickabito’Christmasin’em。T’otherdishopposite。There。nowwelookcompactandcomfortable，asthefathersaidvenhecuthislittleboy’sheadoff，tocurehimo’squintin’。
AsMr。Wellermadethecomparison，hefellbackasteportwo，togivefulleffecttoit，andsurveyedthepreparationswiththeutmostsatisfaction。
Wardle，saidMr。Pickwick，almostassoonastheywereallseated，aglassofwine，inhonourofthishappyoccasion！
Ishallbedelighted，myboy，saidMr。Wardle。Joe——damnthatboy，he’sgonetosleep。
No，Iain’t，sir，repliedthefatboy，startingupfromaremotecorner，where，likethepatronsaintoffatboys——theimmortalHorner——hehadbeendevouringaChristmaspie：thoughnotwiththecoolnessanddeliberationwhichcharacterisedthatyounggentleman’sproceedings。
FillMr。Pickwick’sglass。
Yes，sir。
ThefatboyfilledMr。Pickwick’sglass，andthenretiredbehindhismaster’schair，fromwhencehewatchedtheplayoftheknivesandforks，andtheprogressofthechoicemorselsfromthedishestothemouthsofthecompany，withakindofdarkandgloomyjoythatwasmostimpressive。
Godblessyou，oldfellow！saidMr。Pickwick。
Sametoyou，myboy，repliedWardle。andtheypledgedeachother，heartily。
Mrs。Wardle，saidMr。Pickwick，weoldfolksmusthaveaglassofwinetogether，inhonourofthisjoyfulevent。
Theoldladywasinastateofgreatgrandeurjustthen，forshewassittingatthetopofthetableinthebrocadedgown，withhernewly-marriedgrand-daughterononesideandMr。Pickwickontheother，todothecarving。
Mr。Pickwickhadnotspokeninaveryloudtone，butsheunderstoodhimatonce，anddrankoffafullglassofwinetohislonglifeandhappiness。
afterwhichtheworthyoldsoullaunchedforthintoaminuteandparticularaccountofherownwedding，withadissertationonthefashionofwearinghigh-heeledshoes，andsomeparticularsconcerningthelifeandadventuresofthebeautifulLadyTollimglower，deceased：atallofwhichtheoldladyherselflaughedveryheartilyindeed，andsodidtheyoungladiestoo，fortheywerewonderingamongthemselveswhatonearthgrandmawastalkingabout。Whentheylaughed，theoldladylaughedtentimesmoreheartily，andsaidthatthesealwayshadbeenconsideredcapitalstories：whichcausedthemalltolaughagain，andputtheoldladyintotheverybestofhumours。
Then，thecakewascut，andpassedthroughthering。theyoungladiessavedpiecestoputundertheirpillowstodreamoftheirfuturehusbandson。
andagreatdealofblushingandmerrimentwastherebyoccasioned。
Mr。Miller，saidMr。Pickwicktohisoldacquaintancethehard-headedgentleman，aglassofwine？
Withgreatsatisfaction，Mr。Pickwick，repliedthehard-headedgentleman，solemnly。
You’lltakemein？saidthebenevolentoldclergyman。
Andme，interposedhiswife。
Andme，andme，saidacoupleofpoorrelationsatthebottomofthetable，whohadeatenanddrankveryheartily，andlaughedateverything。
Mr。Pickwickexpressedhisheartfeltdelightateveryadditionalsuggestion。
andhiseyesbeamedwithhilarityandcheerfulness。
Ladiesandgentlemen，saidMr。Pickwick，suddenlyrising。
Hear，hear！Hear，hear！Hear，hear！criedMr。Weller，intheexcitementofhisfeelings。
Callinalltheservants，criedoldWardle，interposingtopreventthepublicrebukewhichMr。WellerwouldotherwisemostindubitablyhavereceivedfromhismasterGivethemaglassofwineeach，todrinkthetoastin。Now，Pickwick。
Amidstthesilenceofthecompany，thewhisperingofthewomenservants，andtheawkwardembarrassmentofthemen，Mr。Pickwickproceeded。
Ladiesandgentlemen——no，Iwon’tsayladiesandgentlemen，I’llcallyoumyfriends，mydearfriends，iftheladieswillallowmetotakesogreataliberty——
HereMr。Pickwickwasinterruptedbyimmenseapplausefromtheladies，echoedbythegentlemen，duringwhichtheowneroftheeyeswasdistinctlyheardtostatethatshecouldkissthatdearMr。Pickwick。WhereuponMr。
Winklegallantlyinquiredifitcouldn’tbedonebydeputy：towhichtheyoungladywiththeblackeyesreplied，Goaway——andaccompaniedtherequestwithalookwhichsaidasplainlyasalookcoulddo——ifyoucan。
Mydearfriends，resumedMr。Pickwick，Iamgoingtoproposethehealthofthebrideandbridegroom——Godbless’emcheersandtears。Myyoungfriend，Trundle，Ibelievetobeaveryexcellentandmanlyfellow。
andhiswifeIknowtobeaveryamiableandlovelygirl，wellqualifiedtotransfertoanothersphereofactionthehappinesswhichfortwentyyearsshehasdiffusedaroundher，inherfather’shouse。Here，thefatboyburstforthintostentorianblubberings，andwasledforthbythecoatcollar，byMr。Weller。Iwish，addedMr。Pickwick，IwishIwasyoungenoughtobehersister’shusbandcheers，but，failingthat，Iamhappytobeoldenoughtobeherfather。for，beingso，IshallnotbesuspectedofanylatentdesignswhenIsay，thatIadmire，esteem，andlovethembothcheersandsobs。Thebride’sfather，ourgoodfriendthere，isanobleperson，andIamproudtoknowhimgreatuproar。Heisakind，excellent，independent-spirited，fine-hearted，hospitable，liberalmanenthusiasticshoutsfromthepoorrelations，atalltheadjectives。andespeciallyatthetwolast。Thathisdaughtermayenjoyallthehappiness，evenhecandesire。andthathemayderivefromthecontemplationofherfelicityallthegratificationofheartandpeaceofmindwhichhesowelldeserves，is，Iampersuaded，ourunitedwish。So，letusdrinktheirhealths，andwishthemprolongedlife，andeveryblessing！
Mr。Pickwickconcludedamidstawhirlwindofapplause。andoncemorewerethelungsofthesupernumeraries，underMr。Weller’scommand，broughtintoactiveandefficientoperation。Mr。WardleproposedMr。Pickwick。
