"There is a Providence above us all. It is seen, Mr Rattlin, in the fall of a sparrow--it has protected our glorious institutions--it has sanctified the pillars of the State. Providence is, Mr Rattlin--do you really know what Providence is? I ask you the question advisedly--I always speak advisedly--I ask you, do you know what Providence is? Do not speak; interruptions are unseemly--there are few who interrupt me. Providence, young man, has brought me on board this frigate to-day--the wind is north-easterly, what there is of it may increase my catarrh-- there is the hand of Providence in everything. I promised my most honourable friend that I would see you as you are--how equipped, how lodged, how `cabined, cribbed, confined.' Apt quotation!--you are cabined--you are cribbed--you are confined--_cribbed_--look at your countenance--as I said before, 'tis the hand of Providence--" "Begging your lordship's pardon," said Reud, submissively, with the dubious twinkle in his eye for interrupting a nobleman who is so seldom interrupted--"I rather think that it was the fist of Pigtop." "Pigtop!--Providence--my quotation. Captain Reud, I have not really the pleasure of understanding you. This young gentleman who has been so lately under the chastening hand of Providence--" "Pigtop." "Is now about to receive from that bountiful hand some of the choicest gifts it is in the happiness of man to receive--rank, wealth, a father's blessing. Oh! 'tis too much--I am affected--what can I possibly do with him with those black eyes? Mr Ralph Rattlin, you have not yet spoken to me--indeed, how can you? What words would be sufficiently expressive of--of--what you ought to express! Captain Reud, don't you find this scene rather affecting? Young gentleman, I am here to verify you--are you fully prepared, sir, to be, as it were, verified?" "My lord, my lord, I am bursting with impatience!"