The Wig and the Shoulder of Mutton

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AUGUSTUS FRIGHTENING HIS BROTHER.

page 26.

Mr. Friendly was one afternoon at home, and in the drawing-room with his four children, Lambert, Charlotte, Dorothy, and Felix, when three gentlemen, whose names were Vernon, Fairfield, and Fitzwilliam, came to see him. The children loved them greatly, and were rejoiced to see them. They would always listen to their conversation with a greedy ear, because it was both amusing and instructive; and on this occasion sat till the night came on, without perceiving that they wanted candles. Mr. Vernon was relating a very curious circumstance that happened to him in his travels, when a singular noise was heard from the second flight of stairs. The children crowded together in a fright, behind their father, instead of going to see what was the matter, as they ought to have done. Mr. Vernon bid his eldest son, Lambert, step out; but Lambert passed the order to his sister Charlotte; Charlotte to Dorothy; and Dorothy passed it on to Felix.

All this was transacted in a moment. Mr. Friendly eyed them with a look, which seemed to ask if he or his friends should take the trouble to rise, and see what accident had happened.

Upon this, the four began their march towards the door, in the figure of a square, each supported by the other. They were now come near the door, when Lambert, with a fearful step, advanced and opened it; but instantly fell back into his former place. The little ones were terrified on seeing an apparition clothed in white, crawling along. In short, our heroes uttered a shriek, and retreated towards their father, who rose from his seat, went to the door to