Mr。Pickwickproposedtheoldlady。Mr。SnodgrassproposedMr。Wardle。
Mr。WardleproposedMr。Snodgrass。OneofthepoorrelationsproposedMr。
Tupman，andtheotherpoorrelationproposedMr。Winkle。allwashappinessandfestivity，untilthemysteriousdisappearanceofboththepoorrelationsbeneaththetable，warnedthepartythatitwastimetoadjourn。
Atdinnertheymetagain，afterafive-and-twentymilewalk，undertakenbythemalesatWardle’srecommendation，togetridoftheeffectsofthewineatbreakfast。Thepoorrelationshadkeptinbedallday，withtheviewofattainingthesamehappyconsummation，but，astheyhadbeenunsuccessful，theystoppedthere。Mr。Wellerkeptthedomesticsinastateofperpetualhilarity。andthefatboydividedhistimeintosmallalternateallotmentsofeatingandsleeping。
Thedinnerwasasheartyanaffairasthebreakfast，andwasquiteasnoisy，withoutthetears。Thencamethedessertandsomemoretoasts。Thencametheteaandcoffee。andthen，theball。
ThebestsittingroomatManorFarmwasagood，long，dark-panelledroomwithahighchimney-piece，andacapaciouschimney，upwhichyoucouldhavedrivenoneofthenewpatentcabs，wheelsandall。Attheupperendoftheroom，seatedinashadybowerofhollyandevergreens，werethetwobestfiddlers，andtheonlyharp，inallMuggleton。Inallsortsofrecesses，andonallkindsofbrackets，stoodmassiveoldsilvercandlestickswithfourbrancheseach。Thecarpetwasup，thecandlesburntbright，thefireblazedandcrackledonthehearth，andmerryvoicesandlight-heartedlaughterrangethroughtheroom。IfanyoftheoldEnglishyeomenhadturnedintofairieswhentheydied，itwasjusttheplaceinwhichtheywouldhaveheldtheirrevels。
Ifanythingcouldhaveaddedtotheinterestofthisagreeablescene，itwouldhavebeentheremarkablefactofMr。Pickwick’sappearingwithouthisgaiters，forthefirsttimewithinthememoryofhisoldestfriends。
Youmeantodance？saidWardle。
OfcourseIdo，repliedMr。Pickwick。Don’tyouseeIamdressedforthepurpose？Mr。Pickwickcalledattentiontohisspeckledsilkstockings，andsmartly-tiedpumps。
Youinsilkstockings！exclaimedMr。Tupmanjocosely。
Andwhynot，sir——whynot？saidMr。Pickwick，turningwarmlyuponhim。
Oh，ofcoursethereisnoreasonwhyyoushouldn’twearthem，respondedMr。Tupman。
Iimaginenot，sir，Iimaginenot，saidMr。Pickwickinaveryperemptorytone。
Mr。Tupmanhadcontemplatedalaugh，buthefounditwasaseriousmatter。
sohelookedgrave，andsaidtheywereaprettypattern。
Ihopetheyare，saidMr。Pickwick，fixinghiseyesuponhisfriend。
Youseenothingextraordinaryinthestockings，asstockings，I
trust，sir？
Certainlynot。Oh，certainlynot，repliedMr。Tupman。Hewalkedaway。
andMr。Pickwick’scountenanceresumeditscustomarybenignexpression。
Weareallready，Ibelieve，saidMr。Pickwick，whowasstationedwiththeoldladyatthetopofthedance，andhadalreadymadefourfalsestarts，inhisexcessiveanxietytocommence。
Thenbeginatonce，saidWardle。Now！
Upstruckthetwofiddlesandtheoneharp，andoffwentMr。Pickwickintohandsacross，whentherewasageneralclappingofhands，andacryofStop，stop！
What’sthematter！saidMr。Pickwick，whowasonlybroughtto，bythefiddlesandharpdesisting，andcouldhavebeenstoppedbynootherearthlypower，ifthehousehadbeenonfire。
Where’sArabellaAllen？criedadozenvoices。
AndWinkle？addedMr。Tupman。
Hereweare！exclaimedthatgentleman，emergingwithhisprettycompanionfromthecorner。ashedidso，itwouldhavebeenhardtotellwhichwastheredderintheface，heortheyoungladywiththeblackeyes。
Whatanextraordinarythingitis，Winkle，saidMr。Pickwick，ratherpettishly，thatyoucouldn’thavetakenyourplacebefore。
Notatallextraordinary，saidMr。Winkle。
Well，saidMr。Pickwick，withaveryexpressivesmile，ashiseyesrestedonArabella，well，Idon’tknowthatitwasextraordinary，either，afterall。
However，therewasnotimetothinkmoreaboutthematter，forthefiddlesandharpbeganinrealearnest。AwaywentMr。Pickwick——handsacross——downthemiddletotheveryendoftheroom，andhalf-wayupthechimney，backagaintothedoor——poussetteeverywhere——loudstampontheground——readyforthenextcouple——offagain——allthefigureoveroncemore——anotherstamptobeatoutthetime——nextcouple，andthenext，andthenextagain——neverwassuchgoing！Atlast，aftertheyhadreachedthebottomofthedance，andfullfourteencoupleaftertheoldladyhadretiredinanexhaustedstate，andtheclergyman’swifehadbeensubstitutedinherstead，didthatgentleman，whentherewasnodemandwhateveronhisexertions，keepperpetuallydancinginhisplace，tokeeptimetothemusic：smilingonhispartnerallthewhilewithablandnessofdemeanourwhichbafflesalldescription。
LongbeforeMr。Pickwickwaswearyofdancing，thenewly-marriedcouplehadretiredfromthescene。Therewasaglorioussupperdown-stairs，notwithstanding，andagoodlongsittingafterit。andwhenMr。Pickwickawoke，latethenextmorning，hehadaconfusedrecollectionofhaving，severallyandconfidentially，invitedsomewhereaboutfive-and-fortypeopletodinewithhimattheGeorgeandVulture，theveryfirsttimetheycametoLondon。whichMr。Pickwickrightlyconsideredaprettycertainindicationofhishavingtakensomethingbesidesexercise，onthepreviousnight。
Andsoyourfamilyhasgamesinthekitchento-night，mydear，hasthey？inquiredSamofEmma。
Yes，Mr。Weller，repliedEmma。wealwayshaveonChristmaseve。Masterwouldn’tneglecttokeepituponanyaccount。
