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THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
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 P. 128. 
 
 LORIJ MAVOR OF LONDON'. 
 
The Lord Mayor 
 OF London 
 
 OR 
 
 CITY LIFE IN THE LAST CENTURY 
 
 BY 
 
 WILLIAM HARRISON AINSWORTH 
 
 By this light I do not think but to be Lord Mayor of London before I die; 
 
 Greeiis Ttt ^oque. 
 
 WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY FREDERICK GILBERT. 
 
 LONDON 
 GEORGE ROUTLEDGE AND SONS 
 
 BROADWAY, LUDGATE HILL 
 
 NEW YORK: 416 BROOME STREET 
 
 1S80 
 
BY W. HARRISON AINSWORTH. 
 
 Uni'form with this Volume. 
 
 THE TOWEE OF LONDON. 
 
 WINDSOR CASTLE 
 
 EOOKWOOD. 
 
 THE LANCASHIEE WITCHES. 
 
 GUY FAWKES. 
 
 SAINT JAMES'S; OR, THE COURT 
 
 OF Queen Anxk. 
 OLD SAINT Px\ULS; A TALE OF 
 
 THE Plague and the Fike. 
 CEICHTON. 
 THE FLITCH OF BACON ; Or, 
 
 thk Custom of Dunmow. 
 MEEVYN CLITHEBOE. 
 
 THE MISER' S DAUGHTEE. 
 
 JACK SHEPPAED. 
 
 BOSCOBEL; Or, The Eoyal Oak. 
 
 OVINGDEAN GEANGE; A TALK 
 OF the South Downs. 
 
 THE SPENDTHRIFT ; A TALE. 
 
 THE STAE CHAMBEE. 
 
 PEESTON FIGHT; Ou, THE In- 
 surrection OF 1715. 
 
 THE MANCHESTEE EEBELS; 
 Or, thk Fatal '45. 
 
 THE CONSTABLE OF THE 
 TOWEE. 
 
qss 
 
 TO laK 
 
 EIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM CDBITT. 
 
 LOKD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 My Lord Mayor, 
 
 To no one could this attempt to depict a 
 worthy and able Chief Magistrate of the City of 
 London, raised to that exalted position by meritorious 
 conduct and integrity, ably discharging his many im- 
 portant public functions, and maintaining with becom- 
 ing splendour the dignity of his high office, — to no 
 one, I say, could a work, having such an aim, be 
 more appropriate^ inscribed than to yourself, who, 
 from the estimation you are held in by your fellow- 
 citizens, have obtained the proud distinction of being 
 twice chosen Lord Mayor of London, and have fully 
 
VI * DEDICATION, 
 
 approved the justice and wisdom of the selection 
 by the efficient manner in which you have through- 
 out performed your duties, by the dignity you have 
 ever maintained, and by the splendid and ceaseless 
 hospitalities you have practised. 
 
 The principal character in mj^ Tale, it is almost 
 needless to observe, is imaginary. Sir Gresham Lori- 
 mer is simply, as I have intimated, my idea of a 
 worthy Lord Mayor. If any points of resemblance 
 should be discovered between him and your lordship, 
 they are accidental ; though I may have been uncon- 
 sciously influenced in the portraiture by the living 
 model. 
 
 Hitherto, Aldermen and Common- Councilmen have 
 been a standing jest with dramatists, novelists, and 
 comic writers, who have made them their butt, bur- 
 lesqued their proceedings, and caricatured their manners. 
 ' Such is not the course I have pursued. Knowing the 
 I municipal authorities to be generally men of sterling 
 character, of high intelligence and capacity, zealous in 
 the discharge of their public duties, and energetic in 
 the maintenance of the rights and priTileges of the 
 great city they represent, I have painted them as such. 
 
DEDICATION. vii 
 
 My picture may be incorrect, but it is nearer tbe truth 
 than the caricatures I have referred to. 
 
 In the early part of this Tale occur some descrip- 
 tions of the ancient and picturesque City pageants once 
 attendant on the Lord Mayor's Procession to West- 
 minster. From an address at one of these pageants in 
 the reign of Good Queen Bess, " donne by George 
 Peele, Maister of Artes in Oxford," I will cite the 
 concluding lines. They are just as applicable to your 
 lordship as to your predecessor, Woolstone Dixie, Lord 
 Mayor of London in 1585, before whom they were 
 pronounced : 
 
 This now remains, right honourable lord. 
 That carefully you do attend and keep 
 The city, wherewithal your sovereign queen 
 Hath put your honour lovingly in trust ; 
 That you may add to London's dignity, 
 And London's dignity may add to yours r 
 
 Accept the assurance of my profound respect. 
 
 I have the honour to be, 
 Your Lordship's very faithful Servant, 
 W. Harrison Ainsv^^orth* 
 
 hrl(^ldon,Jid>, 10, 1862. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGB 
 
 Dedication . . . . . . . . . . iii 
 
 BOOK I. 
 
 GUILDHALL. 
 
 I. Lord Mayor's Day, a Hundred Years ago .. 8 
 
 II. The Lady Mayoress and her Family . . . . 10 
 
 IIL Introducing the Lord Mayor, Alderman Beckford, 
 AND Alderman Sir Felix Bland — and showing 
 HOW his Lordship received a Visit from a Nephew 
 AND Niece, of whom he never before heard . , 23 
 IV. Guildhall— Past and Present . . . . . . 35 
 
 V. How three Court Beauties came to Guildhall, 
 
 AND how they fared ON THEIR ARRIVAL . , 44 
 
 VI. Under what singular Circumstancis the Lord 
 Mayor met, as he supposed, his long-lost Brother 
 Lawrence . . . . . . . . . . 00 
 
 VII. Op the Lord Mayor's Procession to Blackfriaes; 
 and of the Pageants exhibited by the City 
 Companies . . . . . . . . . . 67 
 
 VIII. How the Lord Mayor went to "Westminster by 
 
 "Water, and what occurred during the Passage 75 
 IX. The Landing at Westminster .. .. ..79 
 
 X. How King George the Third and Queen Charlotte 
 
 SET FORTH FROM SaINT JaMES'S TO DINE WITH THE 
 
 Lord Mayor at Guildhall . . . . . . 82 
 
 XI. The Favourite .. ., .. •. ,.91 
 
 XII. The Great Commoner . . . . . . . . 99 
 
 XIII. How the Lady Mayoress joined the Procession on 
 ITS Return, and of the Disaster that lefkll 
 Her ?^i 
 
I CONTENTS. 
 
 XIV. The Banquet at Guildhall ., .. •> 
 
 XV. How Mr Pitt triumphed over his Opponents 
 
 XVI. How THE Lord Mayor's Elder Daughters danced 
 
 WITH the Young Princes ; and how his Youngest 
 
 Daughter was presentjed to their Majesties . . 
 
 XVII. How Herbert learnt that Tradescant had got 
 
 INTO THE HANDS OF ShARPERS ; AND HOW Mr CaN- 
 DISH again APPEARED ON THE SCENE .. , . 
 
 XVIII. How Candish was brought before the King 
 XIX. Of the Mysterious Disappearance of Alice "Wil- 
 wokth from the Ball . . , , • . 
 
 PAOB 
 
 106 
 117 
 
 126 
 
 132 
 137 
 
 144 
 
 EOOK II. 
 
 THE CITY MALL. 
 
 I. Old « Bow Bells " 
 
 II. A Matrimonial Project ,. ,. ,, .. 
 
 III. Two Notes . . . . , . , . 
 
 IV. In which Prue depends Tradescant 
 
 V. "What passed between the Lord Mayor and his 
 
 Son 
 VI. In which Mr Candish appears in a New Character 
 Vll. The Lower "Walks in Moorfields •• ,, 
 
 151 
 
 154 
 161 
 167 
 
 170 
 
 176 
 182 
 
 BOOK III. 
 
 TEADESCANT. 
 
 I. Moss and Levy's . . 
 II. Picard's .. .. 
 
 III. The PtOOKS <> 
 
 IV. Fire 
 
 V. An Hour's Durance 
 VI. Chat at Breakfast 
 VII. How the Matrimonial Project came to an End 
 
 VIII. AVOMEN OF THE "WORLD 
 
 IX. Smooth Speaking and Plain Speaking •• 
 
 197 
 202 
 210 
 214 
 218 
 222 
 227 
 234 
 236 
 
CONTENTS. xi 
 
 PAGE 
 
 X. An Incensed Father .. c< • .. 242 
 
 XI. Pkue .247 
 
 XII. In which a Decisive Step is taken .. .. 249 
 
 XIII. A Cartel 254 
 
 XIV. "Which exhibits the real State of the Lord 
 
 Mayor's Feelings towards his Son .. .. 258 
 
 XV. Master and Valet .. .. .. .. 261 
 
 XVI. "White Conduit House .. .. .. .. 264 
 
 XVII. The "Capuchins" .. 269 
 
 XVIII. A Duel in a Fog 273 
 
 XIX. How a marvellous Cure was wrought by Candish 278 
 
 BOOK ly. 
 
 THE MANSION HOUSE. 
 
 I. How the Mansion House was built on Stocks- 
 Market . . . . . . . . . . 287 
 
 II. How the Lord Mayor took Possession of the 
 Mansion House, and how he discharged his Offi- 
 cial Duties .. .. .. .. .. 290 
 
 III. A Change is observable in Prue . . . . 294 
 
 IV. How Tradescant regained his Father's Favour 296 
 V. In which Tradescant confides the State of his 
 
 Affections to Crutchet; and from which it 
 would appear that Herbert must be taking to 
 
 idle Habits . . . . . , , , , . 299 
 
 VI. Tel Maitre, tel Valet . , . . , . . 302 
 
 VII. In which Tradescant reads Herbert a Lecture 305 
 
 VIII. Mr "Winter . . . . . . . . . . 309 
 
 IX. In which Tradescant and Crutchet are still more 
 
 puzzled by the old Gentleman . . . . . . 314 
 
 X. In which Tradescant appeals to Mb "Winter . . 318 
 
 XI. Disclosures .. .. ,. ., .. 322 
 
 XII. The Meeting of the Brothers '.. ,, ,. 325 
 
 XIII. In which an important Visitor is announced ., 334 
 
 XIV. The King's private Visit to the Mansion House . . 336 
 
xu CONTENTS. 
 
