Chapter 18

and plants. Twenty gentlemen, among whom is_ Mr. Tom Christopher, _each accompanying a lady, one of whom is_ Miss Blaggs. _The cloth is drawn, and dessert is on the table_.

_Mr. Biggs, B.A. (Tor. Univer.), on his feet_.

Ah--ladies and gentlemen, here's to our host, And rising, as thus, to propose him a toast, I think of the days which together In shade, and in sunshine, as chums we have passed, In love, and esteem, that forever must last, Let happen what will to the weather.

In short, ladies and gentlemen, I have to propose the everlasting health and welfare of our host, who should have been our honoured guest but for that persistent pertinacity he exhibited in the matter, and which he does himself the injustice to call womanish. But I am sure, ladies and gentlemen, no one but himself ever accused our esteemed host of being womanish, and when we look upon the high standing he has achieved in our University, the honour he confers on his Alma Mater by his scholarly attainments and the gentlemanly character he has won among all sorts of students, I am sure, ladies and gentlemen, we should be doing great injustice to you all were we for one moment to admit that he could be other than he is, an honour to Toronto University, and a credit to his sex. I am quite sure the ladies are at this moment envying the happy woman whom he will at no distant date probably distinguish with his regard, and it must be satisfactory to ourselves, gentlemen, to know that it lies in our power, as the incumbents of academic honours, to be able to bestow that reversion of them on those who, having all the world at their feet, need not sigh for the fugitive conquests that demand unceasing toil and an unlimited amount of gas or coal-oil. Ladies and gentlemen, I call upon you to fill your sparkling glasses to the honour of our host and college chum, Mr. Tom Christopher. And here's with a hip, hip, hooray! and hands all round!

_All_.--Hip, hip! Hurrah!

[_Tremendous cheering and clinking of glasses. Several are broken, and the excitement consequently subsides_.

_Mr. Tom Christopher_.--Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you much. For these your loving words. A third year man, I came upon you fresh from nowhere; This in itself a warranty for cold And hard suspicion; but you received Me with some warmth, and made me one of you, Chaffed me, and sat on me, and lent me books. And offered pipes, and made inquiries kind About my sisters; and Time, who takes Men kindly by the hand, made us warm friends, And knit us in a love all brotherly.

_Many Voices_.--Yes, brothers! brothers! we are brothers all!

_A Voice_.--And sisters!

_Mr. Tom_.--I would say sisters too, but that I fear My lady guests would think I did presume; But yet I know, and knowing it am proud, That most men here to-night would welcome all The sweet girl-graduates that would fill the list Did but the College Council set aside A foolish prejudice, and let them in. And now, I know a girl who long has worked To pass the exams, take the proud degree I hold to-day, and yet her petticoat Forbade.

_Several Voices_.--Name! Name! A toast! A toast!

_Mr. Tom_.--I will not name her, gentlemen, but bring Her to your presence, if you so incline; First begging that you will not let surprise Oust self-possession, for my friend's a girl Of timid temper, though she's bold to act If duty calls.

_Many Voices_.--Your friend! Your friend!

_Mr. Tom_.--I go to fetch her, gentlemen; dear ladies all, I beg your suffrages of gentle eyes And kindly smile to greet my guest.

[_Exit_ MR. TOM CHRISTOPHER.

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