Well, now that is convenient, I cried, Yes, and saves lodge and keeper, he replied. Arriving at the house, the groom we found And waitress at the door, for the clear sound From two electric wires pressed by the cart In passing through the gate, had sent a dart Of electricity that rang a bell, To man and maid of our approach to tell. Hal's sister met us in the entrance hall, A lady of a certain age, erect and tall, Whose bearing was, to say the least, severe, One not just suited hearts to win and cheer; She eyed me in a curious sort of way, And then, with haughty mien, she went away. I noticed as I hung up coat and hat, A sort of cage, and said to Hal, what's that? 'Tis my automaton machine, he said, For brushing thoroughly from heels to head; I will explain: a platform there below On which you step, makes wheels and levers go, In fact, your weight the motive power supplies, On which the action of the whole relies, Those arms with brushes then revolving wheel, And from your clothes the dust adroitly steal, Whilst overhead another like machine Is also placed your hat to smooth and clean; Observe it, like a hat box cleft in twain, With bristled, lever-working jaws that claim Your hat within their grasp, so for the nonce You've trowsers, coat and hat all brushed at once. A very curious contrivance; how I'd like to see it set in action now. That you shall do, said he, and stepping in Upon the little platform neat and trim, The numerous brushes vigorously spun Some fifteen times, and then their work was done. There, shouted Harry, what d'ye think of that? Jump in and try, but don't forget your hat, For if you do you'll bitterly repent, And have good reason, too, for discontent. No, not just now, some other day, said I, Feeling a bit too nervous then to try. Excuse me, then, a moment while I seek My sister, for to her I wish to speak. Hal had no sooner left, than as I stood Before the strange machine, I thought I would Venture to test it then when none were by To chaff if I should chance to bolt or cry,