for study, of one or two of the inimitable cartoons
of Raphael for their students. An annual private exhibition of their
studies also takes place yearly; the last of which displayed such a
degree of merit as no society or academy in Europe could equal.

Sir Felix, who on a former occasion had expressed a wish to acquire the
art of verse-writing, was so much satisfied with his inspection of this
exhibition, that he ~~227~~~became equally emulous of attaining the
sister-art of painting; but Dashall requested him to suspend at present
his choice, as perhaps he might alternately prefer the acquisition of
music.

"In that case," rejoined the Baronet, "I must endeavour to acquire the
knack of rhyming extempore, that I may accompany the discordant music
with correspondent doggerels to the immortal memory of the heroic
achievements of my revered Aunt's mighty progenitor--O'Brien king of
Ulster."

This expression of contempt cast by the Baronet on the splendor of the
ancient provincial sovereign of the north, had nearly created an open
rupture between his aunt and him. Tallyho, however, happily succeeded
in effecting an amnesty for the past, on promise under his guarantee of
amendment for the future.

The party now migrated by Spring Garden Gate into the salubrious regions
of St. James's Park, and crossing its eastern extremity, took post of
observation opposite the Horse Guards, an elegant building of stone,
that divides Parliament-street from St. James's Park, to which it is
the principal entrance. The architect was Ware, and the building cost
upwards of L30,000. It derives its name from the two regiments of Life
Guards (usually called the Horse Guards) mounting guard there.

"Here is transacted," said Dashall, "all the business of the
British army in a great variety of departments, consisting of the
Commander-in-Chief's Office,--the Offices of the Secretary-at-War,--the
Adjutant-General's Office,--the Quarter-Master-General's
Office,--besides the Orderly Rooms for the three regiments of Foot
Guards, whose arms are kept here. These three regiments, containing
about 7000 men, including officers, and two regiments of Horse Guards,
consisting together of 1200 men, at once serve as appendages to the
King's royal state, and form a general military establishment for the
metropolis. A body called the Yeomen of the Guard, consisting of 100
men, remains a curious relic of the dress of the King's guards in the
fifteenth century. S