A PRACTICAL JOKE. 395 



"better for this bit of a refresher 1 that Kennet ale slips down 

 beautifully, and I feel like the little boy after eating more- 

 than quantum] stiff, of plum pudding, as if my jacket was. 

 buttoned." 



" When will you cease to be a boy, Charles 1 " 

 " Never, aunty dear, until I am buckled up, when, according 

 to the old song, 



4 Needles and pins — needles and pins ; 

 When a man marries, Ms trouble begins.* 



But, my gracious " (as the waiter brought in a basket of livo 

 cray fish, ordered by Beauchamp), " here's another little present 

 for Lady Beauchamp. Come, my love," to Blanche, "just look 

 at these pretty little creatures, so lively and sportive; just 

 touch them, my dear, so nice and cool ; " and putting her hand 

 in the basket, she was seized by the finger, which caused more 

 than an exclamation of surprise — on which Malcolm rushed 

 from the room, and did not appear again until the carriages 

 stood at the door. 



" Has it hurt you much, dear girl 1 " asked Beauchamp,, 

 jumping up from his chair, and running to her rescue. 



" Oh no, William, it only pinched my finger rather hard." 



" Really it is too bad of Malcolm, with such practical- 

 jokes" (seeing her finger bleeding), "which I will not put up 

 with." 



" Pray don't be angry with him, William," she pleaded ; " it 

 was my own fault, for being so silly as to put my hand in the 

 basket." 



" Now, ladies and gemmen," said Malcolm, peeping in at 

 the door and touching his hat, " time's up, and the coach is 

 awaiting." 



" Ah, you young scamp ! " shouted the old earl, " I'll double- 

 thong you, when I catch you at Bampton, for serving Blanche 

 that trick." 



"She wouldn't open her mouth to me, daddy clear, so I 

 wished to know if she had lost her voice ; but she spoke quick 

 enough to the cray fish when he asked her a question. Did he- 

 bite very sharp, my love 1 " he inquired, in a pitying tone, of 

 Blanche. 



" So sharp, Charles, that he made my finger bleed." 



" Did he indeed, dear girl 1 I beg a thousand pardons for 

 my foolery, as I thought they could only squeeze a little." 



Malcolm having feelingly expressed contrition for his offence,. 



