_Jim_—Well, brothers, you are three to one, and as ours are democratic institutions—that is, as the country we have adopted, is democratic (for some of us are of English birth, and the rest of us had a very narrow escape, although the world is ignorant of the fact)—I say, that as you are all against my judgment in this matter, and as I don’t like to leave you in my old age, why, I shall very reluctantly, and in tears—as you see—(he cries) consent to sell ourselves to James Gordon Bennett, whom I have always regarded as the incarnation of a lie, and of the devil. And now, brothers, I am prepared to go to the _Herald_ Office, and for your sake, affectionately press Bennett’s hand in hypocrisy, and publish his biography, in our _Weekly_, daubed all over with whitewash, and without any severity of allusion to Helen Jewett, or Grinnell, or any of his black mail victims, or the numerous males and females whose early graves he dug. And now I’ll take another copious draught of brandy, and then I’m ready for our degradation, and for the first step in the eternal downfall of the Harpers, who have preserved their business honor all over the world, until this evil and melancholy hour. Now, brothers, come on, and I’m ready to face Bennett and the devil himself, and kiss their toes, if it is your behest. (They all go to the _Herald_ Office, two abreast, with their numerous posterity, three abreast, in the rear, young _Fletch_ leading the younger tribes, with a _Weekly_ and _Monthly_ in either hand, to show Mr. Bennett as a sample.) (To be continued.) * * * * * =Randall’s Island.= _The evening sun gilds the trees and spires—The lily and rosy and classic Mistress on her couch reclining._ ENTER GOVERNOR DANIEL F. TIEMANN. _Amorous Dan_—Good evening, my pretty VIOLET. _Violet_—A warm salute to my kind protector. _Dan_—Has Governor Simeon Draper been here to-day? _Violet_—Yes, and Governor Bell. Simeon forced a dozen kisses from my lips and cheeks. _Dan_—O, the scamp! (Sits by her side, and sips luscious fragrance from her cherry and rosy lips, while she archly reclines on the sofa that he purchased for her)—Sim is a bold villain. Did he seek more than a kiss? _Violet_—He again strove hard to ravish me. _Dan_—But you foiled him? _Violet_—I did. _Dan_—O, my love, let me reward thee with these grateful lips. (Kisses her twenty times in rapid succession.) _Violet_—O, dearest, I fear you will smother me with gratitude. Do not strangle me with such emblems of affection. _Dan_—I love thee too fervently, my charming Violet. _Violet_—I’m sorry you have a family. _Dan_—And so am I, my fair one. But neither kin nor stranger shall blight our sweet relations. Thou art all to me. Without thee, I am most desolate. _Violet_—I fear Simeon Draper will mar our happy destiny. _Dan_—Why?