eference to the connexion of the latter with the
Citizens of London or Westminster!"

Jaz again assumed the office of expositor.--"My very reverend Aunt,"
said Jaz, "I must prolegomenize the required explanation with a simple
anecdote:--

"When Charles the Second returned from one of his northern tours,
accompanied by the Earl of Rochester, he passed through Shoreditch. On
each side the road was a huge pile of rams' horns, for what purpose
tradition saith not. 'What is the meaning of all this?' asked the
King, pointing towards the symbolics. 'I know not,' rejoined Rochester,
'unless it implies that the Citizens of London have laid their heads
together, to welcome your Majesty's return!' In commemoration of this
witticism, the ram's head is to the Citizens of London a prominent
feature of exhibition in the British Museum."

This interpretation raised a laugh at the expense of Timothy Surety,
who, nevertheless, bore it with great good humour, being a bachelor, and
consequently not within the scope of that ridicule on the basis of which
was founded the present sarcastic fabric.

It was now obvious to Dash all and his friend, that this young man,
Jasper Surety, was not altogether the ignoramus at first presumed. They
had already been entertained by his remarks, and his annotations were
of a description to warrant the expectancy of further amusement in the
progress of their inspection.

From the hall the visitors were led through an iron gateway to the
great staircase, opposite the bottom of which is preserved a model in
mahogany, exhibiting the method used by Mr. Milne in constructing the
works of Blackfriars' Bridge; and beneath it are some curious fragments
from the Giant's Causeway in Ireland.

These fragments, however highly estimated by the naturalist and the
antiquary, were held in derision by the worldly-minded Tim. Surety,
who exclaimed against the folly of expending money in the purchase of
articles of no intrinsic value, calculated only to gratify the curiosity
of those inquisitive idlers who affect their admiration of every
uninteresting production of Nature, and neglect the pursuit of the main
chance, so necessary in realizing the comforts of life.

~13~~ These sordid ideas were opposed by Dashall and the 'Squire, to
whom they seemed particularly directed. Mrs. Tabitha smiled a gracious
acquiescence in the sentiments of the two strangers, and Jasper
expressed his regret that Nuncle was not gifted and fat