Yourmaster’saweryprettynotionofkeepin’anythin’up，mydear，
saidMr。Weller。Ineverseesuchasensiblesortofmanasheis，orsuchareg’largen’l’m’n。
Oh，thatheis！saidthefatboy，joiningintheconversation。don’thebreednicepork！Thefatyouthgaveasemi-cannibalicleeratMr。Weller，ashethoughtoftheroastlegsandgravy。
Oh，you’vewokeup，atlast，haveyou？saidSam。
Thefatboynodded。
I’lltellyouwhatitis，youngboaconstructer，saidMr。Weller，impressively。ifyoudon’tsleepalittleless，andexercisealittlemore，wenyoucomestobeamanyou’lllayyourselfopentothesamesortofpersonalinconwenienceaswasinflictedontheoldgen’l’m’nasworethepigtail。
Whatdidtheydotohim？inquiredthefatboy，inafalteringvoice。
I’ma-goin’totellyou，repliedMr。Weller。hewasoneo’thelargestpatternsaswaseverturnedout——reg’larfatman，ashadn’tcaughtaglimpseofhisownshoesforfive-and-forty-year。
Lor’！exclaimedEmma。
No，thathehadn’t，mydear，saidMr。Weller。andifyou’dputanexactmodelofhisownlegsonthedinin’tableaforehim，hewouldn’tha’known’em。Well，healwayswalkstohisofficewithaweryhandsomegoldwatch-chainhangingout，aboutafootandaquarter，andagoldwatchinhisfobpocketaswasworth——I’mafraidtosayhowmuch，butasmuchasawatchcanbe——alarge，heavy，roundmanafacter，asstoutforawatch，ashewasforaman，andwithabigfaceinproportion。`You’dbetternotcarrythat’erewatch，’saystheoldgen’l’m’n’sfriends，`you’llberobbedonit，’saysthey。`ShallI？’sayhe。`Yes，youwill，’saysthey。`Vell，’
sayshe。`Ishouldliketoseethethiefascouldgetthisherewatchout，forI’mblestifIevercan，it’ssuchatightfit，’sayshe。`andveneverIwantstoknowwhat’so’clock，I’mobligedtostareintothebakers’
shops，’hesays。Well，thenhelaughsasheartyasifhewasa-goin’topieces，andouthewalksagain’vithhispowderedheadandpigtail，androllsdowntheStrand，viththechainhangin’outfurderthanever，andthegreatroundwatchalmostbustin’throughhisgreykerseysmalls。Therewarn’tapickpocketinallLondonasdidn’ttakeapullatthatchain，butthechain’udneverbreak，andthewatch’udnevercomeout，sotheysoongottriedo’draggingsuchaheavyoldgen’l’m’nalongthepavement，andhe’dgohomeandlaughtillthepigtailwibratedlikethependerlumofaDutchclock。Atlast，onedaytheoldgen’l’m’nwasarollin’along，andheseesapickpocketasheknow’dbysight，a-comin’up，arminarmvithalittleboyvithawerylargehead。`Here’sagame，’saystheoldgen’l’m’ntohimself，`they’rea-goin’tohaveanothertry，butitwon’tdo！’Sohebeginsa-chucklin’weryhearty，wen，allofasudden，thelittleboyleavesholdofthepickpocket’sarm，andrushesheadforemoststraightintotheoldgen’l’m’n’sstomach，andforamomentdoubleshimrightupviththepain。`Murder！’saystheoldgen’l’m’n。`Allright，sir，’saysthepickpocket，awisperin’inhisear。Andwenhecomestraightagain，thewatchandchainwasgone，andwhat’sworsethanthat，theoldgen’l’m’n’sdigestionwasallwrongeverartervards，tothewerylastdayofhislife。
sojustyoulookaboutyou，youngfeller，andtakecareyoudon’tgettoofat。
AsMr。Wellerconcludedthismoraltale，withwhichthefatboyappearedmuchaffected，theyallthreerepairedtothelargekitchen，inwhichthefamilywerebythistimeassembled，accordingtoannualcustomonChristmaseve，observedbyoldWardle’sforefathersfromtimeimmemorial。
Fromthecentreoftheceilingofthiskitchen，oldWardlehadjustsuspended，withhisownhands，ahugebranchofmistletoe，andthissamebranchofmistletoeinstantaneouslygaverisetoasceneofgeneralanddelightfulstrugglingandconfusion。inthemidstofwhich，Mr。Pickwick，withagallantrythatwouldhavedonehonourtoadescendantofLadyTollimglowerherself，tooktheoldladybythehand，ledherbeneaththemysticbranch，andsalutedherinallcourtesyanddecorum。Theoldladysubmittedtothispieceofpracticalpolitenesswithallthedignitywhichbefittedsoimportantandseriousasolemnity，buttheyoungerladies，notbeingsothoroughlyimbuedwithasuperstitiousvenerationforthecustom：orimaginingthatthevalueofasaluteisverymuchenhancedifitcostalittletroubletoobtainit：screamedandstruggled，andranintocorners，andthreatenedandremonstrated，anddideverythingbutleavetheroom，untilsomeofthelessadventurousgentlemenwereonthepointofdesisting，whentheyallatoncefoundituselesstoresistanylonger，andsubmittedtobekissedwithagoodgrace。Mr。Winklekissedtheyoungladywiththeblackeyes，andMr。SnodgrasskissedEmily，andMr。Weller，notbeingparticularabouttheformofbeingunderthemistletoe，kissedEmmaandtheotherfemaleservants，justashecaughtthem。Astothepoorrelations，theykissedeverybody，notevenexceptingtheplainerportionsoftheyoung-ladyvisitors，who，intheirexcessiveconfusion，ranrightunderthemistletoe，assoonasitwashungup，withoutknowingit！Wardlestoodwithhisbacktothefire，surveyingthewholescene，withtheutmostsatisfaction。andthefatboytooktheopportunityofappropriatingtohisownuse，andsummarilydevouring，aparticularlyfinemince-pie，thathadbeencarefullyputbyforsomebodyelse。
Now，thescreaminghadsubsided，andfaceswereinaglow，andcurlsinatangle，andMr。Pickwick，afterkissingtheoldladyasbeforementioned，wasstandingunderthemistletoe，lookingwithaverypleasedcountenanceonallthatwaspassingaroundhim，whentheyoungladywiththeblackeyes，afteralittlewhisperingwiththeotheryoungladies，madeasuddendartforward，and，puttingherarmroundMr。Pickwick’sneck，salutedhimaffectionatelyontheleftcheek。andbeforeMr。Pickwickdistinctlyknewwhatwasthematter，hewassurroundedbythewholebody，andkissedbyeveryoneofthem。
