I had no idea of this becoming a recurring feature the first time I wrote about the frequency of references to Dickens’ Martin Chuzzlewit in other books. Nor even the second time. But I doubt I shall ever cease to chuckle at a reference to the ever-popular Mrs. Gamp and her elusive friend Mrs. Harris, and there seems to be no end to their adventures:
“This Oliver appears to be a very elusive person,” said he.
“Isn’t he?” agreed Wimsey dryly. “Almost as elusive as the famous Mrs. Harris.”
~ The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club by Dorothy Sayers
You said to me once you’d like to come here to live. Read Martin Chuzzlewit again before you do. “Eden!” That’s what the famous Ornaby Addition looks like! It isn’t swampy, but that’s all the difference I could see.
~ National Avenue by Booth Tarkington
“Poor old man! What was his name?”
“Harris,” said Lucy glibly.
“Let’s hope that Mrs. Harris there warn’t no sich person,” said her mother.
~ A Room With a View by E.M. Forster
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