Watson's gun furnished the old hare and partridges that opened the ball of the second course; and tarts, jellies, preserves, and custards made their usual appearances.

Some first-growth Chateaux Margaux 'Wintle,' again at 66_s._, in very richly cut decanters accompanied the old 36_s._ port; and apples, pears, nuts, figs, preserved fruits, occupied the splendid green-and-gold dessert set.

Everything, of course, was handed about--an ingenious way of tormenting a person that has 'dined.' The ladies sat long, Mrs.Jawleyford taking three glasses of port (when she could get it); and it was a quarter to eight when they rose from the table.
Jawleyford then moved an adjournment to the fire; which Sponge gladly seconded, for he had never been warm since he came into the house, the heat from the fires seeming to go up the chimneys.

Spigot set them a little round table, placing the port and claret upon it, and bringing them a plate of biscuits in lieu of the dessert.

He then reduced the illumination on the table, and extinguished such of the lamps as had not gone out of themselves.