sitting, and makes it easier to shake down the grub!"

The two friends from Miriam's place of business came into the room

among the first, and then wedged themselves so hopelessly against

Johnson in an attempt to get out again and take off their things

upstairs that they abandoned the attempt. Amid the struggle Mr. Polly

saw Uncle Pentstemon relieve himself of his parcel by giving it to the

bride. "Here!" he said and handed it to her. "Weddin' present," he

explained, and added with a confidential chuckle, "I never thought

I'd 'ave to give you one--ever."

Who says steak and kidney pie?" bawled Mr. Voules. "Who says steak

and kidney pie? You 'ave a drop of old Tommy, Martha. That's what

you want to steady you.... Sit down everyone and don't all speak at

once. Who says steak and kidney pie?..."

Vocificeratious," whispered Mr. Polly. "Convivial vocificerations."

Bit of 'am with it," shouted Mr. Voules, poising a slice of ham on

his knife. "Anyone 'ave a bit of 'am with it? Won't that little man

of yours, Mrs. Punt--won't 'e 'ave a bit of 'am?..."

"And now ladies and gentlemen," said Mr. Voules, still standing and

dominating the crammed roomful, "now you got your plates filled and

something I can warrant you good in your glasses, wot about drinking

the 'ealth of the bride?"

173

The History of Mr Polly