h infinite humour) by the unfilial Sam. Down at the
"Man-o'-War," in the bar-parlour, for seven days it formed the sole
topic of discussion; and Mr. Moggridge (who ought to have respected
Sophia's father) even wrote a humorous ode upon the theme,
beginning--

"Ye gods and little fishes . . ."

and full of the quaintest conceits. For seven days, from dawn to
nightfall, the river off Kit's House was crowded with boat-loads of
curious gazers, and the Steam-Tug Company (Limited) neglected its
serious business to run special excursions to the scene of the
catastrophe.

The Trojan maidens especially would stare at the Notice by the
half-hour (that being the time allowed by the Steam-Tug Company), and
hope, with much blushing and giggling, to catch a glimpse of Mr.
Fogo. But the hermit remained steadily indoors.

Meanwhile the Admiral sulked in bed, and nursed his ill-humour.
On Tuesday he was strangely softened and quiet; but:--

On Wednesday he recovered, and began to bully his wife as fiercely as
ever.

On Thursday he broke the bell-rope again, and the servant gave
warning.

On Friday he threatened to make his will, and refused his food.

On Saturday he was still fasting.

On Sunday he ate voraciously, drank four glasses of grog, and threw
the wash-hand basin out of window.

On Monday Mrs. Buzza revolted, and took herself off, with the girls,
to Miss Limpenny's party.

Yes. Miss Limpenny had mustered courage to put on her best brooch
and call at "The Bower" with Lavinia. Nor did her daring end here;
it took the form of a little three-cornered note on that very
evening, and on the next morning Mr. and Mrs. Goodwyn-Sandys
accepted.

"Have great pleasure in accepting," read Miss Limpenny to her sister.
"The very words. I'm sure it's most affable."

"We must have cheesecakes--the famous cheesecakes--of course,"
reflected Miss Lavinia, "and a dish of trifle, and jellies, and--oh,
Priscilla!"

"What, Lavinia?"

"Do you think a Tipsy Cake would be unbecoming?"

Miss Limpenny knit her brows over this bold proposal.

"I disapprove of the name," she said. "It has always seemed to me a
trifle--ahem!--'fast,' if I may call it so. Still, we need not
mention its name at supper, and the taste is undeniably grateful.
But, Lavinia, I was thinking of a more important matter. Who are to
be asked?"

"Why not everybody, Priscilla dear?"

"The Simpsons, for instance? It is true his father was a respecta