162 A BUMPER. 



moved, the dessert was brought in on a tray, 

 by a respectable-looking, elderly man, who, 

 after depositing dish after dish with great 

 precision as to their relative positions, was 

 about to retire, when my friend, then 

 sitting at the head of the table, having 

 glanced at me to attract my attention, said 

 to him 



" Barnes, will you take a glass of wine ?" 

 " Thank you, Sir," replied the man, in 

 a most respectful manner. 



" Get yourself a glass, Barnes." 

 Taking one off the sideboard, he put it 

 next the decanter. This was immediately 

 exchanged by the president for a large soda- 

 water glass, into which he emptied the 

 bottle of port. 



" Good health to you, gentlemen," said 

 the man, and taking up the glass, disposed 

 of its contents without taking it from his 

 lips. Replacing the empty vessel on the 

 table, and giving evident signs of satisfac- 

 tion, he made his bow and was going. 



