spire," Miss Newville
replied.

"Perhaps by and by we shall have money enough to carry out the plan of
the architect. I admit it is not as attractive as it might be," said
the rector.

"I never look at the lower tier of windows without laughing over the
wit of Reverend Mr. Byles[44] in regard to them," said Mr. Adams.

[Footnote 44: Rev. Matthew Byles, the first pastor of Hollis Street
Church, was born in Boston, 1706, descended from Reverend John Cotton,
the first minister, and Richard Mather. He was minister of the parish
more than forty years. He was a celebrated wit and punster. He
maintained his allegiance to the king, and remained in Boston after
the departure of the British. He died in 1788. His clock is preserved
in the old State House, by the Bostonian Society.]

"What might it be?" the rector asked.

"He said he had heard of the canons of the church, but never before
had he seen the portholes."

The company laughed.

"Excellent! Excellent!" exclaimed Mr. Dapper.

"The reverend gentleman, Mr. Byles, though dissenting from our
Apostolic Church, I am happy to say is loyal to our most gracious King
George," said the rector.

"Reverend Mr. Byles is very witty," Miss Newville remarked. "He asked
the selectmen several times to give their attention to a quagmire in
the road near his house. After long delay, they stepped into a chaise
and rode to the spot. Suddenly they found themselves stuck in the mud.
Mr. Byles opened his window and remarked that he was glad they were
stirring in the matter at last."

Again the company laughed.

"Capital; he must be a genius," said Mr. Dapper.

Pompey served the oysters, large, fat, and juicy.

"Pardon me, madam, but may I inquire what these may be?" Mr. Dapper
inquired.

"They are oysters. I think you will find them quite palatable," Mrs.
Newville replied.

Mr. Dapper put his glasses to his eyes, tilted an oyster on his fork,
and examined it.

"Do you mean to say that you swallow these monsters?"

"We think them fine eating," Mrs. Adams replied.

"My lord," said Mr. Dapper, turning to Upperton, "I'm going to try
one. I've made my last will and testament. Tell 'em at Almack's, when
you get home, that Dapper committed suicide by attempting to swallow
an oyster."

"I will send Pompey for the coroner," exclaimed Mr. Newville,
laughing.

"'Pon my soul, madam, they are delicious. Bless me! It is worth
crossing the Atlantic to eat one. Try one, my lord, and t