CHAPTER V.
Hawk and Buzzard.
Mrs.Wood's anxiety to please her distinguished guests speedily displayed itself in a very plentiful, if not very dainty repast.

To the duckling, peas, and other delicacies, intended for Mr.Kneebone's special consumption, she added a few impromptu dishes, tossed off in her best style; such as lamb chops, broiled kidneys, fried ham and eggs, and toasted cheese.

Side by side with the cheese (its never-failing accompaniment, in all seasons, at the carpenter's board) came a tankard of swig, and a toast.

Besides these there was a warm gooseberry-tart, and a cold pigeon pie--the latter capacious enough, even allowing for its due complement of steak, to contain the whole produce of a dovecot; a couple of lobsters and the best part of a salmon swimming in a sea of vinegar, and shaded by a forest of fennel.

While the cloth was laid, the host and Thames descended to the cellar, whence they returned, laden with a number of flasks of the same form, and apparently destined to the same use as those depicted in Hogarth's delectable print--the Modern Midnight Conversation.
Mrs.Wood now re-appeared with a very red face; and, followed by Winifred, took her seat at the table.