ardinal Wiseman, for once. Sir 'Arry;
be Cardinal Wiseman for once, and don't _think_ of it.'

'Well,' replied Sir Harry, looking at George Cheek, 'I suppose there's no
help for it.'

'It was quite a thaw where I came from,' observed Cheek, half to Sir Harry
and half to the huntsman.

''Deed, sir, 'deed,' replied Mr. Watchorn, with a chuck of his fringed
chin, 'it generally is a thaw everywhere but where hounds meet.'

'My Uncle Jollyboy wouldn't be stopped by such a frost as this,' observed
Cheek.

''Deed, sir, 'deed,' replied Watchorn, 'your Uncle Jellyboy's a very fine
feller, I dare say--very fine feller; no such conjurers in these parts as
he is. What man dare, I dare; he who dares more, is no man,' added
Watchorn, giving his fat thigh a hearty slap.

'Well done, old Talliho!' exclaimed Miss Glitters. 'We'll have you on the
stage next.'

'What will you wet your whistle with after your fine speech?' asked Lady
Scattercash.

'Take a tumbler of chumpine, if there is any,' replied Watchorn, looking
about for a long-necked bottle.

'Fear you'll come on badly,' observed Captain Seedeybuck, holding up an
empty one, 'for Bouncey and I have just finished the last'; the captain
chucking the bottle sideways on to the floor, and rolling it towards its
companion in the corner.

'Have a fresh bottle,' suggested Lady Scattercash, drawing the bell-string
at her chair.

'Champagne,' said her ladyship, as the footman answered the summons.

'Two on 'em!' exclaimed Captain Bouncey.

'Three!' shouted Sir Harry.

'We'll have a regular set-to,' observed Miss Howard, who was fond of
champagne.

'New Year's Day,' replied Bouncey, 'and ought to be properly observed.'

Presently, Fiz--z,--pop,--bang! Fiz--z,--pop,--bang! went the bottles; and,
as the hissing beverage foamed over the bottle-necks, glasses were sought
and held out to catch the creaming contents.

'Here's a (hiccup) happy new year to us all!' exclaimed Sir Harry, drinking
off his wine. 'H-o-o-ray!' exclaimed the company in irregular order, as
they drank off theirs.

'We'll drink Mr. Watchorn and the Nonsuch hounds!' exclaimed Bob Spangles,
as Watchorn, having drained off his tumbler, replaced it on the sideboard.

'With all the honours!' exclaimed Captain Cutitfat, filling his glass and
rising to give the time; 'Watchorn, your good health!' 'Watchorn, your good
health!' sounded from all parts, which Watchorn kept acknowledging, and
looking about for the