A-shetting of the shetters Tummas as upset the 'qua-
rum ;'

The 'neminies and creturs is a-crawling all about-
C. For Heaven's sake, Kate, do run and see the
doings of your lout,

Or we shall have an ocean thro' the ceiling if you don't.
I'll box your stupid page's ears when-
K.

Surely, Charles, you won't.

C. Kate, what on earth are you about? That stupid little fool!

Do see what can be done, I pray? you now seem very cool.

K. I've not so soon forgotten, Charles, your sermon of this morning

Why should you give my careless page, for this
disaster, warning?

His accident is trivial-reprove him mildly, since
'Tis no more culpable in him than 'twould be in-a
Prince;

Of his position and your own let blame be irrespective,
And do not overwhelm him with a torrent of invective.

C. Well, though you are a wicked Kate to banter
my late preaching,

You prove he is a good divine who follows his own teaching.

[Exeunt to the scene of the disaster together.*

HOW A LITTLE PLACE RECEIVED A GREAT PERSONAGE.

BY MRS. WHITE.

mencing arrangements to do her honour. | emblazoned above it, in which her Majesty was What a week was that-what a week of action and rehearsal, of planning and performing, of putting up and pulling down, of drilling and dressing, of talking and imagining! Every parish was in commotion, from Corbierre Point to La Coupé, from Point Roque to Greve de Lecq-every house furnished its quota of preparation, and nothing was talked of which had not reference to La Reine. In St. Helier's a fureur of cleanliness seemed to have seized alike upon the housewives and officials-streets were swept, houses whitewashed, roads regravelled, and windows always bright, looked brighter than ever, while paint and stucco work, and varnish, went circuit through the town; and door-knockers and door-steps vied with each other in the perfections of brilliancy and whiteness; every waste wall was refreshed with lime, every unsightly object, if not removed, masked in the exterior purity of whitewash, even the old cabooses or cooking houses on either side of the pier (for the accommodation of the ships in harbour) received their share of abstersion, while the more obnoxious were wholly cleared off.

Platforms were being built, triumphal arches raised in "La Cour Royale" the States were resolving their address and the ceremonial of the Queen's reception, and without were gilders busily employed embellishing the British arms; while in the square, some mystery under the shelter of a canvas screen was being perpetrated on the enigmatical old man pedestaled there.

Of course, upon such an occasion, it was only natural for the native army to desire to impress the sovereign with their numbers and discipline; and accordingly not only the town militia, but the whole of the efficient body in the country parishes, found themselves suddenly engaged in repairing their regimentals, furbishing their accoutrements, polishing their arms, in short, over head and ears in loyalty and pipe-clay; while the female part of the population were just as busy with their personal and domestic preparations; mantua-makers and ironing-girls were rushing in all directions, every white dress being in the wash, and, as the general taste favoured the wearing of this spotless fabric, those who did not purchase new for the occasion, employed the light hands, and elegant niceness which these artists in the management of heaters and puffing-irons are known to possess. Ironing in Jersey, let me observe, is not a mere adjunct of the laundry, which every lavandière affects; it is a distinct art, a trade of itself, to which a proper apprenticeship is served.

Well, at the end of something more than a week spent in framing castles and pagodas to serve as Victorial arches, cleansing piers, painting houses, cutting down boughs, ransacking gardens, washing white muslin, and white-washing walls, and while half the town were delightedly viewing the pavilion, with its fluted ining and chair of state, with the royal arms

to receive the address of the States, and other arrangements for the spectacle and the spectators, a single gun reverberated over the town, and was answered by a simultaneous shout louder and more prolonged than the roar of the cannon, and a moment after the smoke curled forth from Elizabeth Castle, and gun after gun sent from their iron lips a sonorous welcome. A cry of "La Reine! La Reine ran through the streets, as men, women, and children ran also, and steaming round Noirmont Point, with the bright sunshine of an autumn evening blanching her snowy canvas. and illuminating the gorgeous standard that floated at her main, appeared the royal yacht, followed by her three attendants, the Fairy, Black Eagle, and Garland. A very few moments afterwards, the mayor and Colonel Le Couteur, aid-de-camp to her Majesty, carrying with them a grateful offering of fruit and flowers, rowed off to the Albert and Victoria (which with the other steamers, had anchored in the outer roads), to receive the royal visitor's commands as to the order of her landing.

