SECOND DAY. 61 



which they keep for more than twelve 

 months, and which must be well soaked 

 before it can be eaten. The bread of our 

 ancestors must have been of this descrip- 

 tion, especially in early times. I have often 

 noticed that the teeth in skulls taken from 

 Anglo-Saxon tumuli, are much worn, as if 

 by masticating hard food. But this gossip- 

 ing of an old man must tire you. 



J. Nay, nay : I thought you knew me 

 better. Though I cannot enter entirely 

 into all your feelings, I am a lover of gossip 

 and of the picturesque ; and, if a man will 

 not talk unprofitably, he will find me a 

 patient listener. There is no scandal in 

 your discourse ; and therefore I derive both 

 pleasure and profit from it. 



S. They are not all pearls that fall from 

 the wisest lips ; but, if I do not always 

 discourse wisely, I shall not offend your 

 ears with evil reports. No : 



