It had been understood--at least he had learnt or supposed from the expressions of Mr.Pritchard--that it would be sufficient to put a paper, with the name of the contributor, into the box, and that the gentleman thus contributing would be called on for the money next morning.

He, for his part, had committed a blunder but it might serve as a caution to those who may be present at the dinner of next year.

He had merely put in his name, written on a slip of paper, without the money.

But he would recommend that, as some of the gentlemen might be in the same situation, the box should be again sent round, and he was confident that they, as well as he, would redeem their error.
Sir WALTER SCOTT said that the meeting was somewhat in the situation of Mrs.Anne Page, who had L300 and possibilities.

We have already got, said he, L280, but I should like, I confess, to have the L300.