native assurance, until now. You must know, then, that on Easter Monday,
the illustrious Judith Macgilligan, descendant lineally from O'Brien
king of Ulster, means to honour the Civic entertainment with her sublime
presence, and grace the Ball at the Mansion-house in a dress resembling
that of her grandmother the princess, worn seventy years ago. Now, my
dear friends, having pledged yourselves to contribute all in your power
towards the pleasure of my venerable aunt, which of you will be her
partner for the evening?"

The pause of a moment was succeeded by a hearty laugh; Tallyho had
no objections to the hand, as a partner at the ball, of Miss Judith
Macgilligan, even should she choose to array herself after the manner
of the princess her grandmother. But Dashall observing that as no masque
balls were given at the Mansion-house, it would be necessary that Miss
Macgilligan should forego her intention of appearing otherwise than
in modern costume. Sir Felix undertook to arrange this point with
his relative, and in the name and on behalf of Squire Tallyho, of
Belville-hall, to engage the distinguished honour of her hand at
the ensuing Mansion-house Ball. This important affair having been
satisfactorily adjusted, it was proposed by Dashall that, as his Cousin
and the Baronet had neither of them ever been present at the Epping Hunt
on Easter Monday, they should form themselves into a triumvirate for the
purpose of enjoying that pleasure on the morrow. The Squire having in
town ~194~~ two hunters from his own stud, embraced the proposition with
the avidity of a true sportsman, and Sir Felix declining the offer of
one of these fleet-footed coursers, it was agreed they should be under
the guidance of Tom and Bob, and that Sir Felix should accompany them,
mounted on his own sober gelding, early in the morning, to the field of
Nimrod, from which they purposed to return to town in sufficient time to
witness other holiday sports, before dressing for the entertainment at
the Mansion-house.

These preliminaries settled, and Sir Felix agreeing to take a pot-luck
dinner with his two friends, the trio resolved on a morning lounge
of observation, and sallying forth, took their way along Piccadilly
accordingly.

Although it was Sunday morning, this street presented, with the
exception of the shops being closed, nearly the same appearance of
bustle as on any other day; the number of pedestrians was not apparently
less, and of equestria