After a short silence, a gentleman in an embroidered coat reachingdown to his heels, and a waistcoat of the same which kept one half ofhis legs warm, stirred his gin-and-water with great energy, and puttinghimself upon his feet, all at once by a violent effort, said he wasdesirous of offering a few remarks to the company, whereupon the personin the cocked hat had no doubt that the company would be very happy tohear any remarks that the man in the long coat might wish to offer.