Sir ?' "'No!--eat!--am I a cannibal ?--eat--go away--mark me, my good fellow, I'll pay you your wages, if ever we get ashore; you'll never set another foot aboard with me.' "The man looked perfectly astounded as he moved away, and my thoughts were soon engrossed by the proceedings near me.

The rattle of knives, and the jingling of plates and glasses went on very briskly for some time, accompanied by various pleasant observations of my guests, for such I judged them, from the mirth which ever followed them.

At last I thought I heard my name, or at least what they pleased to use as its substitute, mentioned; I strained my ears to listen, and learnt that they were planning to talk over the pretended intention to run for Cowes, and see the regatta.

This they discussed then, for about twenty minutes, in a very loud voice, purposely to see its effects upon me; but as I was now aware of the trick, I gave no sign of any intelligence.
"'Poor Dirk,' said Grantham; 'I believe by this time he cares very little which way her head lies; but here comes something better than all our discussions.

Lady Agnes, sit here--Miss Pelham, here's a dry cushion for you--did you say a wing, Lady Mary ?' "Now began the crash and clatter of dinner; champagne corks popping, glasses ringing, and all that peculiar admixture of fracas and fun, which accompanies a scrambled meal.