appearance even in the densest crowd was attractive, to say
the least: and many and various were the observations from time to time
made by the vulgar roughs around as to his personal appearance. His
shirtcollar was greatly praised, so was the beauty of his waistcoat:
while I heard one gentleman make an enquiry which showed he was desirous
of ascertaining what was the name of the distinguished firm which had the
honour of supplying him with hats. One said it was Heath, he could tell
by the brim; another that it was Cole, he went by the polish; and the
particular curl of the brim, which no other hatter had ever succeeded in
producing. While another gentleman with one eye and half a nose
protested that it was one of Lincoln and Bennett's patent dynamite
resisters on an entirely new principle.

The subject of all these remarks listened as one in doubt as to whether
they were levelled at him or in any other direction. He glanced at the
many eyes turned upon him, and heard the laughter that succeeded every
new witticism. His uncertainty as to whether he was "the party eamed
at," heightened the amusement of the wits.

Now came a bolder and less mistakable allusion to his personal
appearance:

"I should like Gladstone to see that, Jem; talk about a collar! the Grand
Old Man's nowhere--he'd better take to turndowns after this."

"Yes," replied the gentleman addressed; "I think this would settle
him--is he liberal or tory, I wonder?"

"Tory, you're sure--wotes for the Squoire, I'll warrant. A small loaf
and a big jail."

Mr. Bumpkin turned his eyes first towards one speaker and then towards
another without moving his head, as he thought:

"Danged if I doan't bleeve thee means I." But he wisely said nothing.

"I say," said another, "I wonder if pigeon's milk is good for the
complexion."

"No," said Jem, "it makes your nose red, and makes the hair sprout out of
the top of it."

Here was a laugh all round, which made the Usher call out silence; and
the Judge said he would have the Court cleared if order was not
preserved. Then there was a loud shouting all over the Court for "Thomas
Bumpkin!"

"Here I be!" said Bumpkin, amid more laughter--and especially of the wits
around him. Then a great bustling and hustling, and pushing and
struggling took place.

"Danged if that beant my case," said Mr. Bumpkin; "but it ain't my
counsellor."

"Make way for the plaintiff," shouted the Usher; "stand on one
side--don't