I have been so elaborate upon the head of breakfast, which meal, I freely confess to be my foible, that I feel as though any description of dinner would now come comparatively weak; besides, to speak verily, one might, with time and prudent choice, get as good a dinner, perhaps, a-shore in favoured countries: but for a breakfast, pho! the thing is beyond reach, away from the stores of a well-regulated Yankee packet. I challenge Europe, including Scotland, with all her _Finnanhaddies_, _herrin's_, cakes, and preserves, to back her. Suffice it then to say, that here is a dinner of three courses, with pastry and various _confitures_ which would not shame Gunter; and, for _boisson_, sherry, madeira, hock, and claret, with port for those who indulge in strong potations, and three or four times a week well-iced champagne. A variety of dried fruits compose the dessert, since, although they sometimes raise small salad, I feel bound to admit that they have not yet attained to the comfort of a pinery on board: nor, let me add, did I see finger-glasses in use; and how persons get on who have never dined without them, I cannot guess, this not being my case, since luckily, even in England, I had sometimes roughed it in very good society without these necessaries. Once seated to dinner, there you remain, and imbibe until discretion bids you hold your hand, for other check have you none, cellar and servants remaining at your disposal. After a walk on deck, and a cup of tea or coffee, you form your party for whist or some round game, or join the ladies in their _boudoir_, which I ought to have mentioned before as leading out of the great room forward, being a pretty square apartment, fitted up with sofas, mirrors, loo-table, and other little elegancies which ladies love to look upon and be surrounded by. _Entre nous_, between the lights this snuggery affords tolerable convenience for a little flirtation, if you are lucky enough to get one up;--this broken off, you play your play, and at the conclusion of your rubber of whist, or _parti d'ecarte_, you prepare for bed,--early hours forming here one of those sanitary laws which the wise feel little inclined to impinge.