It was amusing to observe the difference between this encounter and
that which succeeded, between Mr. Pickwick and Mr. Miles. It was
clear that the latter gentleman viewed our new member as a kind of
rival in the affections of Jack Redburn, and besides this, he had
more than once hinted to me, in secret, that although he had no
doubt Mr. Pickwick was a very worthy man, still he did consider
that some of his exploits were unbecoming a gentleman of his years
and gravity. Over and above these grounds of distrust, it is one
of his fixed opinions, that the law never can by possibility do
anything wrong; he therefore looks upon Mr. Pickwick as one who has
justly suffered in purse and peace for a breach of his plighted
faith to an unprotected female, and holds that he is called upon to
regard him with some suspicion on that account. These causes led
to a rather cold and formal reception; which Mr. Pickwick
acknowledged with the same stateliness and intense politeness as
was displayed on the other side. Indeed, he assumed an air of such
majestic defiance, that I was fearful he might break out into some
solemn protest or declaration, and therefore inducted him into his
chair without a moment's delay.
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