eresting conversation one evening last summer
in the bar of the inn at Cerrig Drudion. I regretted very much that our
conversation was rather brief, but I was called away to attend to a case,
a professional case, sir, of some delicacy, and I have since particularly
regretted that I was unable to return that night, as it would have given
me much pleasure to have been present at a dialogue, which I have been
told by my friend the landlady, you held with a certain Italian who was
staying at the house, which was highly agreeable and instructive to
herself and her daughter."

"Well," said I, "I am rejoiced that fate has brought us together again.
How have you been in health since I had the pleasure of seeing you?"

"Rather indifferent, sir, rather indifferent. I have of late been
afflicted with several ailments, the original cause of which, I believe,
was a residence of several years in the Ynysoedd y Gorllewin--the West
India Islands--where I had the honour of serving her present gracious
Majesty's gracious uncle, George the Fourth--in a medical capacity, sir.
I have likewise been afflicted with lowness of spirits, sir. It was this
same lowness of spirits which induced me to accept an invitation made by
the individual lately in the room to accompany him in a vehicle with some
other people to Bala. I shall always consider my coming as a fortunate
circumstance, inasmuch as it has given me an opportunity of renewing my
acquaintance with you."

"Pray," said I, "may I take the liberty of asking who that individual
is?"

"Why," said Doctor Jones, "he is what they call a Wolverhampton gent."

"A Wolverhampton gent," said I to myself; "only think!"

"Were you pleased to make any observation, sir?" said the doctor.

"I was merely saying something to myself," said I. "And in what line of
business may he be? I suppose in the hog line."

"Oh no!" said Doctor Jones. "His father, it is true, is a hog-merchant,
but as for himself he follows no business; he is what is called a fast
young man, and goes about here and there on the spree, as I think they
term it, drawing, whenever he wants money, upon his father, who is in
affluent circumstances. Some time ago he came to Cerrig Drudion, and was
so much pleased with the place, the landlady, and her daughters, that he
has made it his headquarters ever since. Being frequently at the house I
formed an acquaintance with him, and have occasionally made one in his
parties and excurs