The clatter of plates, and the popping of champagne corks were most agreeable sounds.

Indeed, the latter appeared to me so much too flattering an illusion, that I hesitated giving credit to my senses in the matter, when Baker called out,-- "Come, Charley, sit down; you're just in the nick.

Tom Marsden is giving us a benefit.

You know Tom ?" And here he presented me in due form to that best of commissaries and most hospitable of horse-dealers.
"I can't introduce you to my friend on my right," continued Baker, "for my Spanish is only a skeleton battalion; but he's a trump,--that I'll vouch for; never flinches his glass, and looks as though he enjoyed all our nonsense." The Spaniard, who appeared to comprehend that he was alluded to, gravely saluted me with a low bow, and offered his glass to hobnob with me.

I returned the curtesy with becoming ceremony, while Hampden whispered in my ear,-- "A fine-looking fellow.