“What might it be?” the rector asked.
“He said he had heard of the canons of the church, but never before had he seen the portholes.”
The company laughed.
“Excellent! Excellent!” exclaimed Mr. Dapper.
“The reverend gentleman, Mr. Byles, though dissenting from our Apostolic Church, I am happy to say is loyal to our most gracious King George,” said the rector.
“Reverend Mr. Byles is very witty,” Miss Newville remarked. “He asked the selectmen several times to give their attention to a quagmire in the road near his house. After long delay, they stepped into a chaise and rode to the spot. Suddenly they found themselves stuck in the mud. Mr. Byles opened his window and remarked that he was glad they were stirring in the matter at last.”
Again the company laughed.
“Capital; he must be a genius,” said Mr. Dapper.
Pompey served the oysters, large, fat, and juicy.