In the meanwhile, the crier, one of those physical oddities to be found in all communities-a little man, of so rotund a figure that he resembled in shape an Italian tomboliperambulated the various streets of the town proclaiming, with the aid of his bell, a general illumination, and giving notice (for chivalrous enthusiasm is ever generous) that the States would supply lights to those who were too poor to afford them. But even poverty itself became profuse, and we were told that few, if any, availed themselves of this offer. By this time flags were garnishing the square grey tower of the parish church, and flaunting from the upper windows of the houses, while those on the Parade had ropes carried across to the trees in front, with banners, flowers, and lamps suspended from them. Meanwhile, the sun was just going down, the wind had sunk, and the waters of the bay looked as calm as the ornamental ones at Windsor. The cannons had aroused the metal in the belfries, and though the solitary inmate of St. Helier's, being solitary, could only chant an unvarying and dissonant ding-dong, St. Mark's rang out its lively peals, with an animation worthy of the cause, and kept bursting forth in gusty showers of harmony; heard far and wide above the hum of preparation, the babble of voices talking in as many tongues as Damascus numbered in her palmy days; and the heavy rumbling of the Norman cars laden with green boughs and bouquets, which hurried into town upon the first intimation of the event, which the castle-guns had spread from parish to parish, with the rapidity of wild-fire. Gloucester-street, the piers, St. Aubin's-road, every point from which a view of the royal yacht could be obtained, was crowded with persons, as heterogeneous in appearance as in position and country. Poles, English, Germans, French, and Jersey's, appeared for the time bound by one common

feeling of enthusiasm; and this sentiment, then the streets swarmed with people, and translated into as many languages, spread itself laughter, tipsy merriment, and song; the sound from group to group amongst them; all was ex- of hammers putting the last nail to some citement and anticipation. In the meanwhile, decoration or another, the phizzing of a rethe hour appointed by the States for the great mainder fire-work, the rattling of the heavy fete of the night arrived; and, as if by magic, cars bringing in materials for decking the street after street, mapped its extent in lines of triumphal arches; and, through the short hours light, while bonfires blazed upon the hills; and that followed, the coming in of the country innumerable lamps, ranged at equal distances people in their cumbrous vehicles, made any upon the parapet of the esplanade circling the attempt to sleep an almost useless trial, even on harbour, doubled their brightness in the waves the part of those whose notions of the coming beneath them; and, on different heights around pageant were of a less expectant and excited the bay, firework challenged firework, till the character than those of their neighbours genewhole scenc looked unreal in its brilliancy-an rally. Some never went to bed at all, others illustration of fairy-land, rather than our old awoke in their first nap, and fancied it time to town of St. Helier's, and the yet unbaptized commence their toilets; all were more or less harbour of Victoria. As you approached the perturbed, and, shortly after sunrise, several of principal streets, banners bearing mottoes ap- | the tradesmen's wives and families, who were peared spread across them, with chains of privileged to seats on the New Pier, had taken coloured lamps, crowns made of flowers, and up their position, content to suffer anything green boughs interspersed every private house rather than hazard the deprivation of their had tables covered with lights, vases, and exotics places. By three long hours did these enduring before the windows, while the cafés, inns, and people anticipate their neighbours, only to find other places of the kind, exhibited transparencies that those who waited till nine o'clock were just fresh from the hands of the artists; here glowed as forward as themselves, and far more comthe Jersey arms; there her Majesty in robes of fortable. In: he meanwhile, it seemed as if the state, with crown and sceptre (a mode of repre- entire inhabitants of the island had emptied sentation, by the way, which occasioned serious themselves into St. Helier's; wherever the eye disappointment on the morrow, the less sophis- turned, it encountered moving throngs. A ticated of her subjects thinking these trappings torrent of people poured on between the militia integral portions of a queen). Here were stars (who lined the way) to the fort, the Pier Road, of gas, the lambent light quivering over the and towards the Pier itself (though only available frames, with the blue clearness of electric fire; to those who possessed tickets), the archway there illuminated initials of the royal pair, with leading from the Old to the New Harbour bewelcoming devices, and loyal sentiments literally came a point of confluence, and here a crowd written in "words that burn." Crowds upon of the most opposed materials were collected; crowds of people thronged the streets, giving peasant women in molleton petticoats and Norexpression to their wonder and delight, and man caps, militiamen, English adventurers, coming to full stops of admiration before certain bearded representatives of "jeune France," points, where more than ordinary taste or bril-officers in embroidered regimentals, Breton liancy of effect was perceptible. Amidst all this brightness, "La Cour Royale," the hospital, and other public buildings, appeared conspicuous, standing out in bold relief amidst the less imposing and irregular structures near them, for no dwelling, however humble, but added some rays to the glory of the whole; even untenanted houses, and an old dilapidated brewery were lit up at the expense of the States, and, like many a deserted heart on earth, masked the cold vacancy within in festive seeming. In fact, wherever lights could be placed, even in the clefts of the parapet upon the church-tower, there they shone; and, amidst all this artificial brightness, the heavens had illuminated likewise, and poured down the effulgence of moon and star-light, to add to the beauty of the scene. The effect from the bay was exquisite-every eminence has its bonfire-every house, however isolated, a blaze of light, while showers of pyrotechnics from the ships in harbour duplicated by reflection in the surrounding waters, and others sent up from every observable point on shore, afforded animation to the picture and turning-points for the interest of the spectators. It was midnight before these displays abated, or the church-bells rested for he night, and even

