me still
more vehement in maintaining the necessity for a strict adherence to
the theory of water and vegetable economy; while their zeal had so far
blinded their recollection, that when the ladies returned from their
walk to join us at tea, they were both "_bacchi plenis_," as Colman has
it, something inclining from ~109~~a right line, and approaching in its
motion to serpentine sinuosities. A few more puns from Mr. Pendragon,
and another story from the alderman, about his friend, young Tattersall,
employing Scroggins the bruiser, disguised as a countryman to beat an
impudent Highgate toll-keeper, who had grossly insulted him, finished
the amusements of the day, which Mrs. Marigold and Miss Biddy declared
had been spent most delightfully, so rural and entertaining, and withal
so economical, that the alderman was induced to promise he would not
dine at home again of a Sunday for the rest of the summer. To me,
at least, it afforded the charm of novelty; and if to my readers it
communicates something of character, blended with pleasure in the
perusal, I shall not regret my Sunday trip with the Marigold family and
first visit to the

GATE HOUSE, HIGHGATE.

[Illustration: page109]

THE STOCK EXCHANGE.

~110~~

Have you ever seen Donnybrook fair?
Or in a _caveau_ spent the night?
On Waterloo's plains did you dare
To engage in the terrific fight?
Has your penchant for life ever led
You to visit the Finish or Slums,
At the risk of your pockets and head?
Or in Banco been fixed by the bums?
In a smash at the hells have you been,
When pigeons were pluck'd by the bone?
Or enjoy'd the magnificent scene
When our fourth George ascended his throne?
Have you ever heard Tierney or Canning
A Commons' division address?
Or when to the gallery ganging,
Been floor'd by a rush from the press?
Has your taste for the fine arte impell'd
You to visit a bull-bait or fight?
Or by rattles and charleys propell'd,
In a watch-house been lodged for the night?
In a morning at Bow-street made one
Of a group just to bother sage Birnie?
Stood the racket, got fined, cut and run,
Being fleeced by the watch and attorney?
Or say, have you dined in Guildhall
With the mayor and his corpo