out, "BENJAMIN!" in a tone of extreme agony, and dropped fainting
down on the ground. Benjamin looked extremely red, it must be
confessed, at being thus called by what we shall denominate his
Christian name, and Limpiter looked round at Guzzard, and Miss
Brunck nudged Miss Horsman, and the lesson concluded rather abruptly
that day; for Miss Larkins was carried off to the next room, laid on
a couch, and sprinkled with water.

Good-natured Morgiana insisted that her mother should take Miss
Larkins to Bell Yard in her carriage, and went herself home on foot;
but I don't know that this piece of kindness prevented Larkins from
hating her. I should doubt if it did.

Hearing so much of his wife's skill as a singer, the astute Captain
Walker determined to take advantage of it for the purpose of
increasing his "connection." He had Lumley Limpiter at his house
before long, which was, indeed, no great matter, for honest Lum
would go anywhere for a good dinner--and an opportunity to show off
his voice afterwards, and Lumley was begged to bring any more clerks
in the Treasury of his acquaintance; Captain Guzzard was invited,
and any officers of the Guards whom he might choose to bring; Bulger
received occasional cards:--in a word, and after a short time, Mrs.
Howard Walker's musical parties began to be considerably suivies.
Her husband had the satisfaction to see his rooms filled by many
great personages; and once or twice in return (indeed, whenever she
was wanted, or when people could not afford to hire the first
singers) she was asked to parties elsewhere, and treated with that
killing civility which our English aristocracy knows how to bestow
on artists. Clever and wise aristocracy! It is sweet to mark your
ways, and study your commerce with inferior men.