Most
of the company present upon this occasion appeared to have the organs
of destructiveness to an extraordinary degree, and mine host of the
Gate House, who is considered an excellent physiognomist, looked on with
trembling and disastrous countenance, as he marked the eager anxiety of
the expectant _gourmands_ sharpening their knives, and spreading their
napkins, at the shrine of Sensuality, exhibiting the most voracious
symptoms of desire to commence the work of demolition.
A small tureen of mock turtle was half lost on its entrance, by being
upset over the leg of a dancing-master, who capered about the room to
double quick time, from the effects of a severe scalding; on which the
alderman (with a wink) observed, that the gentleman had no doubt caused
many a _calf s head to dance_ about in his time, and now he had met
with a rich return. "I'll bring an action against the landlord for the
carelessness of his waiter." "You had better not," said the alderman.
"Why not, sir?" replied the smarting son of Terpsichore. "Because you
have only _one leg to stand on_." This sally produced a general laugh,
and restored all to good humour. On the appearance of a fine cod's head
and shoulders, the ~96~~rosy gills of Marigold seemed to extend with
extatic delight; while a dozen voices assailed him at once with "I'll
take fish, if you please.
Pages:
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615