 BOOK Y. 
 
 EASTEK MONDAY. 
 
 AGE 
 
 I. The Epping Hunt .. ,, - ,.353 
 
 II. An old Yorkshire Servant . , . , . , 358 
 
 III. The Easter Banquet . . , . . . . . 362 
 
 IV. The Ball .. . ., ». ..372 
 
 Epilogxtis .. •« • •• •, «, 384 
 
THB 
 
 So\[&- W^iip\\ of Smhn. 
 
 BOOK I. 
 
 GUILDHALL. 
 
lOED mayor's DAT, A HTTNDEED YEAES AGO. 
 
 On the ninth of November, 1761, there was great jubi- 
 lation in the City of London. 
 
 On that day, the Eight Hon. Sir Gresham Lorimer, 
 Knight, draper, alderman for Cheap Ward, and member of 
 the "Worshipful Company of Merchant Tailors, entered upon 
 his duties as first magistrate of the first city in the world. 
 Most auspiciously did his mayoralty commence. Called by 
 the popular voice to the civic chair, his election had been 
 almost unanimous, there being only one vote for the brother 
 alderman, nominated with him by the livery ; and when the 
 choice of the court was made known by the Eecorder, the 
 announcement was received with great cheering. The ap- 
 plause was even more vehement when, being called forth, 
 the Lord Mayor elect was invested with the chain, and re- 
 turned thanks for the great honour done him. Subse- 
 quently, on his being presented to the Lord Chancellor by 
 the Eecorder, the approbation of the Crown was very 
 graciously communicated to him by his lordship. The 
 farewell dinner jointly given by Sir Gresham and Sir Mat- 
 thew Blakiston, the retiring Lord Mayor, was remarkable, 
 even in the City, for splendour and profusion, and held out 
 promise of many a glorious banquet hereafter. 
 
 Special circumstances conspired to lend additional lastre 
 to our Lord Mayor's Day. Not only was he generally re- 
 spected by his fellow-citizens ; not only was he certain of an. 
 enthusiastic reception from the thousands assembled to greet 
 him on his way to "Westminster; not only had unwonted 
 care been bestowed on the procession destined to attend 
 him ; not only were some of the old civic pageants — the 
 delight of the multitude — to be revived for the occasion j but 
 
4 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 on that day George III., then young and newly married, 
 was about to honour the City with his presence — according to 
 custom, it being the first Lord Mayor's Day subsequent to 
 his coronation — to view the show, and partake of the grand 
 civic feast at G-uildhall. 
 
 As the young monarch would be accompanied on this 
 occasion by his consort, Queen Charlotte, the whole of the 
 royal family and the ministers, extraordinary preparations 
 were made for their reception. As usual, the day was kept 
 as a general holiday. The shops were closed, and business 
 altogether suspended. Bells were rung, guns fired, and 
 other noisy demonstrations of delight made. Scaffoldings 
 were erected by the City companies for the accommodation 
 of their wardens and livery-men at various points calculated 
 to command a good view of the procession. Many of the 
 houses were decorated with cloths and carpets, and hung 
 -with flags and banners, and arrangements were made for a 
 general illumination at night. 
 
 Four regiments of the City Militia were ordered to line 
 the way from Temple-bar to the top of Ludgate-hill, and 
 took u]^ their position betimes. Others were stationed at 
 intervalf from Saint Paul's Churchyard to Guildhall. 
 
 All public vehicles were prohibited in the principal 
 thoroughfares, and no private carriages were allowed to pass 
 aloug Cheapside, or approach Guildhall, whence the proces- 
 sion was to start, except those belonging to the aldermen 
 and sheriffs, or other personages connected with the show. 
 
 A vast and continually-increasing concourse filled Cheap- 
 side and the streets leading to Blackfriars, where the Lord 
 Mayor was to embark in his state-barge and proceed by 
 water to "Westminster, and a good many brawls and disturb- 
 ances took place, which the combined efforts of the militia 
 and the peace-ofi&cers scarcely sufficed to check — the mobs 
 in those days being very turbulent and pugnacious, and ex- 
 ceedingly ready, not only with sticks and bludgeons, but 
 with such weapons as nature had provided them withal. 
 Broken pates, damaged noses, or darkened orbs of vision 
 generally followed these conflicts. 
 
 However, as on this occasion the bulk of the crowd con- 
 sisted of decently-behaved citizens, who had brought their 
 wives and daughters with them to see the Lord Mayor's 
 show, the quarrels were of rarer occurrence than usual, and 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 5 
 
 more speedily subdued. High and low, masters and ap- 
 prentices, were dressed in holiday attire, and, to judge from 
 their looks, full of glee, and bent upon enjoyment. 
 
 Fortunately for all concerned in the show, whether as 
 actors or spectators, the day was remarkably fine. The sun 
 shone forth brilliantly, gladdening every heart, while the 
 prescriptive fogs of November held good-naturedly aloof. 
 
 Before proceeding further, it may be proper to say a 
 few words concerning the hero of the day. Sir Gresham 
 Lorimer's previous history is soon told, being unmarked by 
 any exciting incident or adventure. His career had been 
 simply that of a citizen, who, by industry and integrity, 
 had risen from a humble position to wealth and honour. 
 Circumstances no doubt favoured him in his progress, but 
 so they generally do the deserving. 
 
 Born in Bucklersbury, about sixty years before the pre- 
 sent important epoch in his history, Gresham was the third 
 son of a drysalter, in a very small way of business, who had 
 got into difficulties, and never recovered from them, but 
 who was able to give his son a good education by placing 
 him at Merchant Tailors' School, where the lad remained 
 until his father's death, when he was apprenticed to Mr 
 Tradescant, a prosperous draper in Cheapside, who knew the 
 family and had taken a fancy to the youth. 
 
 Gresham did not disappoint the expectations formed of 
 him by his worthy master. Discreet, diligent, and shrewd, 
 he soon became Mr Tradescant's right hand. On the ex- 
 piration of his term, he was made head clerk, and a few 
 years afterwards was taken into partnership by his em- 
 ployer, the firm thenceforward being Teadescais^t and 
 
 LOEIMEE. 
 
 Before attaining this position, which established his 
 success in life, Gresham had lost his mother, to whom iiC 
 was tenderly attached, and to whose support he had of late 
 mainly contributed. His brothers, Godfrey and Lawrence, 
 neither of whom was distinguished by the same good quali- 
 ties as himself, had left London to seek a fortune elsewhere, 
 and had not since been heard of, so that he was left alone 
 in the world. It was then that Mr Tradescant judged it 
 the fitting season to put in execution a design he had long 
 since conceived. The worthy draper was a widower, with 
 an only child, a daughter, on whom all his hopes and aifec- 
 
6 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON, 
 
 tions were fixed, and there was no one, he thought, to whom 
 her happiness could be more securely confided than Gresham 
 Lorimer. 
 
 Celia Tradescant responded to her father's wishes. Her 
 heart w-as entirely disengaged ; or, if she had any prefer- 
 ence, it was for the very person selected for her. A few 
 years younger than Grresham Lorimer, she had not failed to 
 admire him, as they sat together in Mr Tradescant's large 
 pew in Bow Church, and looked over the same prayer-book. 
 But, to G-resham's credit, it must be stated that he had 
 not ventured to raise his eyes towards his master's fair 
 daughter, and it was only when placed on an equality with 
 her that he thought it possible he might obtain the prize. 
 Even then it was necessary for Mr Tradescant to make his 
 intentions manifest before the young man dared to compre- 
 hend them. 
 
 At last, however, the event so much desired by all 
 parties was satisfactorily brought about. The young couple 
 were married at the altar of the church where they had so 
 often knelt together, and a very grand wedding it was. All 
 Cheapside was alive that morning ; musicians played before 
 Mr Tradescant's dwelling, and alms and viands were liberally- 
 distributed among the poor. 
 
 "Who so happy now as Gresham Lorimer ! — blessed with 
 a very pretty wife, and partner in a very lucrative concern, 
 which must one day be entirely his own. Brilliant, indeed, 
 were his prospects, and they continued undimmed to the 
 very time of which we treat, except by such few mischances 
 as are inseparable from human aifairs. Having arranged 
 matters to his satisfaction, good Mr Tradescant committed 
 the management of his business entirely to his son-in-law, 
 and passed the remainder of his days in calm contentment 
 with his beloved daughter, living long enough to see his 
 grandchildren springing around him. 
 
 Several children were born to Mr and Mrs Lorimer, but. 
 of these the only survivors at the time of our narrative were 
 three daughters and a son. Of these and their mother more 
 anon, our present business being with 8ir Gresham. His 
 probity and honourable conduct gained him a very high 
 character in the City. Necessarily, he had served as sheriff, 
 or he could not have been elevated to the civic chair, and 
 he had displayed so much efficiency in the discharge of his 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 7 
 
 duties while holding that important office, coupled with so 
 much liberality and hospitality, that he was then marked 
 out for a still higher dignity, in case he should aspire to it. 
 
 It was during his shrievalty that he received the honour 
 of knighthood from the late king, Greorge II., and this 
 circumstance was not less gratifying to himself than to his 
 spouse, who had become much more consequential since 
 her husband had risen in importance. Sir Grresham's next 
 step towards the object of his ambition — for ambitious he 
 undoubtedly was of becoming Lord Mayor — was his elec- 
 tion as alderman. A vacancy having occurred in the court 
 by the death of the alderman for Cheap "Ward, Sir G-resham 
 was chosen out of three candidates to fill the office. In 
 this new position he speedily distinguished himself as an 
 active and intelligent magistrate, a zealous administrator of 
 the affairs of the City, and a watchful guardian of City 
 rights and interests. JSTo man, except, perhaps, his brother 
 alderman, Mr Beckford, had more weight with the common 
 council than he, and as the City exercised considerable 
 political influence at that time, his power was felt by the 
 government. 
 
