“But this is worshipful society.”
Shakspeare.
Scene—The mess-room of a Hussar Regiment: principal speakers—Colonel Diamond; Major Flowers; Captains Tache, Bright, and Ploomer; Doctor Scott; Lieutenants Rose, Golding, Lavender, and Honeywood; Cornets Lilly, Fairfax, Canary, and Small. Table spread with dessert, decanters, glasses, and snuff-boxes. Time—half-past ten at night.
Capt. Bright. When Colonel Diamond has done drilling the claret, I would thank him to put it into marching order, and give the decanter the route.
Col. Diamond. 'Pon my honour, Bright, you are becoming brilliant. If you take any more of the light wine, you will absolutely dazzle us.
All the Mess. Good!—good!—excellent!—bravo! Colonel—admirable hit.
[A well directed volley is laughed at the Colonel's “HIT;” particularly loud from the Subalterns.]
Dr. Scott. Positively, Colonel Diamond, the Ensign and Adjutant, wha writes in Blackwood's Magazine, couldna say a better bet o' wut. (offers his gold snuff-box to the Colonel.)
Capt. Bright. By the by, Colonel, who is this new Cornet we are about to have?
Col. Diamond. 'Pon my honour, I don't know him; but, I believe, Major Flowers does.