ItwasapleasantthingtoseeMr。Pickwickinthecentreofthegroup，nowpulledthisway，andthenthat，andfirstkissedonthechin，andthenonthenose，andthenonthespectacles：andtohearthepealsoflaughterwhichwereraisedoneveryside。butitwasastillmorepleasantthingtoseeMr。Pickwick，blindedshortlyafterwardswithasilkhandkerchief，fallingupagainstthewall，andscramblingintocorners，andgoingthroughallthemysteriesofblind-man’sbuff，withtheutmostrelishforthegame，untilatlasthecaughtoneofthepoorrelations，andthenhadtoevadetheblind-manhimself，whichhedidwithanimblenessandagilitythatelicitedtheadmirationandapplauseofallbeholders。Thepoorrelationscaughtthepeoplewhotheythoughtwouldlikeit，and，whenthegameflagged，gotcaughtthemselves。Whentheywerealltiredofblind-man’sbuff，therewasagreatgameatsnap-dragon，andwhenfingersenoughwereburnedwiththat，andalltheraisinsweregone，theysatdownbythehugefireofblazinglagstoasubstantialsupper，andamightybowlofwassail，somethingsmallerthananordinarywash-housecopper，inwhichthehotappleswerehissingandbubblingwitharichlook，andajollysound，thatwereperfectlyirresistible。
This，saidMr。Pickwick，lookingroundhim，thisis，indeed，comfort。
Ourinvariablecustom，repliedMr。Wardle。EverybodysitsdownwithusonChristmaseve，asyouseethemnow——servantsandall。andherewewait，untiltheclockstrikestwelve，tousherChristmasin，andbeguilethetimewithforfeitsandoldstories。Trundle，myboy，rakeupthefire。
Upflewthebrightsparksinmyriadsasthelogswerestirred。Thedeepredblazesentfortharichglow，thatpenetratedintothefurthestcorneroftheroom，andcastitscheerfultintoneveryface。
Come，saidWardle，asong——aChristmassong！I’llgiveyouone，indefaultofabetter。
Bravo！saidMr。Pickwick。
Fillup，criedWardle。Itwillbetwohours，good，beforeyouseethebottomofthebowlthroughthedeeprichcolourofthewassail。fillupallround，andnowforthesong。
Thussaying，themerryoldgentleman，inagood，round，sturdyvoice，commencedwithoutmoreado：ACHRISTMASCAROLICAREnotforSpring。onhisficklewingLettheblossomsandbudsbeborne：Hewoosthemamainwithhistreacherousrain，Andhescattersthemerethemorn。Aninconstantelf，heknowsnothimself，Norhisownchangingmindanhour，He’llsmileinyourface，and，withwrygrimace，He’llwitheryouryoungestflower。LettheSummersuntohisbrighthomerun，Heshallneverbesoughtbeme。Whenhe’sdimmedbyacloudIcanlaughaloud，Andcarenothowsulkyhebe！ForhisdarlingchildisthemadnesswildThatsportsinfiercefever’strain。Andwhenloveistoostrong，itdon’tlastlong，Asmanyhavefoundtotheirpain。Amildharvestnight，bythetranquillightOfthemodestandgentlemoon，Hasafarsweetersheen，forme，I
ween，Thanthebroadandunblushingnoon。Buteveryleafawakensmygrief，Asitliethbeneaththetree。SoletAutumnairbeneversofair，Itbynomeansagreeswithme。ButmysongItrollout，forCHRISTMASstout，Thehearty，thetrue，andthebold。AbumperIdrain，andwithmightandmainGivethreecheersforthisChristmasold！We’llusherhiminwithamerrydinThatshallgladdenhisjoyousheart，Andwe’llkeephimup，whilethere’sbiteorsup，Andinfellowshipgood，we’llpart。Inhisfinehonestpride，hescornstohide，Onejotofhishard-weatherscars。They’renodisgrace，forthere’smuchthesametraceOnthecheeksofourbravesttars。ThenagainIsing’tilltheroofdothring，Anditechoesfromwalltowall——Tothestoutoldwight，fairwelcometo-night，AstheKingoftheSeasonsall！
Thissongwastumultuouslyapplauded——forfriendsanddependentsmakeacapitalaudience——andthepoorrelations，especially，wereinperfectecstasiesofrapture。Againwasthefirereplenished，andagainwentthewassailround。
Howitsnows！saidoneofthemen，inalowtone。
Snows，doesit？saidWardle。
Rough，coldnight，sir，repliedtheman。andthere’sawindgotup，thatdriftsitacrossthefields，inathickwhitecloud。
WhatdoesJemsay？inquiredtheoldlady。Thereain’tanythingthematter，isthere？
No，no，mother，repliedWardle。hesaysthere’sasnow-drift，andawindthat’spiercingcold。Ishouldknowthat，bythewayitrumblesinthechimney。
Ah！saidtheoldlady，therewasjustsuchawind，andjustsuchafallofsnow，agoodmanyyearsback，Irecollect——justfiveyearsbeforeyourpoorfatherdied。ItwasaChristmaseve，too。andIrememberthatonthatverynighthetoldusthestoryaboutthegoblinsthatcarriedawayoldGabrielGrub。
Thestoryaboutwhat？saidMr。Pickwick。
Oh，nothing，nothing，repliedWardle。Aboutanoldsexton，thatthegoodpeopledownheresupposetohavebeencarriedawaybygoblins。
Suppose！ejaculatedtheoldlady。Isthereanybodyhardyenoughtodisbelieveit？Suppose！Haven’tyouheardeversinceyouwereachild，thathewascarriedawaybythegoblins，anddon’tyouknowhewas？
Verywell，mother，hewas，ifyoulike，saidWardle，laughing。Hewascarriedawaybygoblins，Pickwick。andthere’sanendofthematter。
No，no，saidMr。Pickwick，notanendofit，Iassureyou。forI
musthearhow，andwhy，andallaboutit。
Wardlesmiled，aseveryheadwasbentforwardtohear。andfillingoutthewassailwithnostintedhand，noddedahealthtoMr。Pickwick，andbeganasfollows：
Butblessoureditorialheart，whatalongchapterwehavebeenbetrayedinto！Wehadquiteforgottenallsuchpettyrestrictionsaschapters，wesolemnlydeclare。Soheregoes，togivethegoblinafairstartinanewone！Aclearstageandnofavourforthegoblins，ladiesandgentlemen，ifyouplease。
