a preacher in London, at the new chapel in Mayfair, for
which my Lady Whittlesea (so well known in the reign of George I.) had
left an endowment. He had the choicest stories of all the clubs and
coteries--the very latest news of who had run away with whom--the last
bon-mot of Mr. Selwyn--the last wild bet of March and Rockingham. He
knew how the old king had quarrelled with Madame Walmoden, and the Duke
was suspected of having a new love; who was in favour at Carlton House
with the Princess of Wales, and who was hung last Monday, and how
well he behaved in the cart. My lord's chaplain poured out all this
intelligence to the amused ladies and the delighted young provincial,
seasoning his conversation with such plain terms and lively jokes as
made Harry stare, who was newly arrived from the colonies, and unused to
the elegances of London life. The ladies, old and young, laughed quite
cheerfully at the lively jokes. Do not be frightened, ye fair readers
of the present day! We are not going to outrage your sweet modesties,
or call blushes on your maiden cheeks. But 'tis certain that their
ladyships at Castlewood never once thought of being shocked, but sate
listening to the parson's funny tales, until the chapel bell, clinking
for afternoon service, summoned his reverence away for half an hour.
There was no sermon. He would be back in the drinking of a bottle of
Burgundy. Mr. Will called a fresh one, and the chaplain tossed off a
glass ere he ran out.

Ere the half-hour was over, Mr. Chaplain was back again bawling for
another bottle. This discussed, they joined the ladies, and a couple
of card-tables were set out, as, indeed, they were for many hours every
day, at which the whole of the family party engaged. Madame de Bernstein
could beat any one of her kinsfolk at piquet, and there was only Mr.
Chaplain in the whole circle who was at all a match for her ladyship.

In this easy manner the Sabbath-day passed. The evening was beautiful,
and there was talk of adjourning to a cool tankard and a game of whist
in a summer-house; but the company voted to sit indoors, the ladies
declaring they thought the aspect of three honours in their hand,
and some good court-cards, more beautiful than the loveliest scene of
nature; and so the sun went behind the elms, and still they were at
their cards; and the rooks came home cawing their evensong, and they
never stirred except to change partners; and the chapel clock tolled
hour after hour