e, the death
of that venerable aristocrat, tears trickled down the honest warrior's
cheek, while he held out his hand to Hoskins and said, "Thank you, sir,
for that song; it is an honour to human nature." On which Hoskins began
to cry too.

And now young Nadab, having been cautioned, commenced one of those
surprising feats of improvisation with which he used to charm audiences.
He took us all off, and had rhymes pat about all the principal persons
in the room: King's pins (which he wore very splendid), Martin's red
waistcoat, etc. The Colonel was charmed with each feat, and joined
delighted with the chorus--"Ritolderol ritolderol ritolderolderay"
(bis). And when, coming to the Colonel himself, he burst out--

"A military gent I see--And while his face I scan,
I think you'll all agree with me--He came from Hindostan.
And by his side sits laughing free--A youth with curly head,
I think you'll all agree with me--That he was best in bed.
Ritolderol," etc.
--the Colonel laughed immensely at this sally, and clapped his son,
young Clive, on the shoulder. "Hear what he says of you, sir? Clive,
best be off to bed, my boy--ho, ho! No, no. We know a trick worth two
of that. 'We won't go home till morning, till daylight does appear.' Why
should we? Why shouldn't my boy have innocent pleasure? I was allowed
none when I was a young chap, and the severity was nearly the ruin of
me. I must go and speak with that young man--the most astonishing thing
I ever heard in my life. What's his name? Mr. Nadab? Mr. Nadab, sir,
you have delighted me. May I make so free as to ask you to come and dine
with me to-morrow at six? Colonel Newcome, if you please, Nerot's Hotel,
Clifford Street. I am always proud to make the acquaintance of men of
genius, and you are one, or my name is not Newcome!"

"Sir, you do me hhonour," says Mr. Nadab, pulling up his shirt-collar,
"and perhaps the day will come when the world will do me justice,--may I
put down your hhonoured name for my book of poems?"

"Of course, my dear sir," says the enthusiastic Colonel; "I'll send
them all over India. Put me down for six copies, and do me the favour to
bring them to-morrow when you come to dinner."

And now Mr. Hoskins asking if any gentleman would volunteer a song, what
was our amazement when the simple Colonel offered to sing himself,
at which the room applauded vociferously; whilst methought poor Clive
Newcome hung down his head, and blu