[NextChapter][TableofContents]ThePickwickPapers：Chapter29[PreviousChapter][TableofContents]CHAPTERXXIXTHESTORYOFTHEGOBLINSWHOSTOLEASEXTON
INanoldabbeytown，downinthispartofthecountry，along，longwhileago——solong，thatthestorymustbeatrueone，becauseourgreatgrandfathersimplicitlybelievedit——thereofficiatedassextonandgrave-diggerinthechurchyard，oneGabrielGrub。Itbynomeansfollowsthatbecauseamanisasexton，andconstantlysurroundedbytheemblemsofmortality，thereforeheshouldbeamoroseandmelancholyman。yourundertakersarethemerriestfellowsintheworld。andIoncehadthehonourofbeingonintimatetermswithamute，whoinprivatelife，andoffduty，wasascomicalandjocosealittlefellowaseverchirpedoutadevil-may-caresong，withoutahitchinhismemory，ordrainedoffthecontentsofagoodstiffglasswithoutstoppingforbreath。But，notwithstandingtheseprecedentstothecontrary，GabrielGrubwasanill-conditioned，cross-grained，surlyfellow——amoroseandlonelyman，whoconsortedwithnobodybuthimself，andanoldwickerbottlewhichfittedintohislargedeepwaistcoatpocket——andwhoeyedeachmerryface，asitpassedhimby，withsuchadeepscowlofmaliceandill-humour，asitwasdifficulttomeet，withoutfeelingsomethingtheworsefor。
Alittlebeforetwilight，oneChristmaseve，Gabrielshoulderedhisspade，lightedhislantern，andbetookhimselftowardstheoldchurchyard。
forhehadgotagravetofinishbynextmorning，and，feelingverylow，hethoughtitmightraisehisspirits，perhaps，ifhewentonwithhisworkatonce。Ashewenthisway，uptheancientstreet，hesawthecheerfullightoftheblazingfiresgleamthroughtheoldcasements，andheardtheloudlaughandthecheerfulshoutsofthosewhowereassembledaroundthem。
hemarkedthebustlingpreparationsfornextday’scheer，andsmeltthenumeroussavouryodoursconsequentthereupon，astheysteamedupfromthekitchenwindowsinclouds。AllthiswasgallandwormwoodtotheheartofGabrielGrub。andwhengroupsofchildrenboundedoutofthehouses，trippedacrosstheroad，andweremet，beforetheycouldknockattheoppositedoor，byhalfadozencurly-headedlittlerascalswhocrowdedroundthemastheyflockedup-stairstospendtheeveningintheirChristmasgames，Gabrielsmiledgrimly，andclutchedthehandleofhisspadewithafirmergrasp，ashethoughtofmeasles，scarlet-fever，thrush，hooping-cough，andagoodmanyothersourcesofconsolationbesides。
Inthishappyframeofmind，Gabrielstrodealong：returningashort，sullengrowltothegood-humouredgreetingsofsuchofhisneighboursasnowandthenpassedhim：untilheturnedintothedarklanewhichledtothechurchyard。Now，Gabrielhadbeenlookingforwardtoreachingthedarklane，becauseitwas，generallyspeaking，anice，gloomy，mournfulplace，intowhichthetowns-peopledidnotmuchcaretogo，exceptinbroaddaylight，andwhenthesunwasshining。consequently，hewasnotalittleindignanttohearayoungurchinroaringoutsomejollysongaboutamerryChristmas，inthisverysanctuary，whichhadbeencalledCoffinLaneeversincethedaysoftheoldabbey，andthetimeoftheshaven-headedmonks。AsGabrielwalkedon，andthevoicedrewnearer，hefounditproceededfromasmallboy，whowashurryingalong，tojoinoneofthelittlepartiesintheoldstreet，andwho，partlytokeephimselfcompany，andpartlytopreparehimselffortheoccasion，wasshoutingoutthesongatthehighestpitchofhislungs。SoGabrielwaiteduntiltheboycameup，andthendodgedhimintoacorner，andrappedhimovertheheadwithhislanternfiveorsixtimes，toteachhimtomodulatehisvoice。Andastheboyhurriedawaywithhishandtohishead，singingquiteadifferentsortoftune，GabrielGrubchuckledveryheartilytohimself，andenteredthechurchyard：lockingthegatebehindhim。
Hetookoffhiscoat，putdownhislantern，andgettingintotheunfinishedgrave，workedatitforanhourorso，withrightgoodwill。Buttheearthwashardenedwiththefrost，anditwasnoveryeasymattertobreakitup，andshovelitout。andalthoughtherewasamoon，itwasaveryyoungone，andshedlittlelightuponthegrave，whichwasintheshadowofthechurch。Atanyothertime，theseobstacleswouldhavemadeGabrielGrubverymoodyandmiserable，buthewassowellpleasedwithhavingstoppedthesmallboy’ssinging，thathetooklittleheedofthescantyprogresshehadmade，andlookeddownintothegrave，whenhehadfinishedworkforthenight，withgrimsatisfaction：murmuringashegathereduphisthings：Bravelodgingsforone，bravelodgingsforone，Afewfeetofcoldearth，whenlifeisdone。Astoneatthehead，astoneatthefeet，Arich，juicymealforthewormstoeat。Rankgrassoverhead，anddampclayaround，Bravelodgingsforone，these，inholyground！
`Ho！ho！’laughedGabrielGrub，ashesathimselfdownonaflattombstonewhichwasafavouriteresting-placeofhis。anddrewforthhiswickerbottle。
`AcoffinatChristmas！AChristmasBox。Ho！ho！ho！’
`Ho！ho！ho！’repeatedavoicewhichsoundedclosebehindhim。
Gabrielpaused，insomealarm，intheactofraisingthewickerbottletohislips：andlookedround。Thebottomoftheoldestgraveabouthim，wasnotmorestillandquiet，thanthechurchyardinthepalemoonlight。
Thecoldhoarfrostglistenedonthetombstones，andsparkledlikerowsofgems，amongthestonecarvingsoftheoldchurch。Thesnowlayhardandcrispupontheground。andspreadoverthethickly-strewnmoundsofearthsowhiteandsmoothacoverthatitseemedasifcorpseslaythere，hiddenonlybytheirwindingsheets。Notthefaintestrustlebroketheprofoundtranquillityofthesolemnscene。Sounditselfappearedtobefrozenup，allwassocoldandstill。
