winking very hard to those about him, and using every exertion in his power to point the attention of those present to the probability that a very near and tender relationship was about to exist between that young lady and Mr. Titmouse. Mr. Gammon, who sat next to Titmouse, assured him that it was absolutely necessary for him to make a speech to the company, in acknowledgment of the compliment which had just been paid him. "I shall put my foot into it--by jingo I shall! You must help me!" he whispered to Mr. Gammon, in an agony of trepidation and a mist of confusion, as he rose from his chair, being welcomed in the most enthusiastic manner, by applause of every kind, lasting for several minutes. At length, when the noise had subsided into a fearful silence, he stammered out, prompted incessantly by Mr. Gammon, something exceedingly like the following, if, indeed, he did not use these very words. "Mr.--I beg pardon--_Sir_ Hark--away, and gentlemen--gentlemen and ladies, am most uncommon, monstrous--particular happy to--to--(eh? _what_ d'ye say, Mr. Gammon?) see you all here--at this place--here--at Yatton.--(_Applause._) Ladies and gentlemen--I say--hem!--unaccustomed as--(_much applause_, during which Titmouse stooped and whispered to Gammon--"Curse me if I can catch a word you say!") Happy and proud to see you all here--at Yatton--homes of my ancestry--known to you all--centuries. Enjoyed yourselves, I hope--(_great applause_)--and hope you'll often come and do the same--(_still greater applause._) Particular glad to see the ladies--(_applause_)--often heard of the beauties of Yatton--never believed it--no--beg pardon, mean I now see them--(_applause._) Am fond of horses--(_applause_)--racing, hunting, and all that. (Here Sir Harkaway, extending his hand, publicly shook that of the eloquent speaker.) Sorry to turn out the--the--old bird--but--nest not _his_--mine all the while--(_sensation_)--bear him no ill-will--(_applause._) Political principles--(_profound silence._) Liberal principles--(_loud applause_)--rights of the people--religious liberty and all that--(_vociferous applause_)--found at my post in the hour of danger--enemy stole a march on me--(_great laughter and applause._) Won't detain you--ladies and gentlemen--drink your good healths, and many happy returns of the day." Down sat Mr. Titmouse, exhausted by his maiden speech; and quite overpowered, moreover, by the extraordinary applause with which he was greeted at its conclusion. In due course, many other toasts were drunk; among them were--"_Lady Wildfire and the married ladies._" "_Miss Wildfire and the single ladies._" "_Sir Harkaway Rotgut Wildfire._" "_Religious Liberty_," (to which Mr. Mudflint responded in a very eloquent speech.) "_The Liberty of the Press;_" "_Messrs Quirk, Gammon, and Snap, the enterprising, skilful, and learned professional advisers of Mr. Titmouse._" Dancing was now loudly called for; and the hall was speedily prepared for it. By