While Mr. Wardle and the Pickwickians are away at Muggleton, the residents of Manor Farm while away the day in leisure. Of particular note are Mr. Tupman and the spinster aunt as they flirt with one another to the extent of exchanging hugs and kisses. Alas, when it appears that fat boy Joe, who has come to summon them to dinner, has been witness to their goings-on, Mr. Tupman interrogates Joe who avows that he has seen nothing. Satisfied that Joe has seen nothing (they assume he had been asleep), Mr. Tupman and the spinster aunt go to dinner in relaxed states of mind.
Dinner passes pleasantly enough at Manor Farm, but as the hour passes midnight and as Mr. Wardle and the Pickwickians have yet to return from Muggleton, there is anxiety in the air when the residents of Manor Farm recognize
