language, she
had a card with the names of the dishes to refresh her memory, Mr
Mortimer having informed her that such was always the custom among great
people, who, not ordering their own dinners, of course they could not
tell what there was to eat.

"Mrs Turnbull, what soup have you there?"

"_Consummy_ soup, my lord. Will your lordship _make use_ of that or of
this here, which is _o'juss_."

His lordship stared, made no answer; looked foolish; and Mr Mortimer
placed some soup before him.

"Lord Babbleton takes soup," said Mr Smith, pompously; and the little
right honourable supped soup, much to Mrs Turnbull's satisfaction.

"Madame, do you soup? or do you fish?"

"Merci, no soup--_poisson_."

"Don't be afraid, madame; we've a French cook: you won't be _poisoned_
here," replied Mrs Turnbull, rather annoyed.

"Comment, my chere madame, I meant to say dat I prefer de cod."

"Mr T, some soup for Madame. John, a _clean_ plate for Lord Babbleton.
What will your lordship condescend to _make use_ of now?" (Mrs
Turnbull thought the phrase, _make use_, excessively refined and
elegant.)

"Ah, madame, votre cuisine est superbe," exclaimed Monsieur Tagliabue,
tucking the corner of his napkin into his button-hole, and making
preparations for well filling his little rotundity.

"_Ve_," replied Mrs Turnbull. "Mrs Peters, will you try the dish next
Mr Turnbull? What is it?" (_looking at her card_)--"_Agno roty_.
Will you, my lord? If your lordship has not yet got into your French--
it means roast quarter of lamb."

"His lordship is very partial to lamb," said Mr Smith, with emphasis.

"Mr Turnbull, some lamb for Lord Babbleton, and for Mr Peters."

"Directly, my dear.--Well, Jacob, you see, when I was first mate--"

"Dear! Mr Turnbull--I've such an 'eadache. Do, pray, cut the lamb.
(_Aside_.) Mr Mortimer, do go and whisper to Mr Turnbull that I beg
he will put on his gloves."

"Mrs Peters, you're doing nothing. Mr Mortimer, 'and round the side
dishes, and let John serve out the champagne."

"Mrs Peters, there's a _wolley went o' weaters_. Will you make use of
some? Mrs Drummond, will you try the dish coming round? It is--let me
see--_chew farsy_. My Lord Babbleton, I 'ope the lamb's _to your
liking_? Monshere Tagliabue--William, give Monshere a clean plate.
What will you take next?"

"Vraiment, madame, tout est excellent, superbe! Je voudrais embrasser
votre cuisinier--c'est un artiste comme i