tially-explored tract of country which lies between the British
Museum, and a remote village called Somers-town--for the reception of
boarders. Great Coram-street was the spot pitched upon. The house had
been furnished accordingly; two female servants and a boy engaged; and an
advertisement inserted in the morning papers, informing the public that
'Six individuals would meet with all the comforts of a cheerful musical
home in a select private family, residing within ten minutes' walk
of'--everywhere. Answers out of number were received, with all sorts of
initials; all the letters of the alphabet seemed to be seized with a
sudden wish to go out boarding and lodging; voluminous was the
correspondence between Mrs. Tibbs and the applicants; and most profound
was the secrecy observed. 'E.' didn't like this; 'I.' couldn't think of
putting up with that; 'I. O. U.' didn't think the terms would suit him;
and 'G. R.' had never slept in a French bed. The result, however, was,
that three gentlemen became inmates of Mrs. Tibbs's house, on terms which
were 'agreeable to all parties.' In went the advertisement again, and a
lady with her two daughters, proposed to increase--not their families,
but Mrs. Tibbs's.

'Charming woman, that Mrs. Maplesone!' said Mrs. Tibbs, as she and her
spouse were sitting by the fire after breakfast; the gentlemen having
gone out on their several avocations. 'Charming woman, indeed!' repeated
little Mrs. Tibbs, more by way of soliloquy than anything else, for she
never thought of consulting her husband. 'And the two daughters are
delightful. We must have some fish to-day; they'll join us at dinner for
the first time.'

Mr. Tibbs placed the poker at right angles with the fire shovel, and
essayed to speak, but recollected he had nothing to say.

'The young ladies,' continued Mrs. T., 'have kindly volunteered to bring
their own piano.'

Tibbs thought of the volunteer story, but did not venture it.

A bright thought struck him--

'It's very likely--' said he.

'Pray don't lean your head against the paper,' interrupted Mrs. Tibbs;
'and don't put your feet on the steel fender; that's worse.'

Tibbs took his head from the paper, and his feet from the fender, and
proceeded. 'It's very likely one of the young ladies may set her cap at
young Mr. Simpson, and you know a marriage--'

'A what!' shrieked Mrs. Tibbs. Tibbs modestly repeated his former
suggestion.

'I beg you won't mention such a th