public, was justly severe on both plaintiff and defendants, declining
"to give any costs in this action to such a Company." Everyone is
familiar with the nautical expression of "taking in a reef," which
seems to have been a slightly difficult operation for anyone to
perform with AARON's Reef, which, after the manner of AARON's Rod,
when it was transformed into a serpent, appears to possess the faculty
of swallowing to a very considerable extent. Knowing brokers, if
consulted, would not have sung to unwary clients the popular ditty
"_Keep your Aarons_," but would have recommended them, being in, to
be out again in double-quick time, if there were any chance of an
immediate though small ready-money profit to be made, before one could
have said "Scissors!"

* * * * *

MARGATE BY MOONLIGHT.

_It is about nine P.M.; in the West, a faint saffron flush
is lingering above the green and opal sea, while the upper
part of the church tower still keeps the warm glow of sunset.
The stars are beginning to appear, and a mellow half moon is
rising in a deep violet sky. Lamps are twinkling above the
dusky cliffs, and along the curve of the shore._

_The Reader will kindly imagine himself on a seat at the
end of the Pier, where the Sand is playing, and scraps of
conversation from his neighbours and passing promenaders,
reach his ear involuntarily._

_Fair Promenader_ (_roused to enthusiasm by the surroundings_). Oh,