THE THE Supreme Moment had arrived, and a wild shout of triumphant rejoicing went up from the Astronomers. They were of all sorts and conditions, these last. A motley crew; for among them were Statesmen, Poets, Financiers, Philosophers, and the larger and lesser lights of Science, Literature, and Art. But with one accord they all swept their well-smoked seventy-five-inch reflectors on to the central wonder of the hour, and watched the progress of the Great Transit in an attitude of inquiring but respectful awe. It was a tremendous and memorable phenomenon. The internal contact of Ingress was over, and the dark body of the living planet, that seemed to have a majestic wink in its eye, was now moving swiftly but splendidly across the illuminated disc of the great world beyond. "Ach! mein Gott! but it is nicely I have focussed him!" shouted a burly German Chancellor, quite carried away by the impressive brilliance of the spectacle. "So! I have him. See, he already corrects for us the political parallax." "Extremely glad, my dear Chancellor, that he has induced you to admit the possibility of correcting anything." It was a Grand Old Man that spoke, and as he followed the remarkable object, now clearly defined in the very meridian of its passage, he saluted it instinctively, through his eye-piece, with a friendly but courteous nod. "Ah," he continued, following the progress with reflective interest, we are very old friends, he and I; and I think I may venture to add that for a period of something like two-and-forty years I have seldom if ever had my eye off him. Hinc illi triumphi!" "Mais, sapristi, mon bon WILLIAMS, but you anticipate!" rejoined a portly Frenchman, whose arm was still in a sling. "Triumphus, indeed! Le vrai triomphe is not for one alone. Il faut que nous y soyons. Without us your year closes in a fanfaronade. Oui. But it is only yet December. Do not promise yourself too much!" "It is far better to promise yourself something in December than in May," remarked a melancholy Astronomer in an ample cloak and a sad voice. There was an unsympathetic laugh from the scientific crowd, and the Speaker might have replied. But at that moment the marvellous load-star of their speculations neared the further limit of the gleaming orb. Once more, amid a breathless silence, a thousand seventy-five-inch reflectors were following the course of the mysti fying Planet. And now the lineaments and features of a striking and familiar face began to be visible, as the vivid body prepared to enter upon the internal contact of Egress. A thrill of strange delight swept over the multitude. "It is not Venus-it is more beautiful!" shouted several thousand enthusiastic voices in chorus. "Quite so; and it seems to be taking on a remarkably pleasing appearance; undergoing a species of natural development!" cried a Noble Earl, sympathetically. "Sans changer' is a fine motto, but give me the surprise of practical progress." 99 "Kismet! let me have a look, then!" whined a slippered Buffoon in a fez, at the same moment trying in vain to fix the moving wonder of the heavens with half an inverted and cracked opera-glass. "But I can see nothing," he added, in disgust. "I never can." "None so blind as those who won't see," threw in an Egyptian Philosopher, quietly working out his passage to Ceylon in a cushioned arm-chair, and surveying the transit tranquilly through the smoke of his cigarette. "But, dear me," he continued, with placid interest, "in the name of the Pharaohs, what is the humorous celestial body about?" As he spoke the now living ball of the Planet, in apparent obedience to some wondrous law of its existence, seemed slowly to uncoil itself, and be feeling for something in its coat-pocket. In another moment it had flung a glittering parce1 into the air. There was a cry of frantic excitement from the bewildered Astronomers. "Who is he? What is he about? What has he cast to us?" they shouted. "Don't you know?" replied a stout, good-natured-looking old Gentleman, shutting up his telescope. "Why, that's my trusted old friend, MR. PUNCH, making his half-yearly transit across the world; and At this moment a magnificent book shot from the heavens into the midst of the now capering throng. "I thought so!" continued the Speaker, indicating the splendid present with satisfaction. "And that is his 01783 A MODEL TRIAL; OR, HOW MUCH MORE OF IT? THIS was the four hundred and seventeenth day of the hearing of this important case. The interest of the public in the proceedings showed no signs of abatement, and the Court, as in former years, was crowded in every nook and corner by a highly select and aristocratic audience. On taking his seat on the Bench, Mr. BARON BUBBLESOME, who seemed in excellent spirits, ordered an additional row of stalls to be added to the Bench, in order to accommodate several distinguished members of the Peerage who had been awaiting his arrival. Lord TILBURY SMUDGIT being recalled, for the fifteenth time, deposed.