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 "It is very fine and very ingenious," answered I, "and yet—I don't know how it is,—but I seem to miss something."

"Excellently answered!" cried he, "you have exactly defined my own feelings, tho' in a manner I should never have arrived at. But I was certain your taste was too well formed, to be pleased at the expence of your understanding."

"Pardie," cried Madame Duval, "I hope you two is difficult enough! I'm sure if you don't like this, you like nothing; for it's the grandest, prettiest, finest sight that ever I see, in England."

"What," (cried the Captain, with a sneer) "I suppose this may be in your French taste? it's like enough, for it's all kickshaw work. But, pry'thee, friend," (turning to the person who explained the devices) "will you tell me the use of all this? for I'm not enough of a conjurer to find it out."

"Use, indeed!" (repeated Madame Duval disdainfully) "Lord, if every thing's to be useful!—"

"Why, Sir, as to that, Sir," said our conductor, "the ingenuity of the mechanism,—the beauty of the workmanship,—the—undoubtedly, Sir, any person of taste may easily discern the utility of such extraordinary performances."

"Why then, Sir," answered the Cap-