But, ever restless when not at the side of Dr. John-
son, he presently recollected something that he wished
to exhibit, and, hastily rising, was running away in its
search ; when the Doctor, calling after him, authorita-
tively said : ^' What are you thinking of. Sir ? Why
do you get up before the cloth is removed? Come
back to your place. Sir ! "

Again, and with equal obsequiousness, Mr. BosweU
did as he was bid; when the Doctor, pursing his lips,
not to betray rising risibility, muttered half to himself :
^' Running about in the middle of meals ! One would
take you for a Brangton ! — " "A Brangton, Sir ? "
repeated Mr. Boswell, with earnestness ; " What is a
Brangton, Sir ? '* '^ Where have you lived. Sir," cried
the Doctor, laughing, " and what company have you
k^t, not to know that ? "

Mr. Boswell now, doubly curious, yet always appre-
hensive of falling into some disgrace with Dr. Johnson,
said, in a low tone, which he knew the Doctor could
not hear, to Mrs. Thrale : '^ Pray, Ma'am, what 's a
Brangton ? — Do me the favour to tell me .^ — Is it
some animal hereabouts ?" Mrs. Thrale only heartily
laughed, but without answering : as she saw one of her
guests uneasily fearful of an explanation. But Mr.
Seward cried, '' 1 *11 tell you, Boswell— 1 11 tell you I— if
you will walk with me into the paddock : only let us wait
till the table is cleared ; or I shall be taken for a Brang-
ton, too ! '* They soon went off together ; and Mr.
u 4



i96 JOHNSONIANA.