girls, fishermen in red frocks, Jersey dames' des boutiques in all the fineness of their holiday costume, sailors, ladies, moustached Poles, children; members of police, with wands in their hands, and white rosettes at their buttonholes; market women from St. Malo's, with their full short jupons and becoming head-gear; boys in blouses, straw hats, and sabots: in a word, an epitome of all classes in the island; while, on the heights above, in boats in the harbour, on the St. Aubin's Road, standing in the balconies, clustered at the open windows, swarming on the roofs, thronging the rocks opposite the landing-place, were just as incongruous and picturesque assemblages. Upon the new pier a more orderly appearance existed, the town band were stationed at the extreme end of it, where two flag-staffs confronted one another. Within these a part of the 81st depôt were drawn up, much to the chagrin of the native militia, who naturally felt the post of honour should have been theirs; however, they consented to forego dissension for that day, and having a full muster, contrived to line the remainder of the pier as well as the streets and road by which it was known her Majesty would pass. On one side of the pathway,

covered with red cloth, leading from the land- | and Sir John de Vieull, the bailie of Jersey, ing-place to the pavilion, the mayor, bailie, griffier, and other members of the States, wearing their tarnished robes, and bearing the insignias of their office, were stationed; and on the other, clad in filmy white, with bouquets in their bosoms, and baskets of flowers in their hands, appeared a band of young ladies, who had borrowed an idea from their sisters in Guernsey, and were about to perpetrate it. Above them, on the raised platforms, all the élite of the island were gathered, and farther on appeared the gaily dressed wives and daughters of the townsfolks. The day was one of those rich autumnal ones that seem made on purpose for a fete, not sufficient wind to ripple the bay or ruffle a ringlet, while the sun shone out gloriously, and every face looked radiant, as if human care had given the souls they represented a holiday on the occasion. "Nods, and becks, and wreathed smiles," passed to and fro between the fair occupants of the benches, and were ever and anon extended to the robed officials, and the officers on duty beneath, as ralative or acquaintance were recognized.