`Itwastheechoes，’saidGabrielGrub，raisingthebottletohislipsagain。
`Itwasnot，’saidadeepvoice。
Gabrielstartedup，andstoodrootedtothespotwithastonishmentandterror。forhiseyesrestedonaformthatmadehisbloodruncold。
Seatedonanuprighttombstone，closetohim，wasastrangeunearthlyfigure，whomGabrielfeltatonce，wasnobeingofthisworld。Hislongfantasticlegswhichmighthavereachedtheground，werecockedup，andcrossedafteraquaint，fantasticfashion。hissinewyarmswerebare。andhishandsrestedonhisknees。Onhisshortroundbody，heworeaclosecovering，ornamentedwithsmallslashes。ashortcloakdangledathisback。
thecollarwascutintocuriouspeaks，whichservedthegoblininlieuofrufforneckerchief。andhisshoescurledupathistoesintolongpoints。
Onhishead，heworeabroad-brimmedsugar-loafhat，garnishedwithasinglefeather。Thehatwascoveredwiththewhitefrost。andthegoblinlookedasifhehadsatonthesametombstoneverycomfortably，fortwoorthreehundredyears。Hewassittingperfectlystill。histonguewasputout，asifinderision。andhewasgrinningatGabrielGrubwithsuchagrinasonlyagoblincouldcallup。
`Itwasnottheechoes，’saidthegoblin。
GabrielGrubwasparalysed，andcouldmakenoreply。
`WhatdoyoudohereonChristmaseve？’saidthegoblinsternly。
`Icametodigagrave，sir，’stammeredGabrielGrub。
`Whatmanwandersamonggravesandchurchyardsonsuchanightasthis？’
criedthegoblin。
`GabrielGrub！GabrielGrub！’screamedawildchorusofvoicesthatseemedtofillthechurchyard。Gabriellookedfearfullyround——nothingwastobeseen。
`Whathaveyougotinthatbottle？’saidthegoblin。
`Hollands，sir，’repliedthesexton，tremblingmorethanever。forhehadboughtitofthesmugglers，andhethoughtthatperhapshisquestionermightbeintheexcisedepartmentofthegoblins。
`WhodrinksHollandsalone，andinachurchyard，onsuchanightasthis？’saidthegoblin。
`GabrielGrub！GabrielGrub！’exclaimedthewildvoicesagain。
Thegoblinleeredmaliciouslyattheterrifiedsexton，andthenraisinghisvoice，exclaimed：
`Andwho，then，isourfairandlawfulprize？’
Tothisinquirytheinvisiblechorusreplied，inastrainthatsoundedlikethevoicesofmanychoristerssingingtothemightyswelloftheoldchurchorgan——astrainthatseemedbornetothesexton’searsuponawildwind，andtodieawayasitpassedonward。buttheburdenofthereplywasstillthesame，`GabrielGrub！GabrielGrub！’
Thegoblingrinnedabroadergrinthanbefore，ashesaid，`Well，Gabriel，whatdoyousaytothis？’
Thesextongaspedforbreath。
`Whatdoyouthinkofthis，Gabriel？’saidthegoblin，kickinguphisfeetintheaironeithersideofthetombstone，andlookingattheturned-uppointswithasmuchcomplacencyasifhehadbeencontemplatingthemostfashionablepairofWellingtonsinallBondStreet。
`It’s——it’s——verycurious，sir，’repliedthesexton，halfdeadwithfright。`verycurious，andverypretty，butIthinkI’llgobackandfinishmywork，sir，ifyouplease。’
`Work！’saidthegoblin，`whatwork？’
`Thegrave，sir。makingthegrave，’stammeredthesexton。
`Oh，thegrave，eh？’saidthegoblin。`whomakesgravesatatimewhenallothermenaremerry，andtakesapleasureinit？’
Againthemysteriousvoicesreplied，`GabrielGrub！GabrielGrub！’
`I’mafraidmyfriendswantyou，Gabriel，’saidthegoblin，thrustinghistonguefurtherintohischeekthanever——andamostastonishingtongueitwas——`I’mafraidmyfriendswantyou，Gabriel，’saidthegoblin。
`Underfavour，sir，’repliedthehorror-strickensexton，`Idon’tthinktheycan，sir。theydon’tknowme，sir。Idon’tthinkthegentlemenhaveeverseenme，sir。’
`Ohyestheyhave，’repliedthegoblin。`weknowthemanwiththesulkyfaceandgrimscowl，thatcamedownthestreetto-night，throwinghisevillooksatthechildren，andgraspinghisburyingspadethetighter。Weknowthemanwhostrucktheboyintheenviousmaliceofhisheart，becausetheboycouldbemerry，andhecouldnot。Weknowhim，weknowhim。’
Here，thegoblingavealoudshrilllaugh，whichtheechoesreturnedtwenty-fold：andthrowinghislegsupintheair，stooduponhishead，orratherupontheverypointofhissugar-loafhat，onthenarrowedgeofthetombstone：whencehethrewasomersetwithextraordinaryagility，righttothesexton’sfeet，atwhichheplantedhimselfintheattitudeinwhichtailorsgenerallysitupontheshop-board。
`I——I——amafraidImustleaveyou，sir，’saidthesexton，makinganefforttomove。
`Leaveus！’saidthegoblin，`GabrielGrubgoingtoleaveus。Ho！ho！
ho！’
Asthegoblinlaughed，thesextonobserved，foroneinstant，abrilliantilluminationwithinthewindowsofthechurch，asifthewholebuildingwerelightedup。itdisappeared，theorganpealedforthalivelyair，andwholetroopsofgoblins，theverycounterpartofthefirstone，pouredintothechurchyard，andbeganplayingatleap-frogwiththetombstones：
neverstoppingforaninstanttotakebreath，but`overing’thehighestamongthem，oneaftertheother，withthemostmarvellousdexterity。Thefirstgoblinwasamostastonishingleaper，andnoneoftheotherscouldcomenearhim。evenintheextremityofhisterrorthesextoncouldnothelpobserving，thatwhilehisfriendswerecontenttoleapoverthecommon-sizedgravestones，thefirstonetookthefamilyvaults，ironrailingsandall，withasmucheaseasiftheyhadbeensomanystreetposts。