 Sir Gresham's elevation to the mayoralty was acceler- 
 ated by an important political event, to which allusion must 
 now be briefly made. Pitt's vigorous and successful con- 
 duct of the wars in which we were engaged during the 
 latter part of the preceding reign had raised the national 
 pride to such a pitch, that the mere idea of a peace was 
 distasteful to the country. But on the accession of George 
 III. it soon became apparent that a new influence, an- 
 tagonistic to that of the Great Commoner, was at work. 
 Before mounting the throne the young prince had been 
 entirely guided by his mother, the Princess-Dowager of 
 Wales, a woman of ambitious character and passionate 
 temperament, who, in her turn, was governed by her con- 
 fidential adviser, the Earl of Bute. It was foreseen that, 
 by the double influence possessed by Bute over the mother 
 and the son, he must needs play an important part in the 
 direction of state affairs, and events speedily justified the 
 correctness of the supposition. Bute's aim was to be 
 supreme in the cabinet, but speedily discovering that Pitt 
 was an insurmountable obstacle to his designs, and that so 
 long as he continued in the ministry, uncontrolled sway 
 
8 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 would be impossible, he determined to remove him. "With 
 the exception of Lord Temple, Pitt's brother-in-law, all the 
 other members of the administration, including its ostensi- 
 ble head, the old Duke of Newcastle, showed themselves 
 sufficiently pliant, so that the " Favourite's " task did not 
 appear particularly difficult. "With the view of supplant- 
 ing his rival, he contrived to inspire the young king with 
 an inclination for peace, persuading him it w^ould be most 
 beneficial to the country, and well knowing that any such 
 proposition made to Pitt in the present posture of affairs 
 would encounter his violent opposition, and if persisted in, 
 and carried in his despite, would infallibly cause his re- 
 signation. 
 
 The scheme proved successful. But the indignation of 
 the whole country was roused against the intriguing " Fa- 
 vourite " by whose arts it had been deprived of a minister 
 to whom it owed its salvation. Loud was the clamour 
 against Bute throughout the land, and the Duke of New- 
 castle and his colleagues came in for a share of the popular 
 obloquy. Even the young king himself was censured. 
 
 Pitt was the idol of the City, but of all his partisans, 
 and their name was legion, the most zealous and devoted 
 were Sir Gresham Lorimer and Mr Beckford, both of 
 whom enjoyed a certain degree of his confidence, and when 
 the patriotic minister resigned the seals as a secretary, be- 
 cause his bold and judicious counsels pf a prompt declara- 
 tion of war against Spain, and the seizure of the Plate fleet 
 before it could get into port, were overruled by his per- 
 fidious colleagues, a meeting of the common council was 
 summoned by Sir Grresham, and an address proposed to the 
 king praying Pitt's recall. Such a representation of the 
 sentiments of the City could not be disregarded by his 
 Majesty. The indignant secretary, however, refused to 
 return to office. But while declining his royal master's 
 solicitations, he accepted the pension graciously oiTered 
 him — an act that temporarily lowered him in the estimation 
 of his City friends. A letter, however, subsequently ad- 
 dressed to them in justification of his conduct, completely 
 restored him to their good opinion. 
 
 " There ! " exclaimed Sir Gresham, after reading this 
 letter to the court. " I hope you are satisfied with the 
 Great Commoner's explanation. I never doubted him for 
 
THE LOED MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 9 
 
 a moment, knowing him to be incorruptible, and solely 
 influenced by the noblest and most patriotic motives. As 
 to the pension, be deserves all that a grateful country can 
 bestow upon him — infinitely more than £3000 a year. 
 His foresight and prudence will soon be made manifest. 
 Government will be forced to follow out his plans. But 
 they can't get on without him. We must have him back 
 again — in spite of my Lord Bute — and at the head of the 
 administration. The sooner the 'Favourite' is dismissed, 
 the better. I hope he may hear what we think of him in 
 the City." 
 
 The "Favourite" did hear of it, and contemptuously 
 remarked that Sir Grresham Lorimer was a meddlesome 
 blockhead, who had better stick to bis shop, instead of 
 interfering in matters that didn't concern him, and about 
 which he knew nothing. 
 
 These few disparaging words served Sir Gresham more 
 than the highest commendation could have done. From 
 that moment the City resolved to avenge him upon the 
 " Favourite." His name was in every man's mouth. They 
 would have no other Lord Mayor. Lord Bute should 
 learn what they thought of him and his sneers. If he 
 treated the City with scorn, the City would pay him in hia 
 own coin — and with interest. He had sneered at Sir 
 Gresham Lorimer, and called him " a meddlesome block- 
 head." Yery well. " The meddlesome blockhead " should 
 be Lord Mayor. The City was unanimous on this point. 
 So Sir Gresham was triumphantly elected, as we have 
 shown. 
 
 Since Lord Bute must needs accompany his royal master 
 on his visit to the City, an opportunity would be aflbrded 
 the citizens of displaying the estimation in which they held 
 him. They would likewise be able to manifest their opinion 
 of Mr Pitt and Lord Temple, who were also to be the Lord 
 Mayor's guests at Guildhall. It was plain that the day 
 would be one of triumph to the Great Commoner, and of 
 humiliation and mortification to the " Favourite." 
 
10 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON* j 
 
 II. 
 
 THE LADT MATOEESS AND HER PAMILT. 
 
 Constant to the City, where he was born and "bred, 
 where the happiest hours of his life had been spent and his 
 fortune made, Sir Grresham Lorimer, on becoming wealthy 
 and important, would not desert it, but proof against the 
 solicitations of Lady Lorimer and his family, who would 
 willingly have moved westward, continued to dwell in 
 Cheapside, in the house where his business was conducted, 
 and where his worthy and highly-respected father-in-law, 
 Mr Tradescant, had so long resided. 
 
 Situated on the same side as Bow Church, at the corner 
 of Queen-street, the house was old-fashioned, having been 
 built soon after the G-reat Pire of London, but it was large 
 and commodious, and with extensive premises at the rear, 
 and answered perfectly well tlie double purpose of a pri- 
 vate dwelling and a place of business. The lower floor was 
 devoted to the shop and warehouse, and entirely separated 
 from the upper part of the house ; an arrangement slightly 
 differing from that observed during Mr Tradescant's time, 
 when the apprentices lodged and boarded with their master. 
 The habitation had a solid and rather heavy look, being 
 totally devoid of ornament, unless the wide balcony on the 
 first-floor could be termed ornamental. The private en- 
 trance was from Queen-street, and the porch over the door- 
 way was handsome, its far-projecting roof being supported 
 by carved pillars, and embellished with a scutcheon dis- 
 playing the arms of the Tradescants. 
 
 AVithin, a wide staircase conducted to a gallery opening 
 upon several spacious apartments ; in one of the largest of 
 which, facing Cheapside, the family of the Lord Mayor, 
 with his chaplain and some other guests, presently to be 
 described, were assembled at breakfast about ten o'clock on 
 the morning in question. His lordship himself had not 
 made his appearance, being engaged with two of the alder- 
 men and the sheriffs jn another room, but was momentarily 
 expected. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. H 
 
 As it may perhaps surprise those unacquainted with 
 ciyic usages to learn that the Lord Mayor had not yet 
 quitted his private residence, it may be mentioned that 
 time is always courteously allowed the retiring city magnate 
 to remove, without haste or inconvenience, from the scene of 
 his late grandeur. Sir Matthew Blakiston was therefore per* 
 mitted to occupy the Mansion House for a few days longer. 
 
 At this juncture, our Lord Mayor's residence presented 
 a much more imposing aspect than it ordinarily wore. 
 The shop, of course, was closed. The balcony was over- 
 Hung by a rich canopy, from which curtains of crimson 
 damask were suspended, while in front were displayed two 
 banners, on one of which the royal arms were gorgeously 
 emblazoned, and on the other the City arms. The upper 
 windows were likewise decorated and hung with flags. 
 
 The street was kept clear in front of the house, and for 
 a considerable space on either side, by mounted troopers, 
 and by a posse of peace-officers and staves-men. Queen- 
 street was also kept clear as far as "Watling-street for the 
 Lord Mayor's state-coach, and for the sheriifs' carriages. 
 The whole of New King-street was occupied by a vast 
 number of persons, some on foot and some on horseback, 
 and many in extraordinary habits, connected with the pro- 
 cession, which was to start from Guildhall. Here were 
 drawn up the standard-bearers of the City companies, the 
 bargemen in their liveries, the watermen carrying various 
 colours, the beadles, the mounted trumpeters, the mounted 
 guard, the ancient herald, esquires, armourers, ancient 
 knights, armed cap-a-pie, yeomen of the guard, with a crowd 
 of grotesque and fantastic personages belonging to the page- 
 ants. Besides these, and many others too numerous to 
 particularize, there were three or four military bands, one 
 of which, stationed in Cheapside nearly opposite the Lord 
 Mayor's residence, enlivened the multitude collected there- 
 abouts by their music. Tall footmen in state liveries, wear- 
 ing large three-cornered hats, laced and feathered, and carry- 
 ing long gold-headed canes, congregated at Sir Gresham's 
 door, which, being thrown wide open, admitted a view of 
 other lacqueys and porters lining the passage, or standing 
 at the foot of the staircase, all quite as grandly arrayed as 
 their fellows outside, and quite as proud in look and de- 
 portment. 
 
12 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 But; let U3 now repair to the room where the breakfast- 
 party were assembled. 
 
 The Lady Mayoress, it has been intimated, was a few 
 years you»nger than her husband, and being still in remark- 
 ably good preservation, might be termed a fine woman. Her 
 person was rather on a large scale, it is true, her features 
 fat and rounded, and her once dimpling chin doubled, but 
 her teeth and eyes were good, and she had an agreeable 
 smile, and a generally pleasing expression of countenance. 
 
