The old gentleman who accompanied her seemed the only unoccupied person, and appeared to be regarded as the ruler of the feast; at least, they all called him general, and implicitly followed every suggestion he threw out.

He was a man of a certain grave and quiet manner, blended with a degree of mild good-nature and courtesy, that struck me much at first, and gained greatly on me, even in the few minutes I conversed with him as we came along.

Just before he presented me to his friends, he gently touched my arm, and drawing me aside, whispered in my ear:-- "'Don't be surprised at anything you may hear to-day here; for I must inform you this is a kind of club, as I may call it, where every one assumes a certain character, and is bound to sustain it under a penalty.

We have these little meetings every now and then; and as strangers are never present, I feel some explanation necessary, that you may be able to enjoy the thing,--you understand ?' "'Oh, perfectly,' said I, overjoyed at the novelty of the scene, and anticipating much pleasure from my chance meeting with such very original characters.
"'Mr.Sparks, Mrs.Winterbottom.Allow me to present Mr.Sparks.' "'Any news from Batavia, young gentleman ?' said the sallow old lady addressed.

'How is coffee!' "The general passed on, introducing me rapidly as he went.
"'Mr.Doolittle, Mr.Sparks.' "'Ah, how do you do, old boy ?' said Mr.Doolittle; 'sit down beside me.