If I call out she'll alarm the house; but if I remain here the consequences will be still more frightful.' Mr.Pickwick, it is quite unnecessary to say, was one of the most modest and delicate-minded of mortals.

The very idea of exhibiting his nightcap to a lady overpowered him, but he had tied those confounded strings in a knot, and, do what he would, he couldn't get it off.

The disclosure must be made.

There was only one other way of doing it.

He shrunk behind the curtains, and called out very loudly-- 'Ha-hum!' That the lady started at this unexpected sound was evident, by her falling up against the rushlight shade; that she persuaded herself it must have been the effect of imagination was equally clear, for when Mr.
Pickwick, under the impression that she had fainted away stone-dead with fright, ventured to peep out again, she was gazing pensively on the fire as before.
'Most extraordinary female this,' thought Mr.Pickwick, popping in again.