Harwood in an under-tone to
his next neighbour, "while we have men of the present stamp at the head
of affairs. Old England is going to rack and ruin, I see that very
clearly, with all her new-fangled schemes and arrangements. They are
yielding to the cry of the manufacturers, and are about to pass a law to
put a stop to our free trade in wool and corn; and they will soon shut
us up to our home markets, and not allow us to sell where we can get the
best price abroad."

Mr Harwood among country gentlemen was not singular in his opinions on
that subject.

The first course being removed, Mrs Deane folded her arms, to recover
after the fatigue of carving for so many guests; no slight labour,
considering the size of the joints which had been placed before her.
Now, the cloth being removed, and the dessert spread on the shining
mahogany table, came the usual accompaniment of pipes and tobacco, which
Kate and Polly Deane had to prepare with their own pretty fingers for
the use of the gentlemen. This being done, and small pieces of lighted
charcoal being brought from the kitchen, wreaths of smoke began to
ascend round the table.

"There is an important toast to be proposed, Neighbour Deane, is there
not?" said the Worshipful Mr Pinkstone, turning to the host; "but that
should be Dr Nathaniel's task, I opine, should it not?"

"To be sure, certainly," said Cousin Nat, "I will gladly undertake the
honour. Our friends are generally aware of the object which has called
us together this day. I have, then, the pleasure to announce that my
kinsman, Mr Jasper Deane, is about to enter into the profession of
which I have, for so many years, been an unworthy member, and I trust
that by devoting his mind to science, and his energies to the care of
those who are placed under him, he may be the means of largely
benefiting his fellow-creatures, which all will agree is the great
object a physician should have in view. I have infinite satisfaction,
therefore, in proposing the health of the future MD, my young kinsman
aforesaid, Mr Jasper Deane."

At the conclusion of Dr Nathaniel's short speech the guests rose to
their feet, and all turned towards the young Mr Jasper, wishing him in
succession health, happiness, and success in his proposed profession.
He received the compliments paid to him with due modesty. His voice
slightly trembling from nervousness, he returned thanks in a very neat
and proper speech, which it is not necessary