d grace in
the intervals of the songs.

Bows had seen and recollected Pen at once when the latter came into the
room, and had remarked the eager warmth of the young man's recognition
of Costigan. He now began to play an air, which Pen instantly remembered
as one which used to be sung by the chorus of villagers in 'The
Stranger,' just before Mrs. Haller came in. It shook Pen as he heard
it. He remembered how his heart used to beat as that air was played,
and before the divine Emily made her entry. Nobody, save Arthur, too any
notice of old Bows's playing: it was scarcely heard amidst the clatter
of knives and forks, the calls for poached eggs and kidneys, and the
tramp of guests and waiters.

Pen went up and kindly shook the player by the hand at the end of his
performance; and Bows greeted Arthur with great respect and cordiality.
"What, you haven't forgot the old tune, Mr. Pendennis?" he said; "I
thought you'd remember it. I take it, it was the first tune of that sort
you ever heard played--wasn't it, sir? You were quite a young chap then.
I fear the Captain's very bad to-night. He breaks out on a pay-day; and
I shall have the deuce's own trouble in getting home. We live together.
We still hang on, sir, in partnership, though Miss Em--though my lady
Mirabel has left the firm.--And so you remember old times, do you?
Wasn't she a beauty, sir?--Your health and my service to you,"--and he
took a sip at the pewter measure of porter which stood by his side as he
played.

Pen had many opportunities of seeing his early acquaintance afterwards,
and of renewing his relations with Costigan and the old musician.

As they sate thus in friendly colloquy, men of all sorts and conditions
entered and quitted the house of entertainment; and Pen had the pleasure
of seeing as many different persons of his race, as the most eager
observer need desire to inspect. Healthy country tradesmen and farmers,
in London for their business, came and recreated themselves with
the jolly singing and suppers of the Back Kitchen,--squads of young
apprentices and assistants, the shutters being closed over the scene
of their labours, came hither for fresh air doubtless,--rakish young
medical students, gallant, dashing, what is called "loudly" dressed, and
(must it be owned?) somewhat dirty,--were here smoking and drinking,
and vociferously applauding the songs; young university bucks were to
be found here, too, with that indescribable genteel simper whi