"Silence!" thundered Mr. Muffles; and the vociferations instantly ceased.
"Now, my boy," said Mr. Greenwood, addressing the one who stood nearest to him, "I will ask you a question or two. What is your name?"
"Jem Blister, sir," was the prompt reply.
"James Blister—eh? Well—who gave you that name?"
"Father and mother, please, sir."
"Blister, for shame!" ejaculated Mr. Muffles, with a terrific frown: then, by way of prompting the lad, he said, "My Godfathers and—"
"My Godfathers and Godmother in my baptism," hastily cried the boy, catching at the hint; and after a pause, he added, "I mean an outward and visible sign of an inward—"
"Blister, I am raly ashamed of you!" again exclaimed Mr. Twiggs. "Stand back, sir; and let the boy behind you stand for'ard."
Another urchin stepped forth from the rank, and stood, blushing up to his very hair, and fumbling about with his cap, in the presence of Mr. Greenwood.
"My good boy," said the Member of Parliament, condescendingly patting him upon the head, "what is your name?"