hero's favour had succeeded, and Mr. Verdant Green had regained his
confidence, and had decided upon one of those vocal efforts which, in
the bosom of his own family, and to the pianoforte accompaniment of
his sisters, was accustomed to meet with great applause. And when he
had hastily tossed off another glass of milk-punch (merely to clear
his throat), he felt bold enough to answer the spirit-rappings which
were again demanding "Mr. Green's song!" It was given much in the
following manner:

~Mr. Verdant Green (in low plaintive tones, and fresh alarm at
hearing the sounds of his own voice)~. "I dreamt that I dwe-elt in
mar-arble halls, with" -

~Mr. Bouncer (interrupting)~. "Spit it out, Giglamps! Dis child
can't hear whether it's Maudlin Hall you're singing about, or what."

~Omnes~. "Order! or-~der~! Shut up, Bouncer!"

~Charles Larkyns (encouragingly)~. "Try back, Verdant: never mind."

~Mr. Verdant Green (tries back, with increased confusion of ideas,
resulting principally from the milk-punch and tobacco)~. "I dreamt
that I dwe-elt in mar-arble halls, with vassals and serfs at my
si-hi-hide; and - and - I beg your pardon, gentlemen, I really
forget - oh, I know! - and I also dre-eamt, which ple-eased me most -
no, that's not it" -

~Mr. Bouncer (who does not particularly care for the words of a