that by the 'live example of a dog' we compromised the dignity of the
Institute, still the importance of Natural History--"

"And," added the Comedian, "the sanctifying influences of domestic
life--"

"May," concluded Mr. Williams, "carry off whatever may seem to the higher
order of minds a too familiar attraction in the--dog!"

"I do not fear the result," said Waife, "provided the audience be
sufficiently numerous; for that (which is an indispensable condition to a
fair experiment) I issue hand-bills, only where distributed by the
Mayor."

"Don't be too sanguine. I distributed bills on behalf of Professor Long,
and the audience was not numerous. How ever, I will do my best. Is
there nothing more in which I can be of use to you, Mr. Chapman?"

"Yes, later." Williams took alarm, and approached the Mayor's breast-
pocket protectingly. The Comedian withdrew him aside and whispered, "I
intend to give the Mayor a little outline of the exhibition, and bring
him into it, in order that his fellow-townsmen may signify their regard
for him by a cheer; it will please his good heart, and be touching,
you'll see--mum!" Williams shook the Comedian by the hand, relieved,
affected, and confiding.

The visitors departed; and the Comedian lighted his hand-candlestick,
whistled to Sir Isaac, and went to bed without one compunctious thought
upon the growth of his bill and the deficit in his pockets. And yet it
was true, as Sophy implied, that the Comedian had an honest horror of