found, from the finished sharper to the finished
gentleman; a scene pregnant with subject for the pencil of the humorist,
and full of the richest materials for the close observer of men and
manners. Hither we retired to make a night of it, or rather to consume
the hours between midnight and morning's dawn. The place itself is
fitted up in a very novel and attractive style of decoration, admirably
calculated for a saloon of pleasure and refreshment; but more resembling
a Turkish kiosk than an English tavern. On the ground floor, which is of
an oblong form and very spacious, are a number of divisions enclosed on
each side with rich damask curtains, having each a table and seats for
the reception of supper or drinking parties; at the extreme end,
and ~206~~ on each side, mirrors of unusual large dimensions give an
infinity of perspective, which greatly increases the magnificence of the
place. In the centre of the room are pedestals supporting elegant vases
filled with choice exotics. A light and tasteful trellis-work surrounds
a gallery above, which forms a promenade round the room, the walls being
painted to resemble a conservatory, in which the most luxuriant shrubs
are seen spreading their delightful foliage over a spacious dome, from
the centre of which is suspended a magnificent chandelier. Here are
placed, at stated distances, rustic tables, for the accommodation of
those who choose coffee and tea; and leading from this, on each side,
are several little snug private boudoirs for select parties, perfectly
secure from the prying eye of vulgar curiosity, and where only the
privileged few are ever permitted to enter. It was in this place,
surrounded by well-known Greeks, with whom he appeared to be on the
most intimate terms, that Transit pointed out to my notice the eccentric
Vicar of K**, the now invisible author of L****, whose aphorisms and
conduct bear not the slightest affinity to each other--nor was he the
only clerical present; at the head of a jolly party, at an adjoining
table, sat the ruby-faced Parson John A-----e, late proprietor of the
notorious Gothic Hall, in Pall Mall, a man of first rate wit and talent,
but of the lowest and most depraved habits. "The Divine is a character"
said Bob, "who, according to the phraseology of the ring, is 'good at
every thing:' as he came into the world without being duly licensed, so
he thinks himself privileged to pursue the most unlicensed conduct in
his passage through it