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wages average from ten to twelve shillings. This man is a cripple, and can't do much work."

"Well, but have we got no lords cripples? Place him in juxtaposition with a lord, and—"

"Juxtaposition!" echoed Sylvester. "Your name is—"

"Drant, sir: Obadiah Drant. You recollect me, sir, don't you?"

"It is to you, I believe, that I am indebted for a song?"

"Exactly, sir: I did myself the honour of sending a copy of it as you requested."

"As I requested! I am not conscious of having made any such request."

"What! don't you remember, the other night, at the Crumpet, when you heard me sing that song—"

"I never heard you sing the song."

"Oh, yes, you did sir! when you were there the other night—you recollect!"

"But I was not there the other night. I understand that you told Mr. Rouse that I was—"

"Well, I'm sorry for that, sir. I wish I hadn't mentioned it now."

"But how came you to think of such a falsehood?"

"I'm sorry it was named; but, of course, you know it wasn't a falsehood."

"I know that it was a falsehood, and a most atrocious falsehood, too."

"Well, but you know you were there."

"What! Are you a lunatic?"

"A lunatic? No!"

"I thought you were," returned Sylvester, calmly. "As you are not, I wish to have no farther communication with you."

"Well, sir; but—what!—do you mean—"

"I have nothing more to say," observed Sylvester, who waved his hand, and, with a look of contempt, left Obadiah astounded!

The sports proceeded; the mutton was gained; the chemises, the shawls, and the scarfs, were won; and, when night came on, the booth was illumined, and dancing commenced, and was kept up with spirit till twelve, when a cry of "the ghost!" was raised.

The men rushed instantly out of the booth, and the girls shrieked and fainted by dozens, while the "ghost" walked leisurely through the village, fearfully shunned by all.

No one approached it. All kept aloof. The stoutest hearts shrank back appalled, and the ghost had the road to itself.

The night was dark: not a star could be seen; and when the ghost reached the chesnut-trees, beneath which all was gloom, the multitude breathed: but lo! it turned and walked through the village again.

Horror filled each manly breast, and all was consternation. But the ghost seemed to treat the whole throng with contempt. It walked up and down just as long as it liked, and then vanished, they knew neither how nor where.