428 



MR. SPONGE'S SPOUTING TOUR. 



SPONGE "A CAPTIVE. 



CHAPTER LVIII. 



MR. SPONGE AT HOME. 



PONGE was most warmly 

 congratulated by Sir 

 Harry and all the assem- 

 bled captains, who in- 

 wardly hoped his mar- 

 riage would have the 

 effect of " snuffing him 

 out," as they said, and 

 they had a most glorious 

 jollification on the 

 strength of it. They 

 drank Lucy's and his 

 health nine times over, 

 with nine times nine each 

 time. The consequence 

 was, that the footmen and shutter were in earlier requisition 

 than usual to carry them to their respective apartments. Sponge's 

 head throbbed a good deal the next morning ; nor was the pulsa- 

 tion abated by the recollection of his matrimonial engagement, 

 and his total inability to keep the angel who had ridden herself 

 into his affections. However, like all untried men, he was strong 

 in the confidence of his own ability, and the sight of his smiling 

 charmer chased away all prudential considerations as quickly as 

 they arose. He made no doubt there Avould something turn up. 



Meanwhile, he was in good quarters, and Lady Scattercash 

 having warmly espoused his cause, he assumed a considerable 

 standing in the establishment. Old Beardey having ventured to 

 complain of his interference in the kennel, my laxly curtly told 

 him he might " make himself scarce if he liked ; " a step that 

 Beai'dey was quite ready to take, having heard of a desirable 

 public-house at Newington Butts, provided Sir Harry paid him 

 his wages. This not being quite convenient, Sir Harry gave him 

 an order on " Cabbage and Co." for three suits of clothes, and 

 acquiesced in his taking a massive silver soup-tureen, on which, 

 beneath the many-quartered Scattercash arms, Mr. Watch orn 

 placed an inscription, stating that it was presented to him by Sir 

 Harry Scattercash, Baronet, and the noblemen and gentlemen of 

 his hunt, in admiration of his talents as a huntsman and his 

 character as a man. 



