ust.

"I generally do," replied Blueskin, pouring out a bumper of sack. "Your
health, Kneebone."

"Allow me to offer you a glass of usquebaugh, my dear," said Kneebone,
turning from him, and regarding Edgeworth Bess with a stare so
impertinent, that even that not over-delicate young lady summoned up a
blush.

"With pleasure, Sir," replied Edgeworth Bess. "Dear me!" she added, as
she pledged the amorous woollen-draper, "what a beautiful ring that is."

"Do you think so?" replied Kneebone, taking it off, and placing it on
her finger, which he took the opportunity of kissing at the same time;
"wear it for my sake."

"Oh, dear!" simpered Edgeworth Bess, endeavouring to hide her confusion
by looking steadfastly at her plate.

"You don't eat," continued Kneebone, addressing Jack, who had remained
for some time thoughtful, and pre-occupied with his head upon his hand.

"The Captain has seldom much appetite," replied Blueskin, who, having
disposed of the fowl, was commencing a vigorous attack upon the sirloin.
"I eat for both."

"So it seems," observed the woollen-draper, "and for every one else,
too."

"I say, Kneebone," rejoined Blueskin, as he washed down an immense
mouthful with another bumper, "do you recollect how nearly Mr. Wild and
I were nabbing you in this very room, some nine years ago?"

"I do," replied Kneebone; "and now," he added, aside, "the case is
altered. I'm nearly nabbing _you_."

"A good deal has occurred since then, eh, Captain!" said Blueskin,
nudging Jack.

"Much that I would willingly forget. Nothing that I desire to remember,"
replied Sheppard, sternly. "On that night,--in this room,--in your
presence, Blueskin,--in yours Mr. Kneebone, Mrs. Wood struck me a blow
which made me a robber."

"She has paid dearly for it," muttered Blueskin.

"She has," rejoined Sheppard. "But I wish her hand had been as deadly as
yours. On that night,--that fatal night,--Winifred crushed all the hopes
that were rising in my heart. On that night, I surrendered myself to
Jonathan Wild, and became--what I am."

"On that night, you first met me, love," said Edgeworth Bess,
endeavouring to take his hand, which he coldly withdrew.

"And me," added Mrs. Maggot tenderly.

"Would I had never seen either of you!" cried Jack, rising and pacing
the apartment with a hurried step.

"Well, I'm sure Winifred could never have loved you as well as I do,"
said Mrs. Maggot.

"_You_!" cried Jack, scornfully. "Do you c