“‘Don’t be surprised at anything you may hear to-day here; for I must inform you this is a kind of club, as I may call it, where every one assumes a certain character, and is bound to sustain it under a penalty. We have these little meetings every now and then; and as strangers are never present, I feel some explanation necessary, that you may be able to enjoy the thing,—you understand?’
“‘Oh, perfectly,’ said I, overjoyed at the novelty of the scene, and anticipating much pleasure from my chance meeting with such very original characters.
“‘Mr. Sparks, Mrs. Winterbottom. Allow me to present Mr. Sparks.’
“‘Any news from Batavia, young gentleman?’ said the sallow old lady addressed. ‘How is coffee!’
“The general passed on, introducing me rapidly as he went.
“‘Mr. Doolittle, Mr. Sparks.’
“‘Ah, how do you do, old boy?’ said Mr. Doolittle; ‘sit down beside me. We have forty thousand acres of pickled cabbage spoiling for want of a little vinegar.’
“‘Fie, fie, Mr. Doolittle,’ said the general, and passed on to another.
“‘Mr. Sparks, Captain Crosstree.’
“‘Ah, Sparks, Sparks! son of old Blazes! ha, ha, ha!’ and the captain fell back into an immoderate fit of laughter.