strongest form of words to the appellant, but decided for peace’ sake that the exercise of it should remain with the present possessor.

 * * * * *

It beginning to grow a little duskish, Candlemas lustily bawled out for lights which was opposed by all the Days, who protested against burning

daylight. Then fair water was handed round in silver ewers, and the same lady was observed to take an unusual time in washing herself.

May-Day, with that sweetness which is peculiar to her, in a neat speech proposing the health of the founder, crowned her goblet, {and by her example the rest of the company} with garlands. This being done, the lordly New Year from the upper end of the table,

in a cordial but somewhat lofty tone, returned thanks. He felt proud on an occasion of meeting so many of his father’s late tenants, promised to improve their farms, & at the same time to abate {if anything was found unreasonable} in their rents.

At the mention of this the Four Quarter Days involuntarily looked at each other, & smiled; April Fool whistled to an old tune of “New Brooms” & a surly old rebel at the further end of the table {who was discovered to be no other than the Fifth-of-November} muttered out distinctly enough to be heard by the whole company,

words to this effect, that, “when the old one is gone, he is a fool that looks for a better.” Which rudeness of his, the guests resenting, unanimously voted his expulsion; & the malcontent was thrust out neck & heels into the cellar, as the properest place for such a boutefeu & firebrand as he had shewn himself to be.

Order being restored—the young lord {who, to say truth, had been a little ruffled & put beside his oratory} in as few, & yet as obliging words as possible, assured them of entire welcome; &, with a graceful turn, singling out poor Twenty-Ninth of February, that had sate all this while mumchance at the side-board, begged to couple his health with that of the good company before him—which he drank accordingly; observing, that he had not seen his honest face any time these four years—with a number of endearing

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