nothing to laugh at, and it is beneath the character of a philosopher to
laugh at any thing."

"Never mind," said Dashall, "we are not of that description--and we
sometimes laugh at nothing, which I apprehend is the case in the present
instance."

"I perfectly agree with the observation," rejoined Sparkle; "it is a
case in point, and very well pointed too."

"Nothing could be better timed," said Tallyho.

"What than a horse laugh in the public streets! D------d vulgar
really---quite _outre_, as we say. No, no, you ought to consider
where you are, what company you are in, and never laugh without a good
motive--what is the use of laughing."

"A philosopher," said Tom Dashall, "need scarcely ask such a question.
The superiority of his mind ought to furnish a sufficient answer."

"Then I perceive you are not communicative, and I always like to be
informed; but never mind, here we shall have something to entertain us."

"And at least," said Sparkle, "that is better than nothing."

The observation, however, was lost upon the incorrigible fribble, who
produced his snuff-box, and took a pinch, with an air that discovered
the diamond ring upon his finger--pulled up his shirt collar--and at the
same time forced down his waistcoat; conceiving no doubt that by such
means he increased his consequence, which however was wholly lost upon
his companions.

"And this," said Sparkle, "is the so much talked of statue of
Achilles--The Wellington Trophy--it is placed in a very conspicuous
situation, however--and what says the pedestal--

TO ARTHUR DUKE OF WELLINGTON,
AND HIS BRAVE COMPANIONS IN ARMS,
THIS STATUE OF ACHILLES,
CAST FROM CANNON
TAKEN IN THE VICTORIES OF
SALAMANCA, VITTORIA, TOULOUSE, AND WATERLOO
IS INSCRIBED
BY THEIR COUNTRYWOMEN.

~~348~~~ "Beautiful," said Gayfield--"Elegant--superb." "Bold," said
Dashall, "but not very delicate." "A naked figure, truly," continued
Bob, "in a situation visited by the first circles of rank and fashion,
is not to be considered as one of the greatest proofs either of modesty
or propriety; but perhaps these ideas, as in many other instances,
are exploded, or they are differently understood to what they were
originally. A mantle might have been thought of by the ladies, if not
the artist."

"For my part," said Sparkle, "I see but little in it to admire."

During this conversation, Gayfield was danc