CHAPTER III

_How the Pickwickians made and cultivated the acquaintance of a couple of nice young men belonging to one of the liberal professions; how they disported themselves on the ice; and how their visit came to a conclusion_ 118

ILLUSTRATIONS

_As brisk as bees, if not altogether as light as fairies, did the four Pickwickians assemble_ Frontispiece

_Facing Page_ _Emily Wardle_ 42

_Then the old church bell rang ... and they all returned to breakfast_ 56

_A five and twenty mile walk, undertaken by the males at Wardle’s recommendation_ 64

_Wardle singing the Christmas Carol_ 80

_As he wended his way up the ancient street, he saw the cheerful light of the blazing fires_ 90

_Gabriel started up, and stood rooted to the spot with astonishment and terror_ 96

_A rich and beautiful landscape was disclosed to view_ 110

“_How slippery it is, Sam!_” 130

_Went slowly and gravely down the slide, with his feet about a yard and a quarter apart_ 138

A GOOD-HUMOURED CHRISTMAS CHAPTER