d.

~~278~~~ Sir Felix laughed heartily at this anecdote, and inquired of
his aunt whether she knew any of the Positive family in the North of
Ireland.

"Perfectly well," retorted the lady, "they are allied to the
_Wrongheads_ of the province of Munster!"

This reproof, which was hailed with applause by Tom and Bob,
dumb-foundered the Baronet, who became suddenly taciturn; but his
habitual good humour predominated, and conscious that he had brought
on himself the inflicted castigation, he resolved on a cessation of
hostilities for the remainder of the evening.

The invitation by Dashall having been without formal ceremony, and
unhesitatingly accepted by Miss Macgilligan and her nephew, they now, in
turn, claimed the like privilege of freedom, by soliciting the company
of the two Cousins to supper; a request which Tom and Bob cheerfully
acquiesced in; and the party immediately set out for the Baronet's
lodgings, preferring to walk the short distance, that they might view,
more leisurely, the accustomed illuminations on the anniversary of his
Majesty's birth-day.

The variegated lamps were tastefully arranged; but this effusion of
loyalty was rather of an interested than interesting description, being
confined wholly to the public-offices, the theatres, and the different
houses of his Majesty's tradesmen; no other habitation in this immense
metropolis bearing any external indication of attachment, on the part of
its occupant, to the Sovereign of the British Empire!

"Here comes a set of jolly fellows," exclaimed the Baronet, as the party
of friends turned into Bow-street from Covent-Garden, "who are at least
determined to honour the anniversary of St. George and their Sovereign,"
the clang of marrow bones and cleavers resounding with harsh and
stunning dissonance.

"Rather," said Dashall, "fellows determined to levy contributions on the
public, caring as little for the actual George the King, as they do for
the fabulous George the Champion."

Now loud and yet louder the grating din grew,
And near and more near still the butcher-gang drew;
Rapacious, obstrep'rous, a turbulent set,
And bent on annoyance of all whom they met.

~~279~~~ It was in vain that our party attempted to avoid them by
crossing the street. The intention was quickly thwarted by these
self-licensed prowlers, who intercepting our associates in the
carriage-way, encircled them in such a manner, as to prec