"I wonder at that," said Ralph; "as bad as mouldy cloth? I never would
have thought it!"
"Nevertheless it's true--dooms true," said Mr. Jinks; "and there
are particular days when the rage of the parties comes up in one
opprobrious concentrated mass!"
This phrase was borrowed from Miss Sallianna. Mr. Jinks, like other
great men, was not above borrowing without giving the proper credit.
"On St. Patrick's day," he continued, "the Dutch turn out in a body--"
"One moment, my dear fellow; I don't like to interrupt you, but this
St. Patrick you speak of--he was the great saint of Ireland, was he
not?"
"Good--continue; on St. Patrick's day--"
"The Dutch assemble and parade a figure--you understand, either of
wood or a man--a figure representing St. Patrick--"
"Possible!"
"Yes; and round his neck they place a string of Irish potatoes, like a
necklace--"
"A necklace! what an idea. Not pearls or corals--potatoes!" And Ralph
laughed with an expression of innocent surprise, which was only
adopted on great occasions.
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