 Her size, however, was vastly exaggerated by the out- 
 rageous dimensions of the hoops sustaining her pink satin 
 gown, which was decorated to profusion with large bows of 
 ribbon, cords, tassels, and wreaths of flowers, and festooned 
 with great bands of parli-coloured silks ; while her stature 
 was increased in the same ratio by a surprisingly lofty head- 
 dress, which rose full three feet above her brows, and might 
 hafe overbalanced a less substantially-built frame. 
 
 This monstrous " head," the interior of which (if we may 
 venture to reveal the secrets of the toilette) was formed of 
 tow, rose up smooth and straight as a wall in front, being stiff- 
 ened with powder and pomatum, while the sides and back 
 were covered with ranges of enormous curls, likewise plen- 
 tifully besprinkled with powder. Some of these curls de- 
 scended upon her ladyship's ample shoulders. 
 
 But we have not yet done. The towering head-dress in 
 question, which reminds one of Queen Huncamunca's, was 
 hung over with ropes of pearls and other jewels, decorated 
 with ribbons in bobs and ties, and surmounted by a plume 
 of ostrich feathers. 
 
 There seems little danger of such a mode as this being 
 revived, but it may be well to remark, by way of caution, 
 that, independently of the time occupied in its construction, 
 the shape, which was calculated to last for a fortnight, could 
 only be preserved by the wearer sleeping in a chair during 
 the whole of the time. 
 
 Such, ladies, wsss a Lady Mayoress in the times of your 
 great-grandmothertj. 
 
 Separated from her mother by the Lord Mayor's chap- 
 lain, Dr Dipple, — a fat, rubicund-visaged divine, attired in 
 cassock and band, who looked as if he did not despise the 
 good things of this world, and had assisted at many a civic 
 feast, — was Lady Lorimer's eldest daughter, Lady Dawes, 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 13 
 
 a lively, dark-eyed, coquettish, and very pretty widow of 
 some two or three-aud-thirty. Lady Dawes's rather full 
 figure — for her ladyship promised in due time to attain to 
 her mother's goodly proportions — was arrayed in a polonese 
 of garnet-coloured lustring, made very high behind, and 
 very low iu front. Open from the waist, and looped back 
 so as to display a rich diamond-quilted petticoat, this very 
 becoming dress was puffed at the sides with ribbons, and 
 edged with lace. The half-moon toupee, in which form her 
 ladyship's raven tresses — now changed in hue by powder — 
 were arranged, suited her to a marvel 
 
 Lady Dawes's features were by no means classical in 
 outline. The^e was nothing severe or chiselled m their 
 style. But, without being regular, they were pretty, and 
 their expression was eminently pleasing. She was the 
 relict of Sir John Dawes, a rich old goldsmith in Grace- 
 church-street, whom we suspect she must have married for 
 his money, for he had no other recommendation, and who 
 had died a few years before, leaving her all his treasures. 
 
 With her personal attractions and her wealth it will not 
 be supposed that Lady Dawes lacked suitors — in fact, she 
 had a great many — but she did not seem inclined to assume 
 the matrimonial yoke for the second time. 
 
 The Lady Mayoress's second daughter, Mrs Chatteris, 
 who was likewise present with her husband. Captain Chat- 
 teris, of the Honourable City Artillery — Tom Chatteris, as 
 he was familiarly called — was also a very pretty woman, 
 though in quite a different style from Lady Dawes, being a 
 blonde, with soft blue eyes, a delicately fair complexion, and 
 languishing looks. Lady Lorimer had been heard to declare 
 that she did not know which of her two married daugh- 
 ters was the handsomest — she sometimes gave the palm to 
 dearest Olivia, sometimes to dearest Chloris. But she 
 never compared her youngest daughter, Millicent, with 
 either of them. 
 
 Mrs Chatteris, however, was pretty enough to make any 
 mother vain, and any husband jealous, though Tom Chat- 
 teris was very little troubled by the green-eyed monster. 
 Provided he was allowed to flirt as much as he pleased, Tom 
 never thought of interfering with his wife's proceedings, and 
 this mutual good understanding being arrived at, they lived 
 together on the best terms possible. Sir Gresham would 
 
14 THE LORD MAYOR OF L TDON. 
 
 have liked to see a little more real conjugal regard on both 
 sides, but as Lady Lorimer assured him that dearest Chloria 
 was perfectly happy, he was fain to be content, simply re- 
 marking that " this was not the way married folk used to 
 live together in former days.'' 
 
 " Ah ! but habits of life have greatly changed since our 
 time. Sir Gresham," observed Lady Lorimer. 
 
 " So it seems," he replied, dryly ; " but I am dull enough 
 to like old manners best. I could never have borne to see 
 any one make downright love to you, as I perceive some 
 of those scented fops do to Chloris ; and for all your pre- 
 tended indifference, I don't think you would have liked me 
 to run after every pretty woman I met, as seems to be the 
 case with Tom Chatteris." 
 
 "I don't think I should, my dear,' Lady Lorimer re- 
 joined, quickly agitating her fan. " But our case is very 
 different. We, you know, married from love." 
 
 " Then you don't think people do marry from love now- 
 a-days, eh ? At all events, I hope Milly won't follow her 
 sisters' example in that respect." 
 
 " I shall be very glad if Milly marries as well as either of 
 them," rejoined Lady Lorimer, somewhat sharply. " Dearest 
 Livy was the envy of all our City belles when she married 
 that Croesus, old Sir John Dawes — " 
 
 " Well, I can't say that was a bad match, regarded in a 
 pecuniary point of view," Sir Grresham interrupted ; " but 
 it was entirely your making, my love." 
 
 " So it was," she rejoined. " I take the entire credit of 
 it. And dearest Livy is greatly obliged to me, if you are 
 not. Sir Gresham "What could she desire better ? " 
 
 " "Why, Sir John Dawes was twelve years older than 
 myself," cried Sir Gresham ' 1 remember him when I was 
 a boy and dwelling in Bucklersbury " 
 
 " Don't refer to that period, I beg of you, Sir Gresham. 
 Sir John's years were a recommendation rather than other- 
 wise, since they gave his wife the assurance of becoming the 
 more speedily a widow. And he was obliging enough to 
 gratify her, and to leave her ten thousand a year in testi- 
 mony of his affection. If that can't be termed marrying 
 well, I don't know what can." 
 
 " Well, well, my dear, I won't contradict you. Ten 
 thousand a year is a jointure not to be despised, and Olivia 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OP LONDON. 15 
 
 may please herself, if she marries again, that's quite certain. 
 But you can't say there were any such worldly advantages 
 as those in Chloris's case, and you were as eager to bring 
 about that match as the other. You know I objected to 
 Captain Chatteris, and thought him too gay, too fond of 
 pleasure — not quite steady enough, in short — but I suffered 
 myself to be overruled by you." 
 
 "And very properly so, too. Sir G-resham. "Where a 
 daughter's happiness is concerned, no one is so good a judge 
 of the means of ensuring it as a mother. Captain Chatteris 
 and dearest Chloris seemed made for each other. You re- 
 member I said so when he danced with her at the ball at 
 Goldsmiths' Hall, where they first met." 
 
 " I remember he was very assiduous in his attentions to 
 you, my dear, and paid you nearly as much court as he paid 
 Chloris." 
 
 "Mere fancy on your part, Sir Gresham. Captain 
 Chatteris is the best-bred person I know. He has been 
 brought up in a good school, which teaches that assiduous 
 attention to our sex is the primary duty of man." 
 
 "The lessons he learnt at that school have not been 
 thrown away upon him, it must be owned," laughed Sir 
 Gresham. " He rarely fails to profit by them." 
 
 " And much to his credit if he does," Lady Gresham re- 
 joined. " To my mind, men can never be too polite. You 
 would be none the worse yourself. Sir Gresham, if you imi- 
 tated Captain Chatteris in that respect a little. However, let 
 that pass. Tom's agreeable manners and good looks won 
 dearest Chloris's heart, as you know, and I could not refuse 
 my consent to the union, though he wasn't quite so well off 
 as might have been desired." 
 
 " Well off ! " exclaimed Sir Gresham. " Zounds ! he had 
 less than nothing. He was over head and ears in debt." 
 
 " But he confessed his position so charmingly, and pro- 
 mised amendment so earnestly, that one could not fail to be 
 pleased with him, and take him at his word. And you be- 
 haved nobly, as you always do. Sir Gresham. You not only 
 paid his debts, but agreed to make them a handsome allow- 
 ance on their marriage." 
 
 " "Which they have always exceeded," observed Sir Gres- 
 ham. " I hope Tom isn't in debt again. I shan't help him 
 out of his difficulties a second time, I can promise him."... .. 
 
16 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " If lie owes anything 'tis a mere trifle. A few hun- 
 dreds, which you will never miss, Sir Gresham, will set all 
 right." 
 
 " Then he is in debt ! " cried her husband, angrily. 
 " Eire and fury ! I've a good mind to turn my back upon 
 him." 
 
 " No, you won't, Sir G-resham," she rejoined, in the coax- 
 ing tone which seldom failed in effect. " You are far too 
 kind, too generous for that. Set him clear once more, and 
 I'll answer for his good conduct in future." 
 
 '' I won't promise anything till I know precisely how 
 much he owes, and whom he owes it to," said Sir G-resham. 
 " When I am satisfied on these points I will decide. But 
 it is not merely of Tom's extravagance that I complain, but 
 of the bad example he sets to Tradescant, who, I fear, ia 
 disposed to tread in his steps. Use all the arguments I 
 please, I can't get the young scapegrace to attend to 
 business." 
 
 " No wonder, Sir Gresham. Tradescant knows he is an 
 only son, and he likewise knows you are very rich." 
 
 " Tom Chatteris takes care to impress that upon him 
 pretty forcibly. "What is more, he tries to make a fine 
 gentleman of him, and teaches him to despise his father's 
 business." 
 
 "Why, you wouldn't have Tradescant a draper, Sif 
 Gresham ? " cried Lady Lorimer. " Surely, you intend him 
 for something better than that ! " 
 
 " And what better could he do than follow the business 
 which his father and grandfather have conducted before 
 him ? Zounds ! I'll have none of these fine airs. Tradescant 
 is a son of a tradesman, and ought not to be ashamed of his 
 origin. If he is, I'm ashamed of Mm. But he shall attend 
 to business. He shall be seen in the shop. He shall stand 
 behind the counter." 
 