All at once the roll of the castle guns, responded to by artillery upon the heights, recalled everyone to the grand object of the day, and all eyes turned towards the royal yacht, which the Fairy was just leaving, and in a few minutes the graceful little craft, ribbed with gold, and gay with colours fluttering in the air her own speed created, came round the old fortress, and immediately the standard was transferred to the royal barge, which, steered by Lord A. Fitzclarence (standing hat in hand behind his regal mistress) and followed by another boat, approached with measured strokes to the shore. At this moment, the masts of the ships, before animated with flags and sunshine, became alive with men, the roofs of the houses on the old pier grew populous with spectators, every lamppost had its tenants, the rocks (for it was nearly low water) bristled with human beings, all anxious for that hitherto unknown satisfaction, which the sight of royalty is supposed to confer. The cannons have not yet ceased to pour forth their hollow plaudits-St. Mark's bells are ringing gaily, and the old sycophant at St. Helier's, who had the sametone for old years and new years-deaths and births, burials and bridals-tries it at royal flattery, and adds its shaking lip-service to the rest.

Hark! A shout from pier and platform, ships, fort, houses, heights. A shout, hearty, prolonged, simultaneous. A shout terrible as the trumpet of Tamerlane in its concentrated strength, but flute-like in the sentiment of enthusiastic loyalty it expresses. "The Queen!" "La Reine," flies from man to man along the line, and as her foot touched the shore, the royal standard floated above the pier, and a white satin banner, bearing the words "Victoria Harbour," in letters of gold, was unfurled upon the other flagstaff. Her Majesty's aide-de-camp, Colonel Le Couteur,

received her at the foot of the steps, the governor being too decrepit to claim the honour, and with the prolonged shout yet unfinished, amidst the waving of handkerchiefs and the strewing of flowers, all the ladies standing and the gentlemen remaining uncovered, the Queen leaning on her husband's arm, and followed by her suite, appeared on the pier. The soldiers immediately presented arms, and as the sharp sound peculiar to this movement ceased along the line, the tap of a single drum proclaimed silence, and up rose the rich sweet voices of women, singing as their annointed sister passed by, "God save the Queen!" Bowing, smiling, as only royalty can bow and smile, the august party, followed by the States and governor in his invalid carriage, proceeded to the pavilion, where the mayor presented an address, which proved no exception to the general rule, being graciously received, after which some of the ladies having in the meanwhile had the honour of being presented, the royal party entered their carriages, followed by that of the governor, several gentlemen on horseback, and the officials walking. Our town militia differ from their rustic comrades not only in having their clothes made to fit them, but also in the article of discipline. They looked, save for their exploded white trowsers and gaiters, absolutely soldier-like, and the story goes (for they took care to place themselves in the van of their awkward squad) that the Prince Consort recognizing his own shacko, and seeing scarlet, like the blind man who could never separate the idea of this colour from the sound of a trumpet, inquired "what regiment they were of ?" But for that portion of the corps whose attendance at the drill shed has been made subservient to their attention to the seasons, who sacrifice willingly to Ceres, but only present themselves to Mars when local custom obliges them. Of all heights but the standard one, warped from bending to the spade and plough, unaccustomed to the confinement of military clothing, their muscles stiffened with labour, their faces browned from harvest, their flesh fried out with heat, their uniforms coarse, seedy, and ill-fitting-never had the spirit of patriotism playing at soldiers manifested itself in a less sophisticated guise, or one less indebted to the adventitious aids which the air of the parade ground and technical precision bestows: the only idea their appearance suggested was that of an army on the stage, equipped from the property room.

Amidst this harmless force her Majesty proceeded through the triumphal arch to the esplanade, the houses along which were all decked with flags and festooned with flowers, with knots of gaily dressed women crowding the windows and balconies. The scenes in Gloucester Street, the Parade, and Charing Cross, was but repetitions of these festive appearances, varied in the form of ornament, and phrases of gratulation that on every side met the eye. In the Grand Rue a platform had

been erected for the Freemasons, between whom, and the prince the talismanic sign of the order was said to be exchanged in passing, and upon entering the royal square, behold the statue had cast its temporary covering and with pedestal new painted, stood glittering in the sunshine, till the States and people could scarcely look against the glory with which they had invested | it. But the trophy par excellence, the telling object, the pride of the brave Jersey's appeared in the vicinity of "Mourir Lane," where the house called Pierson's Inn presented the appearance of a huge mural monument, having its whited sides apparently perforated with shot holes, the impressions of which were represented by circles of black paint, and along the front with victor wreaths of laurel overshadowing it, stood forth in huge sable letters the tragic intimation" Here Pierson Fell!" Lugubrious as this object appeared amidst the noonday brightness, the gay colours and festive devices by which it was surrounded, to the patriotic natives it was as good as a present triumph, and the vivas that rent the air at this point became redoubled, partly in compliment to her Majesty for loyalty to whose ancestors the hero had fallen, and partly in recommendation of their own good faith and bravery, which vaunted itself in every leaf of the votive laurel sacred to Pierson and the Battle of Jersey.

