JOCULAR PRIEST. 



35 



more cheerful and familiar intercourse, which the 

 young ladies encouraged with much spirit. Just 

 as matters had fallen into this agreeable train, a 

 merry-looking old gentleman came skipping into 

 the room with a jest in his mouth, and the easy 

 familiarity of a privileged person. He was a 

 clergyman of seventy, but possessed the health 

 and animation of seventeen, and cracked his jokes 

 to the right and left without mercy, seeming de- 

 termined to set the whole company at defiance. 

 For some time, he carried all before him, and the 

 adroit manner in which he quizzed every one 

 without distinction was very diverting. At length, 

 however, some of the young ladies rallied, and 

 being rather nettled, perhaps, at some of his sar- 

 casms coming too near the truth, retorted upon 

 their tormentor very smartly, and even repaid 

 him with interest. The good natured father, en- 

 chanted with their vivacity, stimulated them to 

 fresh attacks by a ludicrous affectation of suffering 

 under their severity. At length he took his leave, 

 though unanimously entreated to remain. 



We were curious to know who this old gen- 

 tleman was ; and learnt that he had been for up- 



