THE dinner-hour drew near — yet, strangely enough, the thought brought

but slight discomfort to Tom, and hardly any terror. The morning's

Experiences had wonderfully built up his confidence; the poor little ash-cat

was already more wonted to his strange garret, after four days' habit, than a

mature person could have become in a full month. A child's facility in

Accommodating itself to circumstances was never more strikingly illustrated.

Let us privileged ones hurry to the great banqueting-room and have a glance

At matters there while Tom is being made ready for the imposing occasion. It

Is a spacious apartment, with gilded pillars and pilasters, and pictured walls

And ceilings. At the door stand tall guards, as rigid as statues, dressed in rich

And picturesque costumes, and bearing halberds. In a high gallery which runs

All around the place is a band of musicians and a packed company of citizens

Of both sexes, in brilliant attire. In the center of the room, upon a raised

platform, is Tom's table. Now let the ancient chronicler speak:

'A gentleman enters the room bearing a rod, and along with him another

Bearing a table-cloth, which, after they have both kneeled three times with the

Utmost veneration, he spreads upon the table, and after kneeling again they