When the Chairman had retired from nearly every other hall he lingered at the Middlesex, a genial, jovial, diplomatic person, who introduced each artist with deft laudation, who watched the temper of his audience, and, with the infinite intonations of his hammer encouraged its applause, or overwhelmed its discontent. He found plentiful leisure to shine upon a little court filling the eagerly sought chairs aroimd his own particular table. Their occupants shed cigars and drink upon him ; and more substantial tokens, at seasons. Ever and anon passionate cries of his Christian name would come from the gallery: "'Arraye! 'Arraye!" He would vouchsafe an occasional bow, in response. He could be stern. Two unfortunate artists had been soundly hissed. But when he procured silence he declared, with dignity: "In spite of all, ladies and gentlemen, the Sisters Trippit will oblige again."