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gallery door. "Now, my dear boy," he pursued, "prepare; for you shall see my long Pole, and if it does not stir you up,' may I never again be encored in 'Bartle'my Fair'-I mean the song, not Smithfield."

He entered the room; not a living creature was visible; and Mathews looked searchingly about, never lifting his eyes above the surbase.

"I left him here when you rang the gate-bell, perhaps he's gone for a walk round the garden-roller, or has 'tis very annoying, so it is." As he said this, his fingers were run through his hair with such rapidity as to convince those who knew his ways that he was annoyed; but scarcely had he withdrawn his hand from deranging the economy of his curls, when from behind a table glided forth Count Boralowski.

Age had dealt kindly with him: a few deep wrinkles marked the lapse of time since last we met, and the hair, which I had first seen en toupée et en queu and well besprinkled with mareschal powder, was now silver gray, and streamed in thin tresses about his intelligent face; the eyes were bright and sparkling as ever, and he advanced to meet his host with a smile perfectly bewitching. I was presented in due form. With a bow that would have put any master of the ceremonies to the blush, the Count held out his tiny hand, saying

Saar, any bodey dat my ver dear Mistare Matoos call his friend must be mine. I am ver glad to have honor to know you."

The presence of this extraordinary being brought back to my memory every action of his which I had witnessed at my first sight of him. I therefore presented my box, knowing that where snuff does not act as an absolute introduction, it is often a ratification of friendly feeling. Ma tabatière happened to be one of the Patagonian size. No sooner did I tender this offering from Brobdignag to Lilliput, than the Count burst into an immoderate fit of laughter, which for some minutes prevented his speaking: at length he managed to say,

"Matoos, my dear Matoos, apon my vord, do look, I nevare saw sooch a ting in my life! Parbleu! I tink I could put all my bas de soie, and two tree pair of satin culottes in him, apon my vord, ha! ha! ha!"

His merriment did not prevent his accepting the proffered pinch, and producing his own small gold box in return.

After a while Mathews proposed to me a ramble round the beautiful grounds attached to the cottage; as might be expected, the being we had left forming the subject of our discourse.

"Isn't he a sweet little fellow? Now, I'm going to tell you what happened to us last week, for I do think you are a likely person to feel an interest in my relation-I don't mean the Count, Heaven bless his dear little body and big heart, I wish I could claim kindred with such a perfect diamond Bible of a man; no, I mean that I'm sure you'll be pleased at what I'm going to say, because I know you are a loyal subject, as all soldiers should be. So lend me your car.”

Scarcely had he uttered these words when he observed a large party making their way towards him, and, with a look of utter dismay, added, "It's no use, I see that. The moment I fancy I can have an hour to myself, some incursion of Calmuc Tartars, Cossacks, Goths, Vandals, Fiends, is sure to break in upon my quiet. Now who are these people who have invaded my premises?"

Saying which, he walked towards the group. Various introductions

I could perceive were made to my friend, and presently the whole party entered the Picture Gallery.

I did not see my host again till the dinner was served; he was evidently suffering from the infliction he had endured in answering the questions of so numerous a party, principally ladies; once or twice he expressed his wish that the whole squad had been sent to any other place but Ivy Cottage.

"Nevare mind, my dear Matoos; dey are all gone, and you shall not be teaze no more," said the good-hearted Count, as he clambered up to take possession of the chair which had been prepared for him.

I observed also that small knives, forks, and spoons were laid for him -a proof of the considerate care of his hostess. Mathews soon recovered his equanimity, and the parti carré seemed disposed to make themselves and their companions happy. Count Joseph fed more like a fairy than a man, though obviously quite habituated to all the niceties of good breeding requisite at table. On challenging him to take wine, he said

"Ah! Sare, vill you pardon my rudeness to refuse? I nevare have drink vine, nor grog ponch, all de vile I stay in your countree. I do not require him, so I leave him alone. Vat shocking ting for me to make tipsy myself at dis time of my day, but I shall pledge you vid von glass vater, vid all my heart."

With the dessert coffee was served for the temperate Boralowski, who appeared to relish it as much as we did our wine. With unaffected good humour he volunteered to sing a French chanson, accompanying himself on the guitar; and it was with difficulty I could restrain my laughter when I saw Mathews screw him up, on the music-stool, till he conceived himself high enough for the performance. To see this extraordinary little figure, hugging an instrument nearly as large as himself, turned round and round till he came to a level with the table, had a curious and ludicrous effect.

The Count's singing was pleasing, and his execution on the guitar brilliant; his hands, tiny as they were, had a perfect command over the strings; and the whole affair was so unlike display as to be quite charming. At an early hour he retired to rest, Mathews reminding me that what had been said by some histrionic wag of Simmons, that he never lay long in bed, was more applicable in the present case.

