of hilarious impatience were amusing in the extreme.  At the appointed hour, the usual ceremonies of introduction being passed, the company were at last seated.  And such a table!  Such an array that one would only get into difficulty by attempting to describe it.  Captain Douglas occupied a seat to the right of Lt.  Col.  Tilden and received that attention which characterizes Sir Thomas.  Mr. Howe, once more on friendly footing, was assigned a seat beside the incorrigible Captain Hawley, whose choice epithets produced such sensitive effects upon the ears of the secretary sometime previous.  Major McNair, a brusque, genial, stout-hearted soldier, always ready to do the honors of the Regiment under his charge, had on his right Captain Hawkins, an American officer; on his left an American youth and nephew of the officer.  The convivial resources of these dinners were of a nature sometimes loud, boisterous, and exhilarating.  Though indulging in countless practical jokes, various scenes of carousal, revels, mingling with toast upon toast, cards and amusements, there was a general good feeling throughout the whole proceedings.  Misunderstandings sometimes led to sharp words, but the intervention of a superior had a healing effect.  In nowise did Lieutenant Trevelyan receive so many taunts from his fellow officers as for habits of moderation.  They often dubbed him “Saint Guy, the cold water man,” which only served to amuse the young Lieutenant.  The attention of the American was often directed to Mr. Trevelyan, listening with deep interest to the history of the young man and his distinguished father.  “Lieutenant Trevelyan is a gentleman in every sense of the term,” said the Major.  “There is no need of that explanation, sir,” said the American; “it is written in bold outline upon his handsome boyish face.  His father will yet be proud of such a son.”  “The words of His Excellency,” returned the Major.  In the flow of general conversation that ensued many pretty speeches were made by the military and responded by several citizens, gentlemen who were frequent guests at dinner.  Sir Thomas Tilden arose, complimenting Captain Douglas on his success, hoping that they may meet soon on the same business.  This called from the gallant and handsome Captain one of his most witty and humorous speeches, after which Captain Hawley sang Rule Britannia with the entire company in a deafening chorus.  After a short pause, cries of “Howe!  Howe!” Nothing short of an oration would satisfy.  The secretary rose and delivered something which would take some investigation to classify either as an epic, oration, or burlesque.  They wanted variety and such it was.  A puzzled expression rested on Lieutenant Trevelyan’s face as he tried to follow Mr. Howe in the lengthy harangue.