Pickwick Abroad; or, The Tour in France — page 396: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

‘PICKWICK ABROAD. 383 “A marriage,” was the clerk’s laconic reply. “Between whom?” said Mr. Scuttle, panting for the means of re spiration. The clerk gave no answer, but opened the register, and pointed to the last entry which had been made in it. Mr. Scuttle darted his glance with lightning force at the register, as if he mtended to scorch it to a cinder: but as the ink was scarcely yet dry, it did not take a light; and so Mr. Scuttle was enabled to peruse the following words ::—- | **T hereby certify that Nassau Siff kin, of the Parish of Saint George, Hanover Square, London, Bachelor, and Sophia Weston, of the Parish of Saint James, Piccadilly, in the county of Middlesex, Widow, were married in the house of his Britannic Majesty’s Ambassador at Paris, according to the United Church of England and Ireland, &c. &c. (Signed) “<M. H. LUSCOMBE, Brsnop, ‘““AND CHAPLAIN TO THE BRITISH EMBASSY.” Mr. Scuttle could scarcely believe his eyes as he perused the fatal entry: he therefore read it a second time to convince himself of its truth. The clerk gazed upon him with astonishment, but said no- thing. ‘Impossible !” exclaimed Mr. Scutile. ‘Where could Siffkin have been living? And how did he dare return to Paris after the sentence given against him ?” ‘‘T heard the gentleman say as how that he’d only come yesterday afternoon,” said the.clerk ; ‘‘and the moment the ceremony was over, he and his wife, with the lady’s-maid, jumped into a post-chaise-and-six, which they got me to procure for them all ready, and were off like bricks.” ‘**She could scarcely have done this in a fit of absence of mind,” mused Mr. Scuttle, within himself, as he slowly issued from the chapel, and regained the cabriolet that was waiting for him. ‘“ But what the deuce can I say to Pickwick ?” Mr. Scuttle now desired the driver to proceed as slowly as he chose, in order that he (Mr. Scuttle) might have as much time as pos- sible to reflect upon the impression the conduct ofhis niece was likely to make upon Mr. Pickwick and the numerous guests assembled to witness the marriage. There remained but one alternative—and that was to tell the truth. Mr. Scuttle was anxiously awaited by all those whom he had left be- hind; and as he re-entered the apartment, a solemn silence indicated the impatience with which his return had been looked for. “Mr, Pickwick,” said Mr. Scuttle, moving slowly into the centre of the circle which was speedily formed around him; “ we are all deceived—and you are—” “What ?” demanded Mr. Pickwick. “ Jilted!” returned Mr. Scuttle: “* she has married Siffkin.” “¢ Siff kin !”’ exclaimed Mr. Hook Walker; and without waiting to make any further enquiries, he rushed out of the room to get his walrant executed against Mr. Nassan Siffkin. Eomichbooks (E(@) =)