TRAVELLER.--Too light.

SALESMAN.--How would Nicolini's magnificent work suit you?

TRAVELLER.--Oh! that's too dear.

SALESMAN.--Here's Commander Aloë's "Guide."

TRAVELLER.--That's too dry.

SALESMAN.--Neither dry, nor romantic, nor light, nor heavy!
What, then, would you have, sir?

TRAVELLER.--A small, portable work; accurate, conscientious,
and within everybody's reach.

SALESMAN.--Ah, sir, we have nothing of that kind; besides, it
is impossible to get up such a work.

THE AUTHOR (_aside_).--Who knows?




THE

WONDERS OF POMPEII.