ern attire_,--ALICE _in the
extreme of former fashion._

KNICKERBOCKER.

Decided that cause in the most judgematical like manner. White wasn't
black. Saw that in a twinkling; no one disputed my argument. [_Speaking
as entering._] Come along, spouse! Lauks! how you do waddle up and down,
side to side, like one of our butter-laden luggers in a squall, as the
Dutchmen have it. Ah, Lorrenna, you here? but you appear more depressed
than customary. Those saddened looks are by no means pleasing to those
who would ever wish to see you cheerful. What the dickens prevents your
being otherwise when all around are so anxious for your happiness!

LORRENNA.

Truly, am I beholden for your protection and ever grateful. But to place
a smile on the brow whilst sorrow lingers in the bosom is a deceptive
penance to the wearer--painful to those around who mark and must perceive
the vizard; to say that I am happy would be inconsistent with truth. The
persecutions of Herman Van Slaus--

ALICE.

Ah! my dear Lorrenna, many a restless night have I had on that varlet's
account, as spouse knows.

KNICKERBOCKER.

That's as true as there's ghosts in the Catskills, as Dutchmen have it;
for be darned if a single night passes that Alice suffers me to go to
sleep peaceably.

ALICE.

Well, well; cheer thee, my niece; there is bounteous intelligence in
store; nor think there is any idle fiction in this brain, as our divine
poets picture.

KNICKERBOCKER.

There, there, Alice is getting into her romance again,--plain as my
fist--she has been moonified ever since she became a subscriber for books
at the new library! Planet struck, by gum, as philosophers have it, and--

ALICE.

And you have said so little to the purpose, that I must now interpose.
My dear Lorrenna--Gustaffe--'tis your aunt who speaks--

KNICKERBOCKER.

There, now, pops in her word before a magistrate.

LORRENNA.

My Gustaffe! ha! say!--

KNICKERBOCKER.

Would have told you in a brace of shakes, as gamblers have it, if she
hadn't thrown the dice first. Yes, my pretty chicky--Gustaffe's vessel is
now making up the Hudson; so, cheer thee! cheer thee, I say! your lover
is not far off.

LORRENNA.

Gustaffe so near? blessed intelligence! Oh, the happiest wishes of my
heart are gratified! But are you certain? Do not raise my hopes without
cause. Are you quite certain? speak, dear aunt; are you inde