“We seem to abound in naval characters to-night,” observed a gentleman.
“You know it is quite a naval affair,” said a naval officer.
“True; commemoration of the battle of ⸺.”
“The day is worth remembering, sir!”
“Is Lord Fitz-Ullin here to-night?”
“No, but Captain Montgomery is, I understand.”
“Which is Captain Montgomery?” cried a lady.
“Which is Captain Montgomery?” said a second lady.
“Who is Captain Montgomery?” with emphasis on the word who, said a third lady, who was, by her own size and weight, making way for two slim little girls, her daughters, who, by the pressure of the crowd, were squeezed into the fat sides of their mother, like the off-shoots of a bulbous root.