112 THE POCKET AND THE STUD. 



the size of a nutmeg, discussed in atoms ; a fairy 

 slice from the breast of a pheasant, only partly par- 

 taken of, from having been helped so abundantly ; 

 half a whipped cream trifled with, and then an 

 ice, the only thing allowable to a lady with a 

 little affectation to declare a predilection for at a 

 dinner-table. Yes, I have seen this, and, per 

 contra, I have seen a woman of fashion, but with 

 no affectation, take a fair share of a beef steak, not 

 a bif-stick disguised in Verey's best manner, but 

 an honest tranche de hceuf, fresh from the common 

 gridiron — and, further, hide her petit and aristo- 

 cratic nose in a pewter containing double stout — 

 nay, more, I once saw a cigar in a very lovely 

 mouth, coming from the Opera. Yes, I have seen 

 these and many more strange things in my time, 

 in places, and with persons that many wot not of. 

 "But then these charming women, you know, 

 will do just as they please," so says the song. And, 

 while they charm and please every one, it would 

 be very hard if they were not allowed to please 

 themselves. 



We will now positively return to the horse, 

 apologising for the gentle canter I have taken on 

 the hobby. 



We were contemplating laying-in necessaries 

 for the inhabitants of our stable, and will very 

 shortly enter somewhat minutely into the quan- 

 tities required by each. But, before we do so, let 