 " He will die first. What ! our son, Tradescant, mea- 
 sure out a few yards of cloth for a customer ! Dreadful ! — 
 not to be endured ! " 
 
 "And why not ? " cried Sir Gresham. " I've measured 
 many a yard of cloth in my day, and thought it no disgrace. 
 But times are changed now. Sons begin where fathers 
 leave off." 
 
 " And very natural to®, Sir Gresham. Don't lower your 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 17 
 
 son, I beg of you, by making a tradesman of bim. Indeed 
 you may spare yourself the trouble, for I know he'll never 
 comply. Put him in the army. Buy him a commission. 
 His tastes are military." 
 
 " Military fiddlestick ! Tom Chatteris, and be hanged to 
 him, has put these absurd notions into his head. Our son, 
 Lady Lorimer, is an idle, extravagant dog, and will do no- 
 thing but spend his time in frivolous amusement and dissipa- 
 tion." 
 
 " He is no worse than any other young man of one-and- 
 twenty," she replied. " He may have a few faults, but he 
 has no vices. And, indeed, you ought to be proud of him, 
 Sir Gresham, for a finer, handsomer, nobler-spirited young 
 fellow doesn't exist." 
 
 " He is well enough in appearance I must admit ; but T 
 would rather he was plainer in looks, and steadier in cha- 
 racter. You are to blame for encouraging his distaste for 
 business, and putting false notions into his head. Between 
 you and Tom Chatteris the lad will be ruined." 
 
 " Poh ! poh ! nonsense ! he'll be everything you could 
 desire, if you only let him have his own way, and don't at- 
 tempt to make a tradesman of him." 
 
 " You hold out but a poor prospect," observed Sir Grres- 
 ham, shaking his head. " I shall have Vat little comfort from 
 my family, I fear, unless it be from Millicent." 
 
 "Milly has always been your favourite," observed Lady 
 Lorimer, with a sneer. 
 
 " And deservedly. She has ever been a good and obedient 
 daughter. I should like to see her well married, but I had 
 rather she never married at all, than marry as her sisters 
 have done." 
 
 " I don't believe she will marry as well as either of 
 them," cried Lady Lorimer. " Milly can't pretend to com- 
 pare with them in personal attractions of any kind — for she 
 is unfortunately plain, and even deficient in manners, ac- 
 cording to my thinking." 
 
 " And pray whose fault would that be were it true, 
 which it luckily is not ? " cried Sir Gresham, angrily. 
 " Milly is not a beauty, perhaps, like her sisters, neither 
 has she — I am happy to say it — their manners ; but she is 
 far from plain, in my estimation at least, and I warrant me 
 will find a good husband in time." 
 
 2 
 
18 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Have you anybody in your eye for her, Sir Gresham ? " 
 said his lady, with a searching look. 
 
 "No," he replied. "I should never think of influencing 
 her choice — neither viill I have it influenced." 
 
 " If you refer to me, your caution is unnecessary and 
 uncalled-for, Sir Gresham. I should never attempt to in- 
 fluence her. To you Miily may be obedient : to me she has 
 always appeared self-willed and obstinate. But an ofier to 
 her is of ver}^ unlikely occurrence. I have never seen any 
 one pay her marked attention — scarcely common civility." 
 
 " You have hitherto kept her in the background, my 
 dear. But this must no longer be. In future I beg she 
 may be treated as her sisters were before marriage." 
 
 " Your commands shall be obeyed. Sir Gresham — at 
 least as far as practicable, for I don't see how a shy, retiring, 
 silent girl, like Milly, can be brought forward. However, 
 I'll do my best to please you. And we shall see the effect 
 she produces — and what conquests she makes. But, unless 
 I'm greatly mistaken, she won't go off as quickly as dearest 
 Livy and dearest Chloris did." 
 
 The foregoing conversation occurred about six weeks 
 before the commencement of our narrative. We have re- 
 counted it, under the impression that it may serve to give 
 an insight into the characters of the various members of the 
 Lord Mayor's family, as well as into his lordship's own 
 character. 
 
 To return, however, from the digression, and complete 
 our portrait of Mrs Chatteris, we must add that she wore 
 a sky-blue satin sacque, which suited her fair complexion 
 perfectly. We cannot express the same unqualified admir- 
 ation of her hat, which was gigantic in size, but it was quite 
 in the mode, and perhaps not altogether unbecoming. 
 
 A pretty woman, you will say, looks well in anything, 
 and Mrs Chatteris would have justified the remark. Be- 
 sides, if her hat was immense, it was light enough in texture, 
 being composed chiefly of gauze, ribbons, and flowers, form- 
 ing a towering structure, which was brought down very low 
 over the forehead, and elevated at the back of the head, so 
 as fully to exhibit the well-powdered curls, arranged in the 
 language of the art, a la Venus. 
 
 Both Mrs Chatteris and her elder sister, Lady Dawes, 
 were remarkable for small feet and well-turned ankles, which 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 19 
 
 were displayed to advantage by higli-heeled embroidered 
 satin shoes. Both carried fans suspended from the wrist, 
 and both adorned their pretty cheeks with patches. 
 
 Sir Gresham's youngest daughter now only remains to 
 be depicted. Just turned eighteen, and, therefore, in the 
 full freshness of youth, Millicent could not be termed pretty, 
 and yet it would be wrong to call her plain. Her beauty, 
 such as it was, mainly consisted in fine dark eyes, jetty 
 brows, and luxuriant raven tresses, which she had sense 
 enough not to disfigure by powder. In this respect, as well as 
 in simplicity of attire, she offered a very striking contrast 
 to her showy sisters. In her mother's opinion she was stiff 
 and ungraceful, almost ugly, stupid, shy, silent, totally de- 
 void of spirit, and without a particle of taste. 
 
 Viewed by a father's partial eyes, she had a very pleas- 
 ing countenance — whether pretty or not it puzzled him to 
 say — neither did he greatly care, for he thought there was 
 too much beauty already in the family, and he did not see 
 any extraordinary advantage resulting from it. But there 
 were moments when Millicent's rather pale features were 
 lighted up, when her large eyes sparkled, and her lips un- 
 closed with smiles to display the casket of pearls beneath 
 them, that he thought her positively handsome — far hand- 
 somer, indeed, than either of his other daughters. But 
 this, no doubt, was a mistake, and entirely attributable to 
 his partiality. No one else discovered these beauties, be- 
 cause poor, retiring Millicent, who, kept in the background 
 — "the proper place for her,'* Lady Lorimer said — was 
 generally overlooked. 
 
 It cannot be denied, however, that she had a very good 
 figure; tall, slight, and perfectly formed. Her rich dark 
 tresses were taken back from her smooth brow so as to 
 form a very pretty toupee of moderate size, while her pro- 
 fuse black locks, which, when unfastened, fell down almost 
 to her feet, were clubbed behind, and secured by a broad 
 pink ribbon, tied in a bow. Her gown was of dove- 
 coloured silk, long-waisted, laced over the stomacher, and 
 had short sleeves to the elbow, adorned with large ruffles. 
 There was no other ornament about it. Her feet were 
 quite as small and as pretty as those of her sisters, and this 
 was the only point of resemblance between them. 
 
 Having thus completed the survey of the female mem- 
 
20 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 bers of our Lord Mayor's family, we will next glance at his 
 only son, Tradescant. It will not be thought surprising 
 that Lady Lorimer should deem it degrading in such a 
 smart young gentleman as we are about to present, to pay 
 any personal attention to his father's business. 
 
 Tradescant was a beau of the first water. A richly- 
 laced maroon-coloured velvet coat, made in the extremity 
 of the mode, with large cuffs and without collar, and a 
 long-skirted satin waistcoat, embroidered and laced like the 
 coat, set off his really fine person; while cobweb silk 
 stockings of a ruby colour, and shoes with diamond buckles 
 in them, were equally advantageous to the display of his 
 leg and foot, of both of which the young fellow was not a 
 little vain. Euffles of the finest Mechlin lace, a deep frill 
 of the same material, and a muslin cravat, completed his 
 costume. A dishevelled peruke of flaxen hair assisted the 
 rakish look and deportment he affected. 
 
 But for this dissipated expression, and his extreme 
 foppery of manner, Tradescant Lorimer might have been 
 termed a very handsome, elegant fellow ; but his graces, 
 such as they were, were all external, for though not devoid 
 of spirit, he was shallow-pated and frivolous, devoted to 
 pleasure, led by his equally dissolute brother-in-law, Cap- 
 tain Chatteris, and preyed upon and duped by his other 
 profligate associates. 
 
 With the worst side of his son's character Sir Gresham 
 was entirely unacquainted. He knew him to be idle and 
 extravagant, bub he did not know the sort of company he 
 kept. He was aware that he frequented E-anelagh, Vaux- 
 hall, and Marylebone Gardens, the Opera and the theatres, 
 and he saw no great harm in this, but he never dreamed 
 that he haunted taverns and gaming-houses, consorted with 
 racing-men, and betted at the cock-pit. Had these pro- 
 ceedings come to his father's ears, Tradescant would have 
 felt the full weight of the old gentleman's displeasure. 
 
 Conspicuous among the party at the breakfast-table 
 was the gay and good-looking Captain Chatteris, whose 
 example and precepts had produced such pernicious effects 
 upon his brother-in-law. A person of singularly fascinat- 
 ing manners, very lax in morals, very showy in appearance, 
 possessed of high animal spirits, always engaged in pleasur- 
 able pursuits, Tom Chatteris was one of the most dangerous 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OP LONDON. 21 
 
 companions that any young man, constituted like Trades- 
 cant, could have found, and no wonder he was led astray* 
 On the present occasion Tom's very handsome figure was 
 invested in the uniform of the Honourable City Artillery, 
 to which he belonged, and remarkably well it became him. 
 
