 in which he bestowed the
highest possible eulogiums on the conduct and character of Mr. Pickwick; but
inasmuch as our readers are far better able to form a correct estimate of that
gentleman's merits and deserts, than Serjeant Snubbin could possibly be, we do
not feel called upon to enter at any length into the learned gentleman's
observations. He attempted to show that the letters which had been exhibited,
merely related to Mr. Pickwick's dinner, or to the preparations for receiving
him in his apartments on his return from some country excursion. It is
sufficient to add in general terms, that he did the best he could for Mr.
Pickwick; and the best, as every body knows, on the infallible authority of the
old adage, could do no more.
    Mr. Justice Stareleigh summed up, in the old-established and most approved
form. He read as much of his notes to the jury as he could decipher on so short
a notice, and made running comments on the evidence as he went along. If Mrs.
Bardell were right, it was perfectly clear that Mr. Pickwick was wrong, and if
they thought the evidence of Mrs. Cluppins worthy of credence they would believe
it, and, if they didn't, why they wouldn't. If they were satisfied that a breach
of promise of marriage had been committed, they would find for the plaintiff
with such damages as they thought proper; and if, on the other hand, it appeared
to them that no promise of marriage had ever been given, they would find for the
defendant with no damages at all. The jury then retired to their private room to
talk the matter over, and the judge retired to his private room, to refresh
himself with a mutton chop and a glass of sherry.
    An anxious quarter of an hour elapsed; the jury came back; the judge was
fetched in. Mr. Pickwick put on his spectacles, and gazed at the foreman with an
agitated countenance and a quickly beating heart.
    »Gentlemen,« said the individual in black, »are you all agreed upon your
verdict?«
    »We are,« replied the foreman.
    »Do you find for the plaintiff, gentlemen, or for the defendant?«
    »For the plaintiff.«
    »With what damages, gentlemen?«
    »Seven hundred and fifty pounds.«
    Mr. Pickwick took off his spectacles, carefully wiped the glasses, folded
them into their case, and put them in his pocket; then having drawn on his
gloves with great nicety, and stared at the foreman all
