596 The Fortune-Hunters: a Tale of the South. [JuNE, 
him oftener. By St. Jerome, if he does not correct himself of that bad 
habit, I will expose him. The rascal has no more a degree than the 
Grand Turk, and knows just as much Latin as my grandmother. Is 
there any news ?”—“ No,” replied the old man, “ none, that I know of.” 
—* All the better,” returned Monopadis: “ take among ye this trifle ;” 
and he gave forty reals to them to share. “ Let none miss the Sunday : 
the work shall then be punctually paid up.” Every one returned thanks 
—Repolido and Cariharte embraced—Esculante with Maniferro, and 
Gamenciosa with Chiquisnaque, followed the example, and agreed to 
meet.at night at Dame Pipota’s, where Monopadis said he would go to 
examine the wash-basket, and afterward to dispense the unction of 
juniper oil ; and so separated they all for the time being. 
THE CONVERSAZIONE. 
Scenr.—A Suite of Rooms in Portland Place ; the walls hung with some 
of the finest works of the old Masters ; and the tables covered with 
books, portfolios, and costly curiosilies. 
Time.—WNine 0’ Clock in the Evening. 
Dramatis Personm.—About a hundred and fifty Gentlemen, of all sizes 
and ages—of ali callings, pursuits, and ranks—sitting, standing, and 
walking. 
Coffee with the chill off, and Tea mith it on, to be had every five minutes. 
Solid mahogany Toast, and transparent gauze Bread and Butter, as 
an ad libitum accompaniment to the Tea and Coffee. 
Groups of Talkers and Listeners scattered about. 
First Group. 
Mr. A—n—I—y. Were you in the House, Sir George, when Mr. 
Peel made his famous “ breaking-in-upon-the-Constitution” speech ? 
Sir George M. . I was; and a more humiliating spectacle I never 
beheld. I looked at the man, and thought of Satan’s Address to Beelze- 
bub, “ rolling in the fiery gulph :’— 
* If thou beest he ; but, oh! how fallen! how changed 
« From him, who, in the days of Liverpool, 
“ Clothed with the cause that made thee what thou art, | 
*« Didst win applause: if he, whom mutual league, 
“ United thoughts and counsels, equal hope, 
«* And hazard in the glorious enterprise, 
« Joined with him once, into what pit, and from 
«What height, thou'rt fallen!” 
Mr. A—n—Il—y. I wonder no one got up, and asked the renegade 
why he deserted Canning in 1827, and played the spaniel to Wellington 
in 1829? 