 In addition to the Lord Mayor's chaplain, Doctor Dip- 
 pie, already casually mentioned, the breakfast party com- 
 prised some five or six gentlemen, all of whom were very 
 elegantly attired — much in the same style as Tradescant 
 himself, whose intimates they were. All these gay-looking 
 personages were distinguished by easy and agreeable man- 
 ners, and had quite the air of men about town. 
 
 Noticeable among ' them — though not for good looks, 
 for he was one of the ugliest persons imaginable, and 
 squinted abominably — was a tall thin man of some three or 
 four-and-thirty. He was rather more soberly attired than 
 his compauions, and had less of the air of a petit maitre. 
 Though his looks were almost forbidding^ there was so 
 much wit and drollery in his conversation, and so much 
 mobility and expression in his features, that his ugliness 
 was speedily forgotten. His obliquity of vision gave effect 
 to his jests. This was no other than the well-known John 
 "Wilkes, member for Aylesbury, who afterwards became 
 sufficiently notorious. An ardent admirer of the sex, 
 Wilkes plumed himself upon his successes, and notwith- 
 standing the personal disadvantages under which he la- 
 boured, there might possibly be some foundation for the 
 boast. On the present occasion he was devoted to the 
 beautiful Mrs Chatteris, next to whom he sat. 
 
 On the fair lady's left, and seemingly bent upon dis- 
 puting "Wilkes's pretensions to her favour, was the other 
 member for Aylesbury, Mr Thomas Potter, son to an arch- 
 bishop, and if good looks went for anything in such a con- 
 test, Tom Potter was sure of victory. Mrs Chatteris's 
 sweetest smiles, however, seemed to be reserved for the 
 ugly wit. 
 
 Lady Dawes engrossed the attentions of the Earl of 
 Sandwich, upon whom her charms had produced a decided 
 impression ; while her fickle ladyship, intoxicated by her 
 new conquest, scarcely deigned to notice her old admirer, 
 Sir Thomas Stapleton. 
 
 Only two other persons require to be mentioned. These 
 
22 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 were Sir 'Williatn Stanhope and Sir Francis Dashwood; 
 the former of whom chatted gaily with the Lady Mayoress, 
 while the latter vainly endeavoured to amuse Millicent by 
 his prattle. All his anecdotes and court scandal failed to 
 extract a smile from her. She felt herself quite out of 
 place in the present company. 
 
 None of the individuals we have mentioned must be 
 regarded as the Lord Mayor's friends; they had come 
 thither on his son's invitation. To most of them, Trades- 
 cant's promise that his sisters, Lady Dawes and Mrs 
 Chatteris — the repute of whose beauty had reached them — 
 would be present, had proved a stronger lure than the 
 show, which he held out as the main attraction, and they 
 readily agreed to come and breakfast with him in Cheap- 
 side at this early hour. Both Lord Sandwich and Mr 
 Wilkes took care to let the ladies know what inducements 
 had brought them there. 
 
 These gentlemen formed the dissolute and dangerous 
 set to whom Tradescant had been latterly introduced by 
 his brother-in-law, and as they were all persons of un- 
 doubted fashion, the young fellow was not a little proud of 
 his fine acquaintances, not perceiving that they made him 
 pay for the honour of their society. At Captain Chatteris's 
 instance he had lately been made a member of the Dilettanti 
 Club, held in Palace-yard, and participated in its nightly 
 carousals and orgies. 
 
 Better acquainted than her husband with Tradescant's 
 mode of life. Lady Lorimer was not without anxiety about 
 him, but in some measure deluded by the representations 
 of Captain Chatteris, and blinded by partiality, she per- 
 suaded herself his follies were the mere effervescence of 
 youth, and would soon pass oif. Then Tradescant's fine 
 acquaintances were exactly the sort of people to impose 
 upon her. "Were not some of them persons of rank and 
 title, and all men of high breeding, wit, and fashion ? Im- 
 possible he could go far wrong amid such a set. 
 
 When the brilliant Lord Sandwich was presented to 
 her on the morning in question, together with the captiv- 
 ating Sir Francis Dashwood, the handsome Tom Potter, 
 and that drollest of mortals, Mr Wilkes, her ladyship was 
 quite enraptured, and thought her son might well be proud 
 of such friends. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 23 
 
 Her two elder daughters were equally enchanted. 
 Lady Dawes thought Lord Sandwich charming, and Mrs 
 Chatteris, though she could not conceal from herself that 
 Mr Wilkes was " a perfect fright," found him immensely 
 entertaining, and far more agreeable than some handsome 
 men — meaning his colleague, Tom Potter. 
 
 The only person, as we have intimated, who was not 
 delighted with Tradescant's fine friends was Millicent ; but 
 this was not surprising, it being quite understood that she 
 had neither taste nor discrimination. " Strange, I can't get 
 a smile from her, or elicit a remark," thought Dashwood, 
 astonished at his failure. "The girl must be an idiot. 
 Yet she looks intelligent, and has decidedly fine eyes. 
 "What the deuce can be the matter with her ? " 
 
 However, the rest of the party got on remarkably well. 
 There was a great deal of lively conversation and merri- 
 mtent, and they were all laughing heartily at one of Mr 
 Wilkes's funny stories, when the door was thrown open by 
 the gorgeous footmen stationed outside it, and the Lord 
 Mayor, in his scarlet and richly-furred robes, and w^earing 
 his chains and the collar of SS with a pendant jewel, 
 entered the room. 
 
 IIL 
 
 INTEODTJCIX& THE LOED MAYOR, ALDERMAN BECKEORD, 
 AND ALDERMAN SIR EELIX BLAND. — AND SHOWING HOW 
 HIS LORDSHIP RECEIVED A TISIT EROM A NEPHEW AND 
 NIECE, OE WHOM HE HAD NEVER BEEORE HEARD. 
 
 The Lord Mayor looked extremely well. Tall, well pro- 
 portioned, and stout, his bulkiness of person rather height- 
 ened his dignity of deportment than detracted from it. His 
 pink cheeks, smooth-shaven and glossy, bespoke him no 
 enemy to good cheer ; but his eyes were bright, and his 
 looks indicative of good health, and its best and surest pro- 
 moters cheerfulness and kindliness of heart. Though his 
 face was round and full, its lineaments were regular, and of 
 
24 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 the genuine English stamp. His goodly person was arrayed 
 in a full court suit, over which he wore his robes and chain, 
 as already mentioned. A well-powdered bag-wig completed 
 his costume. 
 
 The Lord Mayor was accompanied by two aldermen in 
 their robes, and by the sheriffs, Mr Nathaniel Nash, and 
 Mr John Cartwright, likewise in their gowns and chains. 
 
 Of the aldermen, the most worthy of note was a tall, 
 stately-looking personage, whose features, rather quick and 
 passionate in expression, and embrowned in hue as if by 
 warmer suns than our own, were marked by a large aquiline 
 nose and keen penetrating eyes. This was Mr William 
 Beckford, previously described as one of Mr Pitt's most 
 zealous adherents. A wealthy "West India merchant, one 
 of the representatives of the City in parliament, and alder- 
 man for the "Ward of Billingsgate, Mr Beckford had earned 
 the good will of his fellow-citizens by unremitting attention 
 to their interests both in the House and out of it, as well as 
 by his praiseworthy endeavours to check the abuse of malt 
 distillery, and the pernicious effects of gin-drinking. Some- 
 what hot in temper, no doubt owing to his "West Indian 
 origin, and apt to be overbearing in manner. Alderman 
 Beckford could not fail to make some enemies, but those 
 who knew him intimately, and could estimate his sterling 
 qualities and generosity of character, admired and esteemed 
 him. Amongst these was Sir Grresham Lorimer. 
 
 Very different from Mr Beckford was Si^ Felix Bland, 
 alderman for Bassishaw "Ward, who entered the room at the 
 same time, but at once darted forward to pay his devoirs to 
 the Lady Mayoress and her daughters. 
 
 A stout, sleek little man, with the softest and sweetest 
 expression of countenance and the smoothest manner. Sir 
 Pelix was profuse in compliments, and unsparing in profes- 
 sions of regard. Everybody with whom he claimed acquaint- 
 ance — and he knew half the City — was his dearest and most 
 valued friend. He was delighted to meet him, inquired 
 about his wife and daughters — if he had any — and his 
 family concerns — of which he knew but little, and cared less 
 — ^with an interest that was really touching. There was 
 something perhaps rather cloying in this unvarying sweet- 
 ness of manner, and the overdose of compliments as usually 
 administered by Sir Eelix seemed to savour of insincerity, 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 25 
 
 but people will stand a good deal when their self-love is 
 flattered, and there was no resisting the smooth-spoken 
 alderman's blandishments and the gentle pressure of hia 
 hand. Besides, he had a great many good qualities, and, 
 apart from his adulatory manner, which brought considerable 
 ridicule upon him, was a very amiable, estimable person. 
 
 On the entrance of the Lord Mayor all the party arose 
 from the breakfast-table, though his lordship besought them 
 to keep their seats, and Tradescant proceeded to present his 
 new acquaintances to his father. 
 
 While this was going on, and Sir Gresham was affably 
 acknowledging the ceremonious bows made to him on all 
 sides, Sir Telix Bland, as we have stated, had flown to the 
 ladies, and began by showering compliments upon the Lady 
 Mayoress. 
 
 "Your ladyship looks charmingly to-day," he said, in 
 accents of the most fervent dehght, and lifting his eyes 
 towards her towering head-dress, as if quite dazzled by its 
 beauty ; " I declare I never beheld anything more majestic 
 and imposing. Your coifleur — Le Gros, I presume — has 
 done you justice. 'Tis a superb creation, and proves him 
 to be a man of real genius in his line. But no wonder he 
 felt inspired when he had such a head to deal with. Your 
 ladyship knows I scorn flattery, but I cannot repress 
 genuine admiration — as why should I ? By-and-by, you 
 will find my opinion of that ravishing head-dress confirmed 
 by the universal rapture the sight of it will occasion. And 
 what a day for its display ! Could anything be more pro- 
 pitious ? No fog — no rain — not even a cloud — but a sun- 
 shine worthy of June. Sure never was Lord Mayor so 
 highly favoured as our dear Sir Gresham! But I felt it 
 would be so. His lordship is lucky in everything, but in 
 nothing more lucky than in the possession of the most 
 adorable wife in the world." 
 
