treat you better when my new store is finished, and when we can get a servant."
The dinner went off excellently, considering that the plates and drinking vessels were of tin, and the viands quite new to the guests.—Kangaroo-tail soup, &c. with rashers of bacon, formed the principal part of the fare; to which ample justice was done: bread, and a few—a very few, vegetables completed the repast.
"Mr. Weevel," said Mrs. Binns, "may I trouble you to drop that blind over the window—the sun annoys me."
To do this Mr. Weevel would have to turn his back upon the company, but he said "Yes—Oh yes—certainly Ma'am," and he edged away to the window.—Alas! the blind was hitched. "Get on the box," said Hugh, who was enjoying his confusion," then you can reach it." Up Mr. Weevel mounted, and the state of matters became quite perceptible. A suppressed titter announced the discovery of the catastrophe, in the midst of which the victim hurriedly descended from his elevated position, rushed over to Mr. Binns, and made a most heartrending appeal to his feelings—recounting the agony he had experienced, the state of mind he was now in, and lastly apologising for entering the presence of a lady in such a state.
"Stuff and nonsense," said the host; "come with me and I'll rig you out in two minutes." They left the dining place for a short time, and when Mr. Weevel returned his extremities were enveloped in a garment about twice too large for him. "We are not so particular here Sir," said Mr. Binns, "and don't think much of a thing of that kind.—Don't make yourself at all uneasy," he said, as Mr. Weevel requested permission to get his boxes in from the dray, which was now arrived, for the purpose of obtaining some fresh clothing. The evening passed
