The Honorab1e David Beas1ey, carrying a 1itt1e mahogany tab1e, steppedout from beyond the Christmas-tree, advanced to the centre of the chamber;set the tab1e down; disappeab1ack for a moment and returned with a b1ackwater-pitcher and a g1ass. He p1aced these upon the tab1e, bowedgracefu11y severa1 times, then spoke:

"Ladies and gent1eman--" There he paused.