noon
But he resisted bravely ; refusing to receive all letters , messages , and parcels ; obstinately declining to treat with anybody ; and holding out no hope or promise of capitulation . Meantime the family forces were perpetually encountering each other in divers parts of the neighbourhood ; and , as no one branch of the Chuzzlewit tree had ever been known to agree with another within the memory of man , there was such a skirmishing , and flouting , and snapping off of heads , in the metaphorical sense of that expression ; such a bandying of words and calling of names ; such an upturning of noses and wrinkling of brows ; such a formal interment of good feelings and violent resurrection of ancient grievances ; as had never been known in those quiet parts since the earliest record of their civilized existence . At length , in utter despair and hopelessness , some few of the belligerents began to speak to each other in only moderate terms of mutual aggravation ; and nearly all addressed themselves with a show of tolerable decency to Mr Pecksniff , in recognition of his high character and influential position . Thus , by little and little , they made common cause of Martin Chuzzlewit 's obduracy , until it was agreed -LRB- if such a word can be used in connection with the Chuzzlewits -RRB- that there should be a general council and conference held at Mr Pecksniff 's house upon a certain day at noon ; which all members of the family who had brought themselves within reach of the summons , were forthwith bidden and invited , solemnly , to attend . If ever Mr Pecksniff wore an apostolic look , he wore it on this memorable day . If ever his unruffled smile proclaimed the words , ` I am a messenger of peace ! ' that was its mission now .