 " lleally, Sir Pelix, you quite overwhelm me," cried the 
 Lady Mayoress, affecting confusion. ""Were I younger, 
 your compliments might turn my head. As it is, they make 
 me feel quite vain, though I know 'tis mere flattery." 
 
 " Your ladyship does me a great injustice in taxing me 
 with flattery. I value myself on my sincerity and candour. 
 Thus, if your ladyship had not been dressed so divinely, 
 and looked so bewitchingly, but had been as unbecomingly 
 
26 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 attired and as uncouth in manner as some City dames I 
 have seen — I won't mention names — I should scarcely have 
 hesitated to say so. But now I can assert, and without fear 
 of contradiction, that we have a Lady Mayoress who for 
 grace, dignity, and beauty — ay, beauty — has never yet had 
 her peer." 
 
 " You are prodigiously polite, I vow, Sir Eelix," replied 
 the Lady Mayoress, upon whom these pretty things were 
 not lost ; " and I am charmed to win the approval of a per- 
 son of so much taste and discrimination. Your encourage- 
 ment will help me to get through the day. To sit in a 
 state chariot and be gazed at by thousands, is nothing ; but 
 to receive his Majesty and the Queen, with the Princess- 
 Dowager and their Eoyal Highnesses the Duke of Cumber- 
 land and the Duke of York, and the young Princes, my 
 Lord Bute and the foreign ambassadors and ministers, I 
 feel ready to expire when I think of it." 
 
 " Your ladyship need have no misgivings. The King is 
 affability itself, and her Majesty is equally condescending. 
 As to personal attractions and dignity," he added, in an 
 under-tone, but with significance, " I won't say — though I 
 have an opinion — whether the advantage is likely to rest 
 with the highest lady of the Court or the highest lady in the 
 City. One thing is quite certain," he continued, raising his 
 voice, " if their Eoyal Highnesses the Duke of York and 
 the young Princes have the taste and discernment we give 
 them credit for, they can't fail to go away with a very ex- 
 alted notion of the loveliness of some of our City dames." 
 And he bowed as he spoke to Lady Dawes and Mrs Chat- 
 teris. 
 
 "There I entirely agree with you, Sir Pelix," observed 
 Lord Sandwich. " Beauty seems to have established itself 
 in the east, and it is there we must seek it, if we would be- 
 hold it in perfection." 
 
 "Very true,'' rejoined Sir Pelix; "and your lordship 
 must be well repaid for your voyage of discovery." 
 
 "Sir Pelix, you are intolerable. You will incur my 
 severe displeasure if you go on thus," cried Lady Dawes. 
 
 " Nay, my dear lady, you must be angry with my Lord 
 Sandwich, and not with me. My remark was general, but 
 he gave it a special application, though I own I think him 
 quite right." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 27 
 
 "What is tliat you are saying, Sir Eelix?" inquired 
 Tom Potter, stepping towards them. 
 
 " He is matching the City belles against our Court 
 belles," said Lord Sandwich. 
 
 "Then I'll support him," rejoined Tom Potter; "and 
 we needn't go beyond this room to decide the point. If the 
 Court can show any two equal to those we can here exhibit, 
 I will yield — but not till then. I will back Lady Dawes 
 and Mrs Chatteris against all her Majesty's ladies and maids 
 of honour for any amount that may be staked." 
 
 " Bravo ! Mr Potter — bravo ! " exclaimed Sir Eelix. 
 "But let us wait till to-night before making the bet." 
 
 "While this talk was proceeding, the rest of the company 
 were presented to the Lord Mayor, and by his lordship to 
 Mr Beckford and the sheriffs. 
 
 " I am very much honoured as well as gratified by your 
 presence on this occasion, gentlemen," said Sir Gresham, in 
 a very urbane manner, " and I trust my son will take good 
 care of you all. Mr "Wilkes," he added to that personage, 
 " I am particularly glad to make your acquaintance. I shall 
 hope to see you often at the Mansion House, not as a guest 
 merely, but as a friend." 
 
 " Your lordship does me infinite honour," replied Wilkes, 
 bowing. " L shall not fail to profit by your very obliging 
 invitation." 
 
 " You will always be welcome," pursued the Lord Mayor, 
 " as will be all my son's friends. You will excuse me, I 
 am sure, gentlemen, if I am unable to show you much per- 
 sonal attention now, but I am merely come to bid adieu to 
 her ladyship before taking my place in the procession, which 
 sets out very shortly from Guildhall." 
 
 " I quite envy your lordship," said Wilkes. " 'Twill be 
 a most triumphant day for you, and you will receive a 
 general ovation from your fellow-citizens, who recognize in 
 you the champion and defender of their rights. The gallant, 
 gay Lothario — I beg his pardon ; my Lord Bute I should 
 have said — must be a bold man to face them on an occasion 
 like the present." 
 
 " At all events, they won't welcome him as they will 
 the minister he has supplanted, anr) whose laurels he would 
 fain reap," rejoined the Lord Mayor. " The contrast will 
 be striking, and, I hope, will convince his Majesty that he 
 
28 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 has listened unwisely to the suggestions of a counsellor 
 who has not England's true interests and welfare at heart. 
 15efore long the terras of the family Compact between 
 Prance and Spain will be revealed, and will fully justify 
 Pitt's prescience. But it will then be too late. We shall 
 have lost the rich galleons which might have been ours. 
 Had Mr Pitt's timely counsels been followed, we might have 
 seized the Havannah, have occupied the Isthmus of Pan- 
 ama, and have directed an expedition thence against Manilla 
 and the Philippine Islands." 
 
 " His Majesty must be infatuated indeed if he doesn't 
 find out how he has been deluded and misled," rejoined 
 Wilkes ; " but as to hoping for Lothario's dismissal, I fear 
 that is out of the question. The Princess-Dowager of 
 "Wales will not allow her confidential adviser to be turned 
 out." 
 
 " No scandal about her Eoyal Highness, Mr Wilkes," 
 interrupted the Lord Mayor, with a slight laugh. My 
 opinion of Lord Bute is no secret. Indeed, I believe it is 
 to the public expression of it that I am placed in my present 
 proud position. Still, I confess I would rather occasion 
 should not be taken on this day for humiliating him." 
 
 " You cannot help it," said Alderman Beckford ; " and 
 it is well the young King should learn the truth, though it 
 may not be altogether palatable to him. None of his sub- 
 jects are more loyal and devoted than the good citizens of 
 London, but they detest underhand influence as much as 
 they idolize true patriotism. Pitt will, therefore, have all 
 their cheers to-day, and Bute their groans." 
 
 The company then mingled together, and a general con- 
 versation ensued, in the midst of which a servant in state 
 livery entered the room, and approaching the Lord Mayor, 
 seemed desirous of communicating something to him iu 
 private. 
 
 " What is it, Tomline ? " cried Sir Gresham, not under- 
 standing the man's manner. " Speak out." 
 
 " A young man outside is very desirous of seeing your 
 lordship," replied Tomline ; " when I say a young man, I 
 ought to state that he has a young woman with him." 
 
 " Well, well, young man or young woman, I can see 
 neither of them now. This is not a proper moment to 
 
THE LORD MAYOK OF LONDGa. 29 
 
 intrude upon me. I have no time to spare. Tell them 
 
 80." 
 
 " I have already told the young man that your lordship 
 is just going to G-uildhall, but he won't be put off, and 
 declares he will wait upon the stairs to speak to you." 
 
 " AVhy didn't you have the impudent rascal turned out 
 of the house, Tomline ?" cried Tradescant. Egad, I'll do 
 it myself." 
 
 " Hold ! " exclaimed the Lord Mayor. " He has a 
 young woman with him. "What does he want, Tomline ? 
 Did he give no name ? " 
 
 " Oh yes, my lord, he gave a name, and that caused him 
 to be admitted below. But I scarcely believed him." 
 
 " What reason had you for doubting him, sirrah ? " 
 cried the Lord Mayor, sharply. " What name did he 
 give?" 
 
 ** If I must speak out, he gave the same name as your 
 lordship's," answered Tomline, reluctantly. " He calls him- 
 self Herbert Lorimer, and declares he is your lordship's 
 nephew." 
 
 " My nephew ! " exclaimed the Lord Mayor. " I never 
 heard I had one." 
 
 " Oh ! an impostor ! " cried Tradescant. " I'll soon get 
 rid of him." 
 
 " Stop ! " exclaimed Sir G-resham. " The young man's 
 assertion may be true. I had two brothers, G-odfrey and 
 Lawrence, whom I have not seen for more .than forty years. 
 This Herbert, as he calls himself, may be the son of one of 
 them , and if so, possibly the young woman may be my 
 niece." 
 
 " Tour lordship has guessed aright," observed Tomline, 
 " supposing any reliance is to be placed upon the young 
 man's statements." 
 
 " This relationship is a mere trumped-up story," cried 
 Tradescant. " His lordship won't see them. Send them 
 about their business at once, Tomline." 
 
 " Not so fast," said Sir Gresham. " I must be satisfied 
 that it is a trick before I send them away. Let them come 
 in, Tomline." 
 
 "Excuse me, father, but you are very wrong," said 
 Tradescant. 
 
30 ^i'HE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON". 
 
 " Very wrong indeed ! " added the Lady Mayoress, com- 
 ing up. 
 
 " I don't think so," replied the Lord Mayor ; " and I 
 am surely the best judge in a matter in which I am person- 
 ally concerned." 
 
 Naturally, the incident had attracted the attention of 
 the whole company, and when Tradescant hazarded a glance 
 at his fashionable friends to ascertain what they thought of 
 it, he was annoyed to perceive them laughing and whisper- 
 ing together. As to the Lady Mayoress, no words can. 
 describe her annoyance. She agitated her fan violently. 
 Her elder daughters were calmer, but even they seemed 
 disturbed. 
 
