Chapter 3

THE _PUNCH_ DINNER AND THE _PUNCH_ CLUB.

Origin and Antiquity of the Meal--Place of Celebration--The "Crown"--In Bouverie Street and Elsewhere--The Dining-Hall--The Table--And Plans--Jokes and Amenities--Jerrold and his "Bark"--A Night at the Dinner--From Mr. Henry Silver's Diary--Loyalty and Perseverance of Diners--Charles H. Bennett and the _Jeu d'esprit_--Keene Holds Aloof--Business--Evolution of the Cartoon--Honours Divided--Guests--Special Dinners, "Jubilee," "Thackeray," "Burnand," and "Tenniel"--Dinners to _Punch_--The _Punch_ Club--Exit Albert Smith--High Spirits--"The Whistling Oyster"--Baylis as a Prophet--"Two Pins Club" 53