"Well, now, my dear fellow, we have no fear of being interrupted, and I will proceed to tell you what I meant you to hear this morning, but for those invaders. If I did not know thou wert good audience, I'd see thee hanged ere I'd tell thee my story. You must know that an intimacy for many years has existed between the Count and myself. The last time I was at Durham, where he resides, I pressed him to come and see me here. He told me that he had long wished to visit town, as he was anxious to obtain an audience of the King. I was rather startled at this avowal, but could not in decency ask for what purpose, until I had him where I might be of some use, so I only became more urgent in my invitation, and it was accepted.

"About ten days ago, the darling atom arrived, and soon after dinner commenced the subject which appeared so near his heart.

"Matoos,' said he."

Here the inimitable imitator assumed the voice, manner, and look of his theme so perfectly, that he had no occasion for going on his

knees, which he did so effectively as the Infant Richard, Molly Maybush, and other characters in his entertainments. The illusion was complete without this resource. Our tall comedian appeared to dwarf the lower the higher his genius towered. "Cher Matoos,' " he went on, 666 to Carlton House, apon my vord, eh ?'

please to tell how I sal get admit

"What is your object, my dear Count? tell me that, and I shall be better able to afford you information.'

"Objec is to present a copy of de Memoir of Count Joseph Boralowski to Majesté; I write myself, big book in splendid bind, prepare to offer to de King. How can get to pay my devoir? Vat is to be done to go to court, to levee, apon my vord?'

"This was a pozer; loving the little creature as I did, and feeling the utter impossibility of such a figure mingling in the crowd of a levee within, and spectators without, I was in a perfect agony at the difficulty which presented itself in pointing this out to my small friend without offending him, for it is a remarkable trait in his character, arising I suppose from the force of habit, that he is perfectly unconscious of the existence of any singularity attached to him in private life. However, as the whole soul of the little body was bent on his project, I promised to write to Lord Conyngham on the subject.

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Ah! you good creature, apon my vord; in Durham I tink you only funny Matoos, now I see you are kind Matoos, ver kind and good to your Boralowski.'

"Must give you every word, albeit in my own praise. My object was to do away with the ridicule which must have attended a public presentation, and, in addressing his Lordship, I stated my feelings and the facts.

"The following day brought a reply; it contained his Majesty's desire-command I should say-that I should call at Carlton House on Thursday: as no mention was made of the Count, I kept the communication a secret, fearing that, after all, the object of his ambition might not be attained. I need scarcely say that I was delighted at the prospect of paying my personal and dutiful homage to the King, and that I was in an unusual state of excitement. However, I braced up my nerves, stepped into the carriage, and astonished honest Thomas by telling him to drive to Carlton House.

Well, I reached the palace, showed Lord Conyngham's letter, and with as much courtesy as though I had been an Ambassador from some great power, I was led to the presence of Royalty. Never can I forget my reception, never will the grace, the dignity of the King be forgotten. The moment my name was announced, his Majesty came forward to meet me, made me one of his bows;-talk of the Apollo Belvidere, -nonsense! stuff! He at once entered on the business which brought me into his presence, saying—

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"I have a great desire to see my old friend Count Boralowski; I remember him well when I was young, and being much pleased with him. Will you, Mr. Mathews, bring him here to-morrow evening?' I bowed. And,' added the King, I seldom go into public, Mr. Mathews; I have heard a vast deal of your performances, am I asking too much, tell me if I am, in requesting you, if it does not bore you, to let me hear any part of your entertainment you like best.'

"I bowed again lower than before, and, in a few words, expressed

my sense of the honour conferred on me, and my readiness to obey a command so graciously conveyed. I took my leave, was again attended with all due ceremony to the carriage, and hastened home to tell the news. My wife was delighted, the Count was in ecstacies; he would have kissed me if his lips had been within three feet of mine, but he mounted on a chair, threw his arms round my wife's neck, and saidAh! Madame Matoos, you have got such a good man for your osban, I must embrace you, as he will not let me, apon my vord.'

Long before the hour of starting for town, his Countship made his appearance in his best bib and tucker, with the book under his arm, in as gorgeous a covering of morocco and gold as I ever beheld.

"Eh, bien Matoos! am I fit to pay respect to Majesté? is my dress enough good for court?'

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'Nothing can be better; but let me carry your book till we get to the royal presence, you will be fatigued with its weight.' Heavy lightness, serious vanity as to its contents no doubt.

