AT DINNER. 387 



that my business has been very urgent, when all the 

 attractions you have here could not be attended to till now. 



PUPIL. Won't you try a modicum of brandy, as an 

 appetizer before dinner ? or, here is some bitters that I 

 will warrant superior to "old plantation," with all the 

 cabalistic signs ever painted on an astrologer's tressel- 

 board, to assist it to attract attention. 



PEECEPTOE. No : I thank you for the offer ; but it is 

 very rare that I drink anything before meals, and nearly 

 as seldom that I drink at all before dinner. When you 

 see me eat, you will admit that I do not need a provoca- 

 tive ; and repletion is not only injurious to the health, but 

 the flavor of the sherry, and the aroma of the segar, can- 

 not be so highly enjoyed when the stomach is loaded. 



I have not eaten a meal that pleased me so well as this 

 we have just partaken, since I have been away; and, though 

 some have been eaten at the headquarters of gastronom- 

 ical science, I must award the palm to this. By the way, 

 the port and sherry that I took from your supply was 

 pronounced of the first quality by those who are accredited 

 with being the best judges in the country. I was anxious 

 to learn, if I had formed a proper estimate, as I thought 

 it superior to any I had ever drank. Now, if you will 

 " be shoving " one of those Principes to me I will freely 

 forgive your friend for denominating me " the old man," 

 sincerely hoping that he may live till he is old but not 

 old enough to find life a burden. 



PUPIL. Never fear as he would say potheen will al- 

 ways have the flavor, and he will feel young as long as he 

 has a friend to benefit. You promised to tell me at some 

 future time, why you considered the form of the Falcon a 

 model of the best for road purposes ; and if not too much 

 trouble, I would like to hear the reasons now. 



PEECEPTOE. I will be pleased to acquaint you ; and 

 though there have been things that I could not satisfac- 



