.

'Tiggs!' says I, in a similar whisper.

'Pretty comfortable this, isn't it, my dear?' says Maine in a
free-and-easy way to Mrs. Sackville; 'all the magazines, you see--writing
materials--new works--choice library, containing every work of
importance--what have we here?--"Dugdale's Monasticon," a most valuable
and, I believe, entertaining book.'

And proposing to take down one of the books for Mrs. Maine's inspection,
he selected Volume VII., to which he was attracted by the singular fact
that a brass door-handle grew out of the back. Instead of pulling out
a book, however, he pulled open a cupboard, only inhabited by a lazy
housemaid's broom and duster, at which he looked exceedingly discomfited;
while Nelson Collingwood, losing all respect, burst into a roar of
laughter.

'That's the rummest book I ever saw,' says Nelson. 'I wish we'd no
others at Merchant Taylors'.'

'Hush, Nelson!' cries Mrs. Chuff, and we went into the other magnificent
apartments.

How they did admire the drawing-room hangings, (pink and silver brocade,
most excellent wear for London,) and calculated the price per yard;
and revelled on the luxurious sofas; and gazed on the immeasurable
looking-glasses.

'Pretty well to shave by, eh?' says Maine to his mother-in-law. (He was
getting more abominably conceited every minute.) 'Get away, Sackville,'
says she, quite delighted, and threw a glance over her shoulder,
and spread out the wings of the red tabinet, and took a good look
at herself; so did Mrs. Sackville--just one, and I thought the glass
reflected a very smiling, pretty creature.

But what's a woman at a looking-glass? Bless the little dears, it's
their place. They fly to it naturally. It pleases them, and they adorn
it. What I like to see, and watch with increasing joy and adoration,
is the Club MEN at the great looking-glasses. Old Gills pushing up his
collars and grinning at his own mottled face. Hulker looking solemnly at
his great person, and tightening his coat to give himself a waist. Fred
Minchin simpering by as he is going out to dine, and casting upon the
reflection of his white neckcloth a pleased moony smile. What a deal of
vanity that Club mirror has reflected, to be sure!

Well, the ladies went through the whole establishment with perfect
pleasure. They beheld the coffee-rooms, and the little tables laid for
dinner, and the gentlemen who were taking their lunch, and old Jawkins
thundering away as usual; they saw the