“I say, be quiet,--do be quiet,” mumbled Skeff. “Who was it used to call Kitty Beaumont the Lass of Richmond Hill?” said Mayfair; and now another uproar ensued as to the authority in question, in which many contradictions were exchanged, and some wagers booked. “Sing us that song Bailey made on her,--'Fair Lady on the River's Bank;' you can sing it, Clinton?” “Yes, let us have the song,” cried several together. “I 'll wager five pounds I 'll name a prettier girl on the same spot,” said Tony to Skeff. “Butler challenges the field,” cried Skeff. “He knows, and will name, the prettiest girl in Richmond.” “I take him. What 's the figure?” said Mayfair. “And I--and I!” shouted three or four in a breath. “I think he offered a pony,” lisped out the youngest. “I said, I 'd bet five pounds,” said Tony, fiercely; “don't misrepresent me, sir.” “I 'll take your money, then,” cried Mayfair. “No, no; I was first: I said 'done' before you,” interposed a guardsman. “But how can it be decided? We can't summon the rival beauties to our presence, and perform Paris and the apple,” said Skeff. “Come along with me and you shall see her,” broke in Tony; “she lives within less than five minutes' walk of where we are. I am satisfied that the matter should be left to your decision, Skefflngton.” “No, no,” cried several, together; “take Mayfair with you. He is the fittest man amongst us for such a criticism; he has studied these matters profoundly.” “Here 's a health to all good lasses!” cried out another; and goblets were filled with champagne, and drained in a moment, while some attempted the song; and others, imagining that they had caught the air, started off with “Here's to the Maiden of Blooming Fifteen,” making up an amount of confusion that was perfectly deafening, in which the waiter entered to observe, in a very meek tone, that the Archdeacon of Halford was entertaining a select party in the next room, and entreated that they might be permitted to hear each other occasionally. Such a burst of horror and indignation as followed this request! Some were for an armed intervention at once; some for a general smash of all things practicable; and two or three, haughtier in their drunkenness, declared that the Star and Garter should have no more of their patronage, and proudly ordered the waiter to fetch the bill. “Thirty-seven--nine--six,” said Mayfair, as he held the document near a candle; “make it an even forty for the waiters, and it leaves five pounds a head, eh?--not too much, after all.” “Well, I don't know; the asparagus was miserably small.” “And I got no strawberries.” “I have my doubts about that Moselle.” “It ain't dear; at least, it's not dearer than anywhere else.”