"Well, I handed-I was going to say lifted-my charge into the carriage. As we set out I observed that the Count's countenance lost its usual serene yet vivacious expression, and imagining that he felt awed at anticipating his interview with royalty, I dilated on the urbanity of the King, of which I had so lately enjoyed personal experience; but my companion soon enlightened me as to the cause of his agitation.

66 6 No, Matoos,' he said; 'I have stood before several very crown heads, it ees not dat, it ees not because de troble of my unhappy contre make a me sheltaire here; dat I can forget I am gentleman. Some time ago, it ees true, I receive de viseets, an people give my valet shilling for open de door; bot now I go to lay at de foot of your king de histoire of my leetel life, I am in terrible frightfulness. If fine, large Angleish Majesté shall not beleef dat dere ees room enough for great deal of pride, and man of honour even in dis breast; if he offair me money, my Matoos, apon my vord, your friend will faint, expire, dead as wallstone. Oh! hope Majesté cannot tink to give no money to Count Boralowski,'

"I said all I could to reconcile the dignified scrap to an occurrence so very probable, and assured him that the king would do every thing with the best possible grace; but in spite of my eloquence, little Joseph was determined on treating great George to a swoon, if even the tassel of a purse became visible.

"We reached our destination, and were ushered into a large drawingroom, one of the attendants begging me to name what I required, as his Majesty had given directions that attention should be paid to my wishes. The King seemed anxious that I should make myself quite at home,' and I was delighted at the prospect of seeing him so. very short time I finished my preliminary preparations à la English Opera House, arranged my wigs and properties, and found my soul in arms and eager for the fray.'

In a

"About nine o'clock, the King and his dinner party entered the room : the moment his Majesty saw Boralowski, he caught him in his arms, kissed his two cheeks, and then placing him on the chair next himself, said- My dear little friend, it is just two-and-thirty years since you were in this room before.'

"An inclination of the royal head I took for a signal to commence, and as good fortune would have it, I was in capital cue-voice in good order

—no need of jujubes, and only two or three sips at my glass of water between my saying, 'May it please your Majesty,'..... and your noble guests.' The King applauded me most manfully; the lords and ladies couldn't do less. I found it worth while playing to such a capital audience, and did my best. My never-failing friend, Mrs. Mac Knight, appeared an especial favourite of the King's, so was Daniel O'Rourke, your story, you know, and I left off, to use Parliamentary language, with deafening cheers from both sides the house.'

"Refreshments were handed to me, the King recommending to my notice some iced punch, made after a peculiar recipe. I took some, and found it delicious; but what was worth more to me than all the liquors or liquids in the world, was his Majesty's thanks for the entertainment I had afforded him and his friends, such were his own words, 'think of that, Master Hill.' Turning to Boralowski, the King said, 'Count, do you remember the page, who brought you to me on your first

visit here ?'

"Majesté, ver well, nice kind gentleman.' "Poor fellow,' said his Majesty, 'he is confined to his room; you will oblige me by seeing him before you go. I will read your book, depend on't, and as a token of my regard, pray accept this.' So saying, his Majesty drew from his pocket a remarkably small, beautiful gold watch, with delicate Trinchinopoly chain, and minute seals. Good night, Count; good night, Mr. Mathews,' and exit through door in flat the finest gentleman in Europe.

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One of the ushers led us to the page's room. My friend the Count was the happiest creature living; he surveyed the bijou with streaming eyes, exclaiming, Majesté noble body; my mind ees ease, he offer no money. Happy Boralowski to live in countree with such prince.' We found the object of our visit in bed, to which I learnt he had been confined for many weeks: the eyes of the sick man lighted up with a strong expression of delight as he saw the Count enter, and he rose to welcome his visiter.

"Saar,' said the Count, Majesté tell me to come; I am happy to show my duty, but ver sorry to see you in bad bed.'

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My dear little gentleman,' said the invalid, 'I am very much obliged to you for taking the trouble. His Majesty told me that you were to be at the palace to day, reminded me of old times, and when I said I should like to see you again, promised that I should.'

"The King told you ?' said I, inquiringly.

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'Heaven bless him, for

Yes, Sir,' feebly articulated the sufferer. the kindest and best master that ever breathed; every day since my illness, has my gracious Sovereign sat by my bed-side for an hour, cheering my spirits, and ordering every thing I could fancy to be sent to me.'

"It was now my turn to shed tears, and how could I help it, at this rare and beautiful trait of human feeling in a man, the goodness of whose heart, so many beasts are just now disputing; I won't attempt a word of praise, the deed speaks for itself. Again and again, I say, God bless the King! to which, I am sure, you will say, Amen."

I did; so spoke Mathews about Boralowski, and that is the long and short of my story.

BENSON E. HILL.

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