Mrs Gamp

In many places in his novels, Dickens suggests that the consumption of beer, wine or spirits is an inseparable part of the character he is describing. Mrs Gamp has more than her fair share of quotes in this book and, no doubt, more than her fair share of gin.

'Tell Mrs Gamp to come upstairs,' said Mould. 'Now Mrs Gamp, what's your news?'
The lady in question was by this time in the doorway, curtseying to Mrs Mould. At the same moment a peculiar fragrance was borne upon the breeze, as if a passing fairy had hiccoughed, and had previously been to a wine vault.


Martin Chuzzlewit.