Exciseable articles were remarkably cheap at all the public-houses; and spring
vans paraded the streets for the accommodation of voters who were seized with
any temporary dizziness in the head - an epidemic which prevailed among the
electors, during the contest, to a most alarming extent, and under the influence
of which they might frequently be seen lying on the pavements in a state of
utter insensibility. A small body of electors remained unpolled on the very last
day. They were calculating and reflecting persons, who had not yet been
convinced by the arguments of either party, although they had had frequent
conferences with each. One hour before the close of the poll, Mr. Perker
solicited the honour of a private interview with these intelligent, these noble,
these patriotic men. It was granted. His arguments were brief, but satisfactory.
They went in a body to the poll; and when they returned, the honourable Samuel
Slumkey, of Slumkey Hall, was returned also.
 

                                  Chapter XIV

 Comprising a Brief Description of the Company at the Peacock Assembled; and a
                             Tale Told by a Bagman.

It is pleasant to turn from contemplating the strife and turmoil of political
existence, to the peaceful repose of private life. Although in reality no great
partisan of either side, Mr. Pickwick was sufficiently fired with Mr. Pott's
enthusiasm, to apply his whole time and attention to the proceedings, of which
the last chapter affords a description compiled from his own memoranda. Nor
while he was thus occupied was Mr. Winkle idle, his whole time being devoted to
pleasant walks and short country excursions with Mrs. Pott, who never failed,
when such an opportunity presented itself, to seek some relief from the tedious
monotony she so constantly complained of. The two gentlemen being thus
completely domesticated in the Editor's house, Mr. Tupman and Mr. Snodgrass were
in a great measure cast upon their own resources. Taking but little interest in
public affairs, they beguiled their time chiefly with such amusements as the
Peacock afforded, which were limited to a bagatelle-board in the first floor,
and a sequestered skittle-ground in the back yard. In the science and nicety of
both these recreations, which are far more abstruse than ordinary men suppose,
they were gradually initiated by Mr. Weller, who possessed a perfect knowledge
of such pastimes. Thus, notwithstanding that they were in a great measure
deprived of the comfort and advantage of Mr. Pickwick's society, they were still
enabled to beguile the time, and to prevent its hanging heavily on their hands.
    It was in the evening, however, that