 No one, however, was kept long in suspense. The 
 door was almost instantly thrown open by Tomline, and 
 a tall young man of some twenty or twenty-one, leading a 
 young woman, a year or so his junior, by the hand was 
 admitted. 
 
 The marked resemblance between them proclaimed them 
 to be brother and sister. The habiliments of both, of plain 
 and homely stuffs, sober in hue, and evidently of provincial 
 make, contrasted very strongly with the attire of the gay 
 and fashionable company into whose presence they were 
 thus thrown. But though he might fairly have been ex- 
 pected to be so under the circumstances, the young man 
 did not appear in the slightest degree abashed. 
 
 Ill displayed' as it was by his badly-made apparel, his 
 figure was a model of combined strength and symmetry. 
 His features were handsome ; his cheeks glowing with 
 health ; his eyes bright ; and in place of a peruke he wore 
 his own flowing dark-brown locks. i 
 
 But if he was unawed, his sister was not so. She shrank 
 tremblingly from the curious gaze to which she was exposed, 
 cast down her eyes, and evidently needed all the support of 
 her brother's strong arm to sustain her. As he could not 
 leave her, and she seemed unwilling, indeed almost unable, 
 to step forward, the young man remained stationary near 
 the door. 
 
 There was a moment's pause, during which the Lord 
 Mayor looked very hard at them. Apparently satisfied with 
 his scrutiny, and not unfavourably impressed by the looks 
 of his newly-discovered relatives, he advanced towards them, 
 
IIkRe's MV HAM). HeKUKK'I 
 
 p. 3t 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 31 
 
 and addressing tlie young man in a very kindly tone, said, 
 " So, sir, you call yourself my nephew, eh ? " 
 
 " Yes, my lord. I am Herbert Lorimer, son of your 
 brother Godfrey, and this is my sister Prue." 
 
 " Herbert, eh ! Prue, ah ! Well, well, I don't doubt 
 what you tell me. I can't doubt it, for you're both as like 
 your father as can well be. Here's my hand, Herbert — 
 here's my hand. Glad to see you both — very glad. Look 
 up, child! Look up, that I may see your eyes. Ay, there 
 it is — that's Godfrey's expression. I haven't forgotten it, 
 though well-nigh half a century has elapsed since I beheld 
 him last. And how is he ? — how is my brother ? " 
 
 " Alas ! my lord, he died some years ago at York,'* replied 
 Herbert. " Prue and I are alone in the world." 
 
 " No, not alone, since you have found your uncle out. 
 But why didn't you come to me sooner ? And why, above 
 all, choose a time like the present for making yourselves 
 known?" 
 
 " "We only arrived in town yesterday from York, uncle," 
 said Prue. " I told Herbert our visit to-day would be very 
 inopportune and improper, but he wouldn't be dissuaded. 
 He said you would be glad to see us." 
 
 "And he was right," returned Sir Gresham ; 'but I 
 should have been better pleased if you had come before. 
 How was it you never wrote to me, or conveyed to me any 
 tidings of your father's decease, or your own existence ? 
 How was I to know I had a nephew or niece if I never 
 heard of them ? " 
 
 " All this requires explanation, which you shall have at 
 the fitting moment, uncle," replied Herbert. " I have much 
 to relate — much that will pain you to hear." 
 
 ""Well, I've no time to listen to it now. "Was ever 
 Lord Mayor thus bothered when about to join his proces- 
 sion?" 
 
 "You hear that, Herbert," said Prue. "Are you not 
 ashamed of yourself? " 
 
 " No, not at all," he replied. " Since I've seen my uncle, 
 and spoken to him, I'm quite content. So now, my lord, 
 we humbly take our leave. Come along, Prue." 
 
 " Stay ! stay ! " cried Sir Gresham ; " I must present you 
 both to your aunt, the Lady Mayoress, and your cousins. 
 You mustn't go away — you must spend the day here." 
 
32 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON". 
 
 " But we shan't know what to do with them," whispered 
 the Lady Mayoress. " Better let them go." 
 
 " Impossible ! I couldn't do such a thing," rejoined Sir 
 Greshara. " These are my poor brother Grodfrey's children. 
 I'm sure your ladyship will give them a hearty welcome." 
 
 " Your lordship's nephew and niece must of course be 
 welcome," rejoined the Lady Mayoress, in a cold tone, and 
 without extending a hand to either of them. " I wish they 
 had stayed at York," she added to herself. " I wonder what 
 brought them here." 
 
 Seeing the effect produced upon her by this haughty 
 reception, Sir G-resham took his niece's trembling hand, and 
 led her towards his two elder daughters, both of whom 
 made her a very distant and formal courtesy, after which 
 they turned their backs upon her. Millicent, however, re- 
 ceived her with great affection, and strove by her warmth 
 of manner to efface the painful impression produced upon 
 her by her sisters. 
 
 Tradescant was equally rude to Herbert, and scarcely 
 deigned to notice him when his father introduced him. 
 Captain Chatteris was still more impertinent, and placed 
 the breakfast-table between himself and the young man 
 when the latter was brought towards him. Herbert's cheek 
 "was instantly in a flame, and he marched up to his sister. 
 
 " Come, let us go, Prue," he cried. " You said we 
 should be unwelcome guests, but I didn't believe you. I 
 was wrong to come here, and you were right in advising me 
 to keep away. I didn't expect to be insulted in the house 
 of my father's brother." 
 
 " Nor shall you be," rejoined the Lord Mayor, catching 
 his arm. " Stay — I command you." 
 
 " Oh ! pray stop, Herbert," implored Prue. " You 
 won't disobey your uncle." 
 
 " Certainly not," replied the young man, halting. ' 
 
 " Hear me," cried Sir Gresham, glancing angrily round, 
 "I won't have my relatives rudely treated. I am not 
 ashamed to own before all this company that I have risen 
 from nothing — that I have gained the proud position I now 
 occupy solely by my own exertions — " 
 
 " Oh ! pray papa, don't say any more ! " cried Lady 
 Dawes and Mrs Chatteris together. 
 
 "Forty years ago," pursued the Lord Mayor, disre- 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 33 
 
 garding their entreaties, " my prospects were no better than 
 my nephew's in all probability are, and knowing how much 
 I needed a helping-hand then, I shan't refuse him one now. 
 On this day, above all others, I ought to be influenced by 
 feelings of thankfulness and kindliness, since I have obtained 
 all I aspired at, and far more than my deserts." 
 
 " Oh ! Sir Gresham, I shall expire if you go on in this 
 manner ! " the Lady Mayoress exclaimed. " Consider, we 
 are not alone." 
 
 "That's the very reason I speak out," continued Sir 
 Gresham. " I wish everybody to know I am not ashamed 
 of my origin. I have an honest pride in referring to it. 
 'Tis one of the greatest privileges of the high office I now 
 hold, that its qualifications are not exalted birth, or interest, 
 but the good opinion and esteem of one's fellow-citizens. 
 These I have won, or I should not wear these robes to-day. 
 But I should be unworthy of my office if I could forget my 
 former position — if I could look coldly on my brother's 
 children. I bid them heartily welcome. All who love me, 
 and respect me, will follow my example. Nephew and 
 niece, I am very glad to see you — and so is her ladyship — 
 aren't you ? " 
 
 "Delighted — since you will have it so, Sir Gresham," 
 the Lady Mayoress replied, trying to control her vexation. 
 
 " And so are my daughters, Lady Dawes and Mrs Chat- 
 teris — are you not, my dears ? " pursued Sir Gresham. 
 
 But the ladies in question made no reply, but turned up 
 their noses disdainfully. 
 
 " Tradescant," continued Sir Gresham, "I insist upon 
 your shaking hands with your cousin Herbert." 
 
 "I am bound to obey you, father," replied the young 
 man, reluctantly complying with the injunction. 
 
 Seeing what was going on, and thinking he mi(j;ht be 
 called upon next. Captain Chatteris sedulously applied him- 
 self to the viands on the table, and declined to look up. 
 Millicent, however, did not require to have orders given 
 her, for she said, 
 
 " I am very glad to see my cousins, and I am sure Prue 
 and I shall become great friends." 
 
 " I am quite sure of it," replied her cousin, with a grate- 
 ful smile. 
 
 " One word before I go, Herbert," demanded the Lord 
 3 
 
^ THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Mayor. " What are your habits ? What have you done ? 
 What are you fit for ? " 
 
 " I can scarcely answer your questions, uncle," returned 
 the young man, modestly. '*But my habits are regular, 
 and I am accustomed to business." 
 
 " Business — ha ! Grlad to hear it. What business ? '* 
 
 " My brother has just served his apprenticeship to Mr 
 Hornby, the mercer near the Micklegate, in York, uncle," 
 interposed Prue ; " and he has come to town, hoping you 
 might befriend him. He has a letter of recommendation to 
 you from Mr Hornby. Give it to your uncle, Herbert." 
 
 " Not now," replied the Lord Mayor — " not now. If I 
 find all as you represent it, Herbert, and you are not too 
 proud, as some youngsters now-a-days are" — glancing at 
 Tradescant — "to stand behind a counter and attend to a 
 customer, I'll place you in my shop." 
 
 " Good gracious. Sir Gresham, don't talk about the shop 
 now ! " cried the Lady Mayoress, with a look of dismay. 
 
 " I'll place you in my shop and give you the manage- 
 ment of it, and if you satisfy me, on next Lord Mayor's 
 Day I'll take you into partnership ; and then it'll be your 
 own fault if you aren't Lord lilayor yourself hereafter." 
 
 " Well done, my lord ! " cried Alderman Beckford. 
 ** Tou have acted nobly. The City may well be proud of 
 you." 
 
 " That it may indeed ! " exclaimed Sir Felix Bland, while 
 the room resounded with similar expressions of approval. 
 
 " I shall endeavour by my conduct to merit your good- 
 ness, uncle," said Herbert, with a look of profound grati- 
 tude. 
 
 Prue could not speak, but her moistened eyes showed 
 bow much moved she was by Sir Gresham's generosity. 
 
 At this moment, as if the crowd in Cheapside had known 
 what was occurring, and desired to express their sympathy, 
 loud shouts were heard, with which the