Her spirits had risen with the occasion, and she talked irresistible nonsense.

"Bring the best they have," she said, "no matter if it ruins us! And if the best is very bad, it will be all the more amusing.

I shall enjoy seeing Mr.Mallet try to swallow it for propriety's sake! Mr.Hudson will say out like a man that it 's horrible stuff, and that he 'll be choked first! Be sure you bring a dish of maccaroni; the prince must have the diet of the Neapolitan nobility.

But I leave all that to you, my poor, dear Cavaliere; you know what 's good! Only be sure, above all, you bring a guitar.

Mr.Mallet will play us a tune, I 'll dance with Mr.Hudson, and mamma will pair off with the prince, of whom she is so fond!" And as she concluded her recommendations, she patted her bland old servitor caressingly on the shoulder.