and lichens.  The classical Howard was awfully industrious in grouping some swans, together with several kind-hearted ladies from the adjoining purlieus of Tothill-street, who had been most willingly secured as models for water-nymphs.  The most rabidly-engaged gentleman was Turner, who, despite the remonstrances of his colleagues upon the expense attendant upon his whimsical notions, would persist in making the grass more natural by emptying large buckets of treacle and mustard about the ground.  Another old gentleman, whose name we cannot at this moment call to recollection, spent the whole of his time in placing “a little man a-fishing,” that having been for many years his fixed belief as the only illustration of the pastoral and picturesque.  In the meantime, to their utter disappointment, however, his Royal Highness quietly strolled with his sketch-book into another quarter.

* * * * *

A BARRISTER’S CARD.

Mr. Briefless begs to inform the public and his friends in general, that he has opened chambers in Pump-court.—­N.B.  Please to go down the area steps.

In consequence of the general pressure for money, Mr. Briefless has determined to do business at the following very reduced scale of prices; and flatters himself, that having been very long a member of a celebrated debating society, he will be found to possess the qualities so essential to a legal advocate.

  Motions of cause, 6s. 6d.—­Usual charge, 10s. 5d. 
  Undefended actions, (from) 15s.—­Usually (from) 2l. 2s. 
  Actions for breach of promise (from) 1l. 1s.—­Usually (from) 5l. 5s. to 500l. 
  Ditto, with appeals to the feelings, (from) 3l. 3s. 
  Ditto, ditto, very superior, 5l. 5s. 
  Ditto, with tirades against the law (a highly approved mixture), 3l. 3s.

N.B.  To the three last items there is an addition of five shillings for a reply, should one be rendered requisite.  Mr. Briefless begs to call attention to the fact, that feeling the injustice that is done to the public by the system of refreshers, he will in all cases, where he is retained, take out his refreshers in brandy, rum, gin, ale, or porter.

Injured innocence carefully defended.  Oppression and injustice punctually persecuted.  A liberal allowance to attorneys and solicitors.

A few old briefs wanted as dummies.  Any one having a second-hand coachman’s wig to dispose of may hear of a purchaser.

* * * * *

THE WIFE CATCHERS.

A LEGEND OF MY UNCLE’S BOOTS.

  “Ah! sure a pair was never seen,
  More justly form’d—­”

CHAPTER I.

[Illustration:  J]Jack, said my uncle Ned to me one evening, as we sat facing each other, on either side of the old oak table, over which, for the last thirty years, my worthy kinsman’s best stories had been told, “Jack,” said he, “do you remember the pair of yellow-topped boots that hung upon the peg in the hall, before you went to college?”