parisoned, a purloined crest on the
carriage-door, a sallow-faced footman covered up in a green coat, all
over big brass buttons, stuck up behind, and a whiskey-faced coachman
half-asleep in a great hammercloth, be sure it belongs to some snob who
has not a sentence of good English in his head. Yes! perhaps a
soap-chandler, an oil-dealer, or a candy-maker. Brainless people always
creep into plush--always! People of taste and learning, like me, only
are entitled to liveries and crests." This Madame says, inviting her
guests to take seats at her banquet-table, at the head of which she
stands, the Judge on her right, Mr. Soloman on her left. Her china is of
the most elaborate description, embossed and gilt; her plate is of pure
silver, and massive; she has vases and candelabras of the same metal;
and her cutlery is of the most costly description. No house in the
country can boast a more exact taste in their selection. At each plate
a silver holder stands, bearing a bouquet of delicately-arranged
flowers. A trellise of choice flowers, interspersed here and there with
gorgeous bouquets in porcelain vases, range along the centre of the
table; which presents the appearance of a bed of fresh flowers
variegated with delicious fruits. Her guests are to her choicer than her
fruits; her fruits are choicer than her female wares. No entertainment
of this kind would be complete without Judge Sleepyhorn and Mr. Soloman.
They countenance vice in its most insidious form--they foster crime;
without crime their trade would be damaged. The one cultivates, that the
other may reap the harvest and maintain his office.

"I see," says Mr. Soloman, in reply to the old hostess, "not the
slightest objection to your being a princess--not the slightest! And, to
be frank about the matter, I know of no one who would better ornament
the position."

"Your compliments are too liberally bestowed, Mr. Soloman."

"Not at all! 'Pon my honor, now, there is a chance for you to bring that
thing about in a very short time. There is Grouski, the Polish exile, a
prince of pure blood. Grouski is poor, wants to get back to Europe. He
wants a wife, too. Grouski is a high old fellow--a most celebrated man,
fought like a hero for the freedom of his country; and though an exile
here, would be received with all the honors due to a prince in either
Italy, France or England.

"A very respectable gentleman, no doubt; but a prince of pure blood, Mr.
Soloman, is rather a s