From hence to Halkett Place is but a step, and here the market, made glorious with green boughs, gave and took its share of the holiday; further on, in Beresford-street, raised seats filled with Norman women, dressed in national costume, attracted general attention, and formed a striking and interesting part of the pageant; and so the Queen and her train passed on, amidst a continuation of tacit compliments, now drooping over her in banners inscribed with blessings-now taking the shape of flowery arches, or scattered in rosy strewings on her path-here bands of children, those fair links between the present and the to-come, lined the St. Mark's Road, and mingled their young voices in the general gratulation; the occasion which confirmed their father's fidelity serving to baptize theirs. Houses, streets, publicbuildings-not a spot but teemed and heaved with expectant beings, clustering like swarming bees upon the house-tops, at the open windows, and wherever, and on whatever, appeared to offer a salient point of view, or elevate them above the heads of their fellows.

So, on, out of St. Mark's to the St. Saviour's Road, and on to Government House. Still under triumphal arches, and followed by the excited and desiring people, who could not sufficiently feast their eyes upon the fresh fair face of the then young sovereign. On leaving the governor's, the royal party turned off by the St. Martin's Road to Mount Orgueil Castle, and tired of the people's curiosity, and the endless acknowledgements it called for on their part, they endeavoured to avoid both by taking another route on their return, and

making a short cut (in this case the " unkindest cut of all" by the way), through Conway and York streets to the esplanade and pier. Meanwhile, the ennui suffered by majesty, was felt with a difference by the militia men, who, fatigued with their preparations over night, and their unaccustomed amount of duty this morning, began to wax weary of their position, and to long exceedingly for cider. To leave their ranks was out of the question, but to debar themselves from drink was so likewise; the only alternative was to call upon friends and neighbours to furnish them with it, a request so generally complied with, that in some streets cider measures were more rife than muskets, which were ordinarily laid aside. Nay, in some places they piled arms, and finding the heat disagreeably oppressive, proceeded to divest themselves of all superincumbent restraints, and with their shackos hanging by the chinstrap round their necks, or thrust on the back of their heads, their trowsers turned up, their stocks buckled round their arms, and their coat breasts unfastened, continued to wait with a composed interest the signal of her Majesty's return.

While thus literally standing "at ease," reckless of appearance as Lord Hamlet when he broke into the presence of the fair Ophelia, word was brought that the royal cortége had turned out of the line of route indicated, and were making as privately and expeditiously as possible for the pier. Instantly fatigue and heat were forgotten, and indifferent to everything but the prospect of losing a parting glimpse of the Sovereign, the militia men broke up their ranks, and diving through the different by-ways came up with the carriages at a rather dangerous angle of the pier. The shouts of these men, animated with sunshine and cider, to the highest pitch of enthusiasm-their disordered appearance, and excited looks, evidently alarmed her Majesty as well as the horses, and the adjutant of the 81st riding up sword in hand to prevent their pressing indecorously near the august party, his charger reared, and threw him; an accident that had the effect of instantly stopping the royal progress, but, fortunately, a few severe bruises, and the destruction for that day of an increased amount of self-esteem, was all the injury the officer received, and these, in all probability, the personal inquiries of her Majesty attempered, if they did not wholly heal-for even in our days it is well known that virtue goeth forth from kings and queens to cure evil.

With the exception of this event, and the apocryphal report of two or three cases of coup de soleil amongst the militia men, nothing occurred to cast a shade upon those of the day, which will long be remembered by the inhabitants of Jersey as one pre-eminently interesting in the annals of the island. The same reiterated shouts of gratulation that welcomed the royal party to the shore, followed them from it. Nay, like the farewells of a grateful host, they sounded after them, and