But the new member was equal to the occasion , and rising , with a grateful salutation to the Chair , said in the most engaging manner , `` Mr. President and ladies -- I beg pardon , gentlemen -- allow me to introduce myself as Sam Weller , the very humble servant of the club . '' `` Good ! Good ! '' cried Jo , pounding with the handle of the old warming pan on which she leaned . `` My faithful friend and noble patron , '' continued Laurie with a wave of the hand , `` who has so flatteringly presented me , is not to be blamed for the base stratagem of tonight . I planned it , and she only gave in after lots of teasing . '' `` Come now , do n't lay it all on yourself . You know I proposed the cupboard , '' broke in Snodgrass , who was enjoying the joke amazingly . `` Never mind what she says . I 'm the wretch that did it , sir , '' said the new member , with a Welleresque nod to Mr. Pickwick . `` But on my honor , I never will do so again , and henceforth devote myself to the interest of this immortal club . '' `` Hear ! Hear ! '' cried Jo , clashing the lid of the warming pan like a cymbal . `` Go on , go on ! '' added Winkle and Tupman , while the President bowed benignly . `` I merely wish to say , that as a slight token of my gratitude for the honor done me , and as a means of promoting friendly relations between adjoining nations , I have set up a post office in the hedge in the lower corner of the garden , a fine , spacious building with padlocks on the doors and every convenience for the mails , also the females , if I may be allowed the expression . It 's the old martin house , but I 've stopped up the door and made the roof open , so it will hold all sorts of things , and save our valuable time . Letters , manuscripts , books , and bundles can be passed in there , and as each nation has a key , it will be uncommonly nice , I fancy . Allow me to present the club key , and with many thanks for your favor , take my seat . ''
Great applause as Mr. XXXXX deposited a little key on the table and subsided , the warming pan clashed and waved wildly , and it was some time before order could be restored .
Jo Laurie Pickwick President Snodgrass Tupman Weller Winkle cymbal padlocks