Atlastthegamereachedtoamostexcitingpitch。theorganplayedquickerandquicker。andthegoblinsleapedfasterandfaster：coilingthemselvesup，rollingheadoverheelsupontheground，andboundingoverthetombstoneslikefoot-balls。Thesexton’sbrainwhirledroundwiththerapidityofthemotionhebeheld，andhislegsreeledbeneathhim，asthespiritsflewbeforehiseyes：whenthegoblinking，suddenlydartingtowardshim，laidhishanduponhiscollar，andsankwithhimthroughtheearth。
WhenGabrielGrubhadhadtimetofetchhisbreath，whichtherapidityofhisdescenthadforthemomenttakenaway，hefoundhimselfinwhatappearedtobealargecavern，surroundedonallsidesbycrowdsofgoblins，uglyandgrim。inthecentreoftheroom，onanelevatedseat，wasstationedhisfriendofthechurchyard。andclosebesidehimstoodGabrielGrubhimself，withoutpowerofmotion。
`Coldto-night，’saidthekingofthegoblins，`verycold。Aglassofsomethingwarm，here！’
Atthiscommand，halfadozenofficiousgoblins，withaperpetualsmileupontheirfaces，whomGabrielGrubimaginedtobecourtiers，onthataccount，hastilydisappeared，andpresentlyreturnedwithagobletofliquidfire，whichtheypresentedtotheking。
`Ah！’criedthegoblin，whosecheeksandthroatweretransparent，ashetosseddowntheflame，`Thiswarmsone，indeed！Bringabumperofthesame，forMr。Grub。’
Itwasinvainfortheunfortunatesextontoprotestthathewasnotinthehabitoftakinganythingwarmatnight。oneofthegoblinsheldhimwhileanotherpouredtheblazingliquiddownhisthroat。thewholeassemblyscreechedwithlaughterashecoughedandchoked，andwipedawaythetearswhichgushedplentifullyfromhiseyes，afterswallowingtheburningdraught。
`Andnow，’saidtheking，fantasticallypokingthetapercornerofhissugar-loafhatintothesexton’seye，andtherebyoccasioninghimthemostexquisitepain：`Andnow，showthemanofmiseryandgloom，afewofthepicturesfromourowngreatstorehouse！’
Asthegoblinsaidthis，athickcloudwhichobscuredtheremoterendofthecavern，rolledgraduallyaway，anddisclosed，apparentlyatagreatdistance，asmallandscantilyfurnished，butneatandcleanapartment。
Acrowdoflittlechildrenweregatheredroundabrightfire，clingingtotheirmother’sgown，andgambollingaroundherchair。Themotheroccasionallyrose，anddrewasidethewindow-curtain，asiftolookforsomeexpectedobject：afrugalmealwasreadyspreaduponthetable。andanelbowchairwasplacednearthefire。Aknockwasheardatthedoor：themotheropenedit，andthechildrencrowdedroundher，andclappedtheirhandsforjoy，astheirfatherentered。Hewaswetandweary，andshookthesnowfromhisgarments，asthechildrencrowdedroundhim，andseizinghiscloak，hat，stick，andgloves，withbusyzeal，ranwiththemfromtheroom。Then，ashesatdowntohismealbeforethefire，thechildrenclimbedabouthisknee，andthemothersatbyhisside，andallseemedhappinessandcomfort。
Butachangecameupontheview，almostimperceptibly。Thescenewasalteredtoasmallbed-room，wherethefairestandyoungestchildlaydying。
theroseshadfledfromhischeek，andthelightfromhiseye。andevenasthesextonlookeduponhimwithaninteresthehadneverfeltorknownbefore，hedied。Hisyoungbrothersandsisterscrowdedroundhislittlebed，andseizedhistinyhand，socoldandheavy。buttheyshrunkbackfromitstouch，andlookedwithaweonhisinfantface。forcalmandtranquilasitwas，andsleepinginrestandpeaceasthebeautifulchildseemedtobe，theysawthathewasdead，andtheyknewthathewasanAngellookingdownupon，andblessingthem，fromabrightandhappyHeaven。
Againthelightcloudpassedacrossthepicture，andagainthesubjectchanged。Thefatherandmotherwereoldandhelplessnow，andthenumberofthoseaboutthemwasdiminishedmorethanhalf。butcontentandcheerfulnesssatoneveryface，andbeamedineveryeye，astheycrowdedroundthefireside，andtoldandlistenedtooldstoriesofearlierandbygonedays。Slowlyandpeacefully，thefathersankintothegrave，and，soonafter，thesharerofallhiscaresandtroublesfollowedhimtoaplaceofrest。Thefew，whoyetsurvivedthem，kneltbytheirtomb，andwateredthegreenturfwhichcoveredit，withtheirtears。thenrose，andturnedaway：sadlyandmournfully，butnotwithbittercries，ordespairinglamentations，fortheyknewthattheyshouldonedaymeetagain。andoncemoretheymixedwiththebusyworld，andtheircontentandcheerfulnesswererestored。
Thecloudsettleduponthepicture，andconcealeditfromthesexton’sview。
`Whatdoyouthinkofthat？’saidthegoblin，turninghislargefacetowardsGabrielGrub。
Gabrielmurmuredoutsomethingaboutitsbeingverypretty，andlookedsomewhatashamed，asthegoblinbenthisfieryeyesuponhim。
`Youamiserableman！’saidthegoblin，inatoneofexcessivecontempt。`You！’Heappeareddisposedtoaddmore，butindignationchokedhisutterance，sohelifteduponeofhisverypliablelegs，andflourishingitabovehisheadalittle，toinsurehisaim，administeredagoodsoundkicktoGabrielGrub。immediatelyafterwhich，allthegoblinsinwaiting，crowdedroundthewretchedsexton，andkickedhimwithoutmercy：accordingtotheestablishedandinvariablecustomofcourtiersuponearth，whokickwhomroyaltykicks，andhugwhomroyaltyhugs。
`Showhimsomemore！’saidthekingofthegoblins。
