"D----n it, man, drunkenness in the early part of the day is a thing I abhor, it is at all times what I would avoid if possible, but at night there may be many apologies for it; nay in some cases even to avoid it is impossible.

The pleasures of society are enhanced by it--the joys of love are increased by the circulation of the glass--harmony, conviviality and friendship are produced by it--though I am no advocate for inebriety, and detest the idea of the beast-- "Who clouds his reason by the light of day, And falls to drink, an early and an easy prey." "Well," said Bob, "I cannot help thinking this poor fellow, who has already betrayed his fears, will be inclined to make any apology for his rudeness to-morrow." "If he does not," said Tom, "I'll wing him, to a certainty--a jackanapes--a puppy--a man-milliner; perhaps a thing of shreds and patches--he shall not go unpunished, I promise you; so come along, we will just step in here, and I'll dispatch this business at once: I'll write a challenge, and then it will be off my hands." And so saying, they entered a Coffee-house, where, calling for pen, ink and paper, Tom immediately began his epistle, shrewdly hinting to his Cousin, that he expected he would act as his Second.

"It will be a fine opportunity for introducing your name to the gay world--the newspapers will record your name as a man of ton.

Let us see now how it will appear:--On -- -- last, the Honourable Tom Dashall, attended by his Cousin, Robert Tallyho, Esq.
of Belleville Hall, met--ah, by the bye, let us see who he is," here he felt in his pocket for the card.
Bob, however, declared his wish to decline obtaining popularity by being present upon such an occasion, and suggested the idea of his calling upon the offender, and endeavouring to effect an amicable arrangement between them.
"Hallo!" exclaimed Tom with surprise, as he drew the card from his pocket, and threw it on the table--"Ha, ha, ha,--look at that." Tallyho looked at the card without understanding it.

"What does it mean ?" said he.
~76~~"Mean," replied Tom, "why it is a Pawnbroker's duplicate for a Hunting Watch, deposited with his uncle this morning in St.Martin's Lane, for two pounds--laughable enough--well, you may dismiss your fears for the present; but I'll try if I can't find my man by this means--if he is worth finding--at all events we have found a watch." Bob now joined in the laugh, and, having satisfied the Waiter, they sallied forth again.
Just as they left the Coffee-house, "Do you see that Gentleman in the blue great coat, arm in arm with another?
that is no other than the ----.