The _habitues_ of Crompton, indeed, were not unlike wild school-boys, with a Lord of Misrule for their master, and "give and take" for their one good precept.

Nay, the rude outbreak had even a beneficial effect, for it cut short the orgie, which might, and probably would, have otherwise been prolonged for hours.

There was no dissentient voice when Mr.Byam Ryll arose and observed, in demure accents: "Suppose, my dear friends, that we join the ladies.".