AN ATTEMPT AT A SPEECH. 205 



and of course, therefore, the most proper person to return thanks 

 on this occasion : but he is evidently a timid, bashful man in 

 ladies' society; and although looking as fierce as a lion at fences, 

 I fear, like my friend Conyers, he will never muster courage to 

 pop the question. Then there's the master of the S. W. Hunt, 

 who, if he could be prevailed on to open his mouth, must be a 

 speaker of great weight, his longitude and latitude being of the 

 Anak order, and I may say, * Oh, that this too, too solid flesh 

 would melt, and resolve itself into a speech.' (A murmur from 

 Carrington, "That's my infirmity, sir.") Lastly, there is the 

 master of the hunt in whose district we have assembled, who, 

 by all accounts, can fight, if he can't speak in defence of the 

 ladies." 



After some flattering remarks on the fair sex, Manvers 

 resumed his seat. 



A move was soon after made ; and, as the ladies were 

 leaving, Blanche whispered Beauchamp — 



"You will find me disengaged, William, whenever you 

 return." 



" No, no, my dear Blanche, this must not be. Do not think 

 me so unreasonable." 



" It must be so, dear "William, until you join us ; " on which 

 she took her aunt's arm. 



Beauchamp, from his position as president, was obliged to 

 continue his sitting at his table during the delivery of a few 

 other toasts, much to his annoyance ; as several gentlemen had 

 already deserted to the more agreeable society of the fair sex in 

 the ball-room; who, from the movement heard overhead, were 

 evidently much more pleasantly occupied than in listening to 

 the drones who were attempting to utter dull speeches below. 



Manvers, determined to have the master of the C 



Hunt on his legs, proposed his health, which, after being duly 

 honoured, forced him to rise. 



" Ladies and gentlemen," he began. (" The ladies are gone," 

 was shouted out.) " I beg pardon — well, then, gentlemen, I'll 

 begin again. Ladies and gentlemen." (Shouts of laughter.) 



"Let him have it," cried Gwynue, "that's his text; he 

 can't preach from any other. Now then, old cock, out with 

 it. We give you, ladies and gentlemen." (Shouts of laughter — 

 " Order, order," from Sir Erancis Burnett — " Hear, hear," from 

 Gwynne.) 



" Gentlemen," said the master of the C Hunt, " for the 



honour you have done me, in drinking my health, I return you 



