On the other hand, if you should care to attach yourself to our party, we shall take you where you will see service which shall be more to your taste than the curling of periwigs or the brushing of eyebrows.' 'Nay, nay, my friend.

Speak not with unseemly levity of the mysteries of the toilet,' he cried.

'Ye would yourselves be none the worse for a touch of mine ivory comb, and a closer acquaintance with the famous skin-purifying wash of Murphy which I am myself in the habit of using.' 'I am beholden to you, sir,' said Reuben, 'but the famous spring water wash by Providence is quite good enough for the purpose.' 'And Dame Nature hath placed a wig of her own upon me,' I added, 'which I should be very loth to change.' 'Goths! Perfect Goths!' cried the exquisite, throwing up his white hands.

'But here comes a heavy tread and the clink of armour in the passage.

'Tis our friend the knight of the wrathful countenance, if I mistake not.' It was indeed Saxon, who strode into the room to tell us that our horses were at the door, and that all was ready for our departure.