"You are," replied Kneebone. "When I heard of your escape, I felt sure I
should see you."

"You judged rightly," rejoined Jack; "I never yet broke an engagement
with friend or foe--and never will."

"A bold resolution," said the woollen-draper. "You must have made some
exertion to keep your present appointment. Few men could have done as
much."

"Perhaps not," replied Jack, carelessly. "I would have done more, if
necessary."

"Well, take a chair," rejoined Kneebone. "I've waited supper, you
perceive."

"First, let me introduce my friends," returned Jack, stepping to the
door.

"Friends!" echoed Kneebone, with a look of dismay. "My invitation did
not extend to them."

Further remonstrance, however, was cut short by the sudden entrance of
Mrs. Maggot and Edgeworth Bess. Behind them stalked Blueskin, enveloped
in a rough great-coat, called--appropriately enough in this instance,--a
wrap-rascal. Folding his arms, he placed his back against the door, and
burst into a loud laugh. The ladies were, as usual, very gaily dressed;
and as usual, also, had resorted to art to heighten their attractions--

From patches, justly placed, they borrow'd graces,
And with vermilion lacquer'd o'er their faces.

Edgeworth Bess wore a scarlet tabby negligee,--a sort of undress, or
sack, then much in vogue,--which suited her to admiration, and upon her
head had what was called a fly-cap, with richly-laced lappets. Mrs.
Maggot was equipped in a light blue riding-habit, trimmed with silver, a
hunting-cap and a flaxen peruke, and, instead of a whip, carried a stout
cudgel.

For a moment, Kneebone had hesitated about giving the signal to
Shotbolt, but, thinking a more favourable opportunity might occur, he
determined not to hazard matters by undue precipitation. Placing chairs,
therefore, he invited the ladies to be seated, and, paying a similar
attention to Jack, began to help to the various dishes, and otherwise
fulfil the duties of a host. While this was going on, Blueskin, seeing
no notice whatever taken of him, coughed loudly and repeatedly. But
finding his hints totally disregarded, he, at length, swaggered up to
the table, and thrust in a chair.

"Excuse me," he said, plunging his fork into a fowl, and transferring it
to his plate. "This tongue looks remarkably nice," he added, slicing off
an immense wedge, "excuse me--ho! ho!"

"You make yourself at home, I perceive," observed Kneebone, with a look
of ineffable disg