different passages of their conversation, and recognised in every
line and lineament the Giants of the night. Assured that it was no
vision, but that he had heard and seen with his own proper senses,
he walked forth, determining at all hazards to conceal himself in
the Guildhall again that evening. He further resolved to sleep all
day, so that he might be very wakeful and vigilant, and above all
that he might take notice of the figures at the precise moment of
their becoming animated and subsiding into their old state, which
he greatly reproached himself for not having done already.


CORRESPONDENCE TO MASTER HUMPHREY


'SIR, - Before you proceed any further in your account of your
friends and what you say and do when you meet together, excuse me
if I proffer my claim to be elected to one of the vacant chairs in
that old room of yours. Don't reject me without full
consideration; for if you do, you will be sorry for it afterwards -
you will, upon my life.

'I enclose my card, sir, in this letter. I never was ashamed of my
name, and I never shall be. I am considered a devilish gentlemanly
fellow, and I act up to the character. If you want a reference,
ask any of the men at our club. Ask any fellow who goes there to
write his letters, what sort of conversation mine is. Ask him if
he thinks I have the sort of voice that will suit your deaf friend
and make him hear, if he can hear anything at all. Ask the
servants what they think of me. There's not a rascal among 'em,
sir, but will tremble to hear my name. That reminds me - don't you