tance of their dress and appearance
was criticised with such a minuteness of attention, that Harry, who sat
near, and very much against his inclination was witness to all that
passed, began to imagine that his companions, instead of being brought
up like the sons of gentlemen, had only studied under barbers and
tailors; such amazing knowledge did they display in the history of
buckles, buttons, and dressing of hair. As to the poor _performers_,
they found them totally undeserving of mercy; they were so shockingly
awkward, so ill-dressed, so low-lived, and such detestable creatures,
that it was impossible to bear them with any patience.

Master Mash, who prided himself upon being a young gentleman of great
spirit, was of opinion that they should _kick up a riot_, and demolish
all the scenery. Tommy, indeed, did not very well understand what the
expression meant; but he was so intimately persuaded of the merit and
genius of his companions, that he agreed that it would be the most
proper thing in the world; and the proposal was accordingly made to the
rest of the young gentlemen.

But Harry, who had been silent all the time, could not help
remonstrating at what appeared to him the greatest injustice and
cruelty. "These poor people," said he, "are doing all they can to
entertain us; is it not very unkind to treat them in return with scorn
and contempt? If they could act better, even as well as those fine
people you talk of in London, would they not willingly do it? and
therefore, why should we be angry with them for what they cannot help?
And, as to cutting the scenes to pieces, or doing the house any damage,
have we any more right to attempt it, than they would have to come into
your father's dining-room, and break the dishes to pieces, because they
did not like the dinner? While we are here, let us behave with good
manners, and, if we do not like their acting, it is our own faults if
ever we come to see them again."

This method of reasoning was not much relished by those to whom it was
addressed; and it is uncertain how far they might have proceeded, had
not a decent, plain-looking man, who had been long disturbed with the
noise of these young gentry, at length taken the liberty of
expostulating with them upon the subject. This freedom, or
_impertinence_, as it was termed by Master Mash, was answered by him
with so much rudeness, that the man, who was a neighbouring farmer, was
obliged to reply in a higher strain. Thu