are not the pantomimes we really saw; but one description
will do as well as another. The plots, you see, are a little intricate
and difficult to understand in pantomimes; and I may have mixed up one
with another. That I was at the theatre on Boxing-night is certain--but
the pit was so full that I could only see fairy legs glittering in the
distance, as I stood at the door. And if I was badly off, I think there
was a young gentleman behind me worse off still. I own that he has good
reason (though others have not) to speak ill of me behind my back, and
hereby beg his pardon.

Likewise to the gentleman who picked up a party in Piccadilly, who had
slipped and fallen in the snow, and was there on his back, uttering
energetic expressions; that party begs to offer thanks, and compliments
of the season.

Bob's behavior on New Year's day, I can assure Dr. Holyshade, was highly
creditable to the boy. He had expressed a determination to partake of
every dish which was put on the table; but after soup, fish, roast-beef,
and roast-goose, he retired from active business until the pudding and
mince-pies made their appearance, of which he partook liberally, but not
too freely. And he greatly advanced in my good opinion by praising the
punch, which was of my own manufacture, and which some gentlemen present
(Mr. O'M--g--n, amongst others) pronounced to be too weak. Too weak!
A bottle of rum, a bottle of Madeira, half a bottle of brandy, and two
bottles and a half of water--CAN this mixture be said to be too weak for
any mortal? Our young friend amused the company during the evening by
exhibiting a two-shilling magic-lantern, which he had purchased, and
likewise by singing "Sally, come up!" a quaint, but rather monotonous
melody, which I am told is sung by the poor negro on the banks of the
broad Mississippi.

What other enjoyments did we proffer for the child's amusement during
the Christmas week? A great philosopher was giving a lecture to young
folks at the British Institution. But when this diversion was proposed
to our young friend Bob, he said, "Lecture? No, thank you. Not as I
knows on," and made sarcastic signals on his nose. Perhaps he is of Dr.
Johnson's opinion about lectures: "Lectures, sir! what man would go to
hear that imperfectly at a lecture, which he can read at leisure in a
book?" I never went, of my own choice, to a lecture; that I can vow. As
for sermons, they are different; I delight in them, and they cannot, of