uch great persons as ourselves,
and she had taken the liberty to send us a bill receipted, with a
request that we would make a small advance, rather than reduce her to
the mortification of treating such distinguished guests in an unworthy
manner. The bill read as follows:--

No. 1 parti-color and friends,

To No. 82,763 grape-color. Dr.
To use of apartments, with meals and lights, as per
agreement, p.p. 300 per diem--one day, p.p. 300
By cash advanced, 50
----
Balance due, p.p. 250

"This seems all right," I observed to Noah; but I am, at this moment, as
penniless as the good woman herself. I really do not see what we are to
do, unless Bob sends her back his store of nuts--"

"Harkee, my nimble-go-hop," put in the seaman, "what is your pleasure?"

The waiter referred to the bill, as expressing his mistress's wants.

"What are these p. p. that I find noted in the bill--play or pay, hey?"

"Promises, of course, your honor."

"Oh! then you desire fifty promises, to provide our dinner."

"Nothing more, sir. With that sum you shall dine like noblemen--ay, sir,
like aldermen."

I was delighted to find that this worthy class of beings have the same
propensities in all countries.

"Here, take a hundred," answered Noah, snapping his fingers, "and make
no bones of it. And harkee, my worthy--lay out every farthing of them in
the fare. Let there be good cheer, and no one will grumble at the bill.
I am ready to buy the inn, and all it holds, at need."

The waiter departed well satisfied with these assurances, and apparently
in the anticipation of good vails for his own trouble.

We soon got into the current that was setting towards our place of
destination. On reaching the gate, we found that we were anxiously
expected; for there was an attendant in waiting, who instantly conducted
us to the seats that were provided for our special reception. It is
always agreeable to be among the privileged, and I must own that we were
all not a little flattered, on finding that an elevated tribune had been
prepared for us, in the centre of the rotunda in which the academy held
its sittings, so that we could see, and be seen by, every individual
of the crowded assembly. The whole crew, even to the negro cook,
had preceded us; an add