-I have spent a great deal of the various intervals that have elapsed, owing to the repeated adjournments of this trial, in continuing my dabbling a little in sculpture. I have done a few more colossal groups; one of them political, one representing "The Struggles of the Titans." The models were all members of the aristocracy. table. The work referred to, which consisted of thirteen figures, five-andtwenty feet high, engaged in violent combat, was here brought through the window into the Court, and placed on the Counsel's Baron Bubblesome. Ah, they are excellent likenesses, Lord TILBURY, every one of them. (To the Jury.) As Lord TILBURY SMUDGIT says, they are all likenesses of members of the aristocracy. I have known them personally, and can compliment him thoroughly on his success. Fifty-second Expert (steps into witness-box, and, in answer to the first question, replies). I am a Music-Master. Mr. Baron Bubblesome. Pardon me, but what is the object of calling this Witness ? Sir Hardly Differd, Q.C. May it please your Ludship, as it has been stated in the alleged libel that the Plaintiff lacks accomplishments, we are calling Witnesses to prove that, on the contrary, he is a most accomplished gentleman. Mr. Baron Bubblesome (waving his hand). Oh, I see; but as the Plaintiff has had the honour of shaking hands with an Earl, I should almost have thought such a course unnecessary. (Smiles at the Jury.) Eh, Gentlemen ? Sir Hardly. I am afraid, my Lud, with all respect, that I must press the point. Mr. Baron Bubblesome (with elaborate politeness). Oh, very well! (Expert is about to continue.) Allow me. It seems that this gentleman is a Music-Master? (Expert bows.) You play the big-drum? (Same business.) Then I will myself test your proficiency. (Loud applause in Court.) If you will kindly follow me into my private room, I will, at a considerable sacrifice of personal convenience, carry out my intention. (With intense courtesy.) The Court stands adjourned until I have learned to play the drum-the big-drum! (Great applause, amidst which his Ludship retires. For some time a loud banging is heard, when the Judge and the Witness return.) I have satisfied myself that the Witness is a perfect master of the instrument I have selected. He has made me as proficient a performer as himself. (Loud applause.) And now, Sir HARDLY, we will go on. (Smiles at the Jury, and wares his hand with extreme courtesy.) As the Plaintiff has had the honour of shaking hands with an Earl, I scarcely think these Witnesses are necessary; but we will go on. Fifty-third Expert called. Fifty-third Expert. I am a Professor of Athletic Exercises. have already followed. (Courteously to Jury. At great personal Mr. Baron Bubblesome. Pardon me, I will pursue the course I inconvenience, I will test this gentleman's proficiency in ground and lofty tumbling. I, myself, will receive instruction in the fivingtrapèze. (Great applause, during which his Ludship and Expert retire. Sounds of heavy falls, and loud groans. After a long that this Witness is most expert in the businesses of leaping, which pause they return-his Ludship rubbing his back painfully.) I find have been his especial study. I have been caused great personal the Plaintiff has shaken hands with an Earl-(Smiles at, and bows to inconvenience. (Murmurs of sympathy.) Really, considering that Jury.) But we will go on-go on. [Other Experts are examined, and Mr. Baron BUBBLESOME takes lessons in Horsemanship, Comic Singing, Amateur Cookery, and Salmon Fishing. Trial adjourned over another vacation. HAPPY THOUGHT.-"The Pale of Society." Most of the young men and women, M.P.'s, and other Up-all-nighters, at the close of the London Season. |