Pickwick's character, with which I
was not previously acquainted. He has a secret pride in his legs.
The manner in which he spoke, and the accompanying glance he
bestowed upon his tights, convince me that Mr. Pickwick regards his
legs with much innocent vanity.
'But here are our friends,' said I, opening the door and taking his
arm in mine; 'let them speak for themselves. - Gentlemen, I present
to you Mr. Pickwick.'
Mr. Pickwick and I must have been a good contrast just then. I,
leaning quietly on my crutch-stick, with something of a care-worn,
patient air; he, having hold of my arm, and bowing in every
direction with the most elastic politeness, and an expression of
face whose sprightly cheerfulness and good-humour knew no bounds.
The difference between us must have been more striking yet, as we
advanced towards the table, and the amiable gentleman, adapting his
jocund step to my poor tread, had his attention divided between
treating my infirmities with the utmost consideration, and
affecting to be wholly unconscious that I required any.
I made him personally known to each of my friends in turn. First,
to the deaf gentleman, whom he regarded with much interest, and
accosted with great frankness and cordiality. He had evidently
some vague idea, at the moment, that my friend being deaf must be
dumb also; for when the latter opened his lips to express the
pleasure it afforded him to know a gentleman of whom he had heard
so much, Mr.
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