Atthesewords，thecloudwasdispelled，andarichandbeautifullandscapewasdisclosedtoview——thereisjustsuchanother，tothisday，withinhalfamileoftheoldabbeytown。Thesunshonefromouttheclearbluesky，thewatersparkledbeneathhisrays，andthetreeslookedgreener，andtheflowersmoregay，beneathhischeeringinfluence。Thewaterrippledon，withapleasantsound。thetreesrustledinthelightwindthatmurmuredamongtheirleaves。thebirdssangupontheboughs。andthelarkcarolledonhighherwelcometothemorning。Yes，itwasmorning。thebright，balmymorningofsummer。theminutestleaf，thesmallestbladeofgrass，wasinstinctwithlife。Theantcreptforthtoherdailytoil，thebutterflyflutteredandbaskedinthewarmraysofthesun。myriadsofinsectsspreadtheirtransparentwings，andrevelledintheirbriefbuthappyexistence。
Manwalkedforth，elatedwiththescene。andallwasbrightnessandsplendour。
`Youamiserableman！’saidthekingofthegoblins，inamorecontemptuoustonethanbefore。Andagainthekingofthegoblinsgavehislegaflourish。againitdescendedontheshouldersofthesexton。andagaintheattendantgoblinsimitatedtheexampleoftheirchief。
Manyatimethecloudwentandcame，andmanyalessonittaughttoGabrielGrub，who，althoughhisshoulderssmartedwithpainfromthefrequentapplicationsofthegoblins’feet，lookedonwithaninterestthatnothingcoulddiminish。Hesawthatmenwhoworkedhard，andearnedtheirscantybreadwithlivesoflabour，werecheerfulandhappy。andthattothemostignorant，thesweetfaceofnaturewasanever-failingsourceofcheerfulnessandjoy。Hesawthosewhohadbeendelicatelynurtured，andtenderlybroughtup，cheerfulunderprivations，andsuperiortosufferingthatwouldhavecrushedmanyofaroughergrain，becausetheyborewithintheirownbosomsthematerialsofhappiness，contentment，andpeace。Hesawthatwomen，thetenderestandmostfragileofallGod’screatures，weretheoftenestsuperiortosorrow，adversity，anddistress。andhesawthatitwasbecausetheybore，intheirownhearts，aninexhaustiblewell-springofaffectionanddevotion。Aboveall，hesawthatmenlikehimself，whosnarledatthemirthandcheerfulnessofothers，werethefoulestweedsonthefairsurfaceoftheearth。andsettingallthegoodoftheworldagainsttheevil，hecametotheconclusionthatitwasaverydecentandrespectablesortofworldafterall。Nosoonerhadheformedit，thanthecloudwhichclosedoverthelastpicture，seemedtosettleonhissenses，andlullhimtorepose。Onebyone，thegoblinsfadedfromhissight。andasthelastonedisappeared，hesunktosleep。
ThedayhadbrokenwhenGabrielGrubawoke，andfoundhimselflying，atfulllengthontheflatgravestoneinthechurchyard，withthewickerbottlelyingemptybyhisside，andhiscoat，spade，andlantern，allwellwhitenedbythelastnight’sfrost，scatteredontheground。Thestoneonwhichhehadfirstseenthegoblinseated，stoodboltuprightbeforehim，andthegraveatwhichhehadworked，thenightbefore，wasnotfaroff。Atfirst，hebegantodoubttherealityofhisadventures，buttheacutepaininhisshoulderswhenheattemptedtorise，assuredhimthatthekickingofthegoblinswascertainlynotideal。Hewasstaggeredagainbyobservingnotracesoffootstepsinthesnowonwhichthegoblinshadplayedatleap-frogwiththegravestones，buthespeedilyaccountedforthiscircumstancewhenherememberedthat，beingspirits，theywouldleavenovisibleimpressionbehindthem。So，GabrielGrubgotonhisfeetaswellashecould，forthepaininhisback。andbrushingthefrostoffhiscoat，putiton，andturnedhisfacetowardsthetown。
Buthewasanalteredman，andhecouldnotbearthethoughtofreturningtoaplacewherehisrepentancewouldbescoffedat，andhisreformationdisbelieved。Hehesitatedforafewmoments。andthenturnedawaytowanderwherehemight，andseekhisbreadelsewhere。
Thelantern，thespade，andthewickerbottle，werefound，thatday，inthechurchyard。Therewereagreatmanyspeculationsaboutthesexton’sfate，atfirst，butitwasspeedilydeterminedthathehadbeencarriedawaybythegoblins。andtherewerenotwantingsomeverycrediblewitnesseswhohaddistinctlyseenhimwhiskedthroughtheaironthebackofachestnuthorseblindofoneeye，withthehind-quartersofalion，andthetailofabear。Atlengthallthiswasdevoutlybelieved。andthenewsextonusedtoexhibittothecurious，foratriflingemolument，agood-sizedpieceofthechurchweathercockwhichhadbeenaccidentallykickedoffbytheaforesaidhorseinhisaerialflight，andpickedupbyhimselfinthechurchyard，ayearortwoafterwards。
Unfortunately，thesestoriesweresomewhatdisturbedbytheunlooked-forre-appearanceofGabrielGrubhimself，sometenyearsafterwards，aragged，contented，rheumaticoldman。Hetoldhisstorytotheclergyman，andalsotothemayor。andincourseoftimeitbegantobereceived，asamatterofhistory，inwhichformithascontinueddowntothisveryday。Thebelieversintheweathercocktale，havingmisplacedtheirconfidenceonce，werenoteasilyprevailedupontopartwithitagain，sotheylookedaswiseastheycould，shruggedtheirshoulders，touchedtheirforeheads，andmurmuredsomethingaboutGabrielGrubhavingdrunkalltheHollands，andthenfallenasleepontheflattombstone。andtheyaffectedtoexplainwhathesupposedhehadwitnessedinthegoblin’scavern，bysayingthathehadseentheworld，andgrownwiser。Butthisopinion，whichwasbynomeansapopularoneatanytime，graduallydiedoff。andbethematterhowitmay，asGabrielGrubwasafflictedwithrheumatismtotheendofhisdays，thisstoryhasatleastonemoral，ifitteachnobetterone——andthatis，thatifamanturnsulkyanddrinkbyhimselfatChristmastime，hemaymakeuphismindtobenotabitthebetterforit：letthespiritsbeneversogood，orletthembeevenasmanydegreesbeyondproof，asthosewhichGabrielGrubsawinthegoblin’scavern。