This ridiculous oddity danced up to the table at which we sat, and, after a thousand grimaces, asked my friend by the name of Mr.Medlar, if we were not engaged upon business.

My companion put on a surly countenance, and replied "No great business, doctor--but however--" "Oh! then," cried the physician; "I must beg your indulgence a little; pray pardon me, gentlemen." "Sir," said he, addressing himself to me, "your most humble servant.

I hope you will forgive me, sir--I must beg the favour to sit--sir--sir--I have something of consequence to impart to my friend Mr.Medlar--sir, I hope you will excuse my freedom in whispering, sir," Before I had time to give this complaisant person my permission, Mr.Medlar cried, "I'll have no whispering--if you have anything to say to me, speak with an audible voice." The doctor seemed a little disconcerted at this exclamation, and, turning again to me, made a thousand apologies for pretending to make a mystery of anything, a piece of caution which he said was owing to his ignorance of my connection with Mr.Medlar; but now he understood I was a friend, and would communicate what he had to say in my hearing.
He then began, after two or three hems, in this manner: "You must know, sir, I am just come from dinner at my Lady Flareit's (then addressing himself to me), a lady of quality, sir, at whose table I have the honour of dining sometimes.

There was Lady Stately and my Lady Larum, and Mrs.
Dainty, and Miss Biddy Giggler, upon my word, a very good-natured young lady, with a very pretty fortune sir.

There was also my Lord Straddle.
Sir John Shrug, and Master Billy Chatter, who is actually a very facetious young gentleman.