The next moment the door opened—and such a scene! I did not think the universe could have produced such a collection of apparent misery and mutilation. The miraculous pool of Siloam, the evening before the angel descended to trouble the waters, I really believe, never furnished such a spectacle of incurables. To be more particular would only disgust you: all was hilarity and vulgar enjoyment. Viands of the richest kinds—roast fowls, and meats of all varieties—smoked on a table at one side of the room, and which, as called for by the guests, was cut off in proportion to the amount ordered, handed to the expectant guest, and the money received before the plate was delivered. Some had done, and commenced their favourite liquors; others were doing justice to the cookery—praising, and not a few finding fault.
"What shall I have the pleasure of handing to Mr Kay?" cried the landlord, bowing.
"Betsy, my love, what shall we have?" said Bill.
"What you please, Bill, for myself. Square, what do you wish?" she said.
"Oh, I care not," I replied.
"Then, landlord, a duck; and have you any green peas yet?"
"The season is backward; I have some," replied he, "but they are a little high-priced."
"So much the better—send half-a-crown's worth with the duck, for me and my friends."
"Well, Kay, you always do the thing genteelly; but who is this friend of yours?" said a fat little man, in very rusty black, of a clerical cut.
"An old messmate of mine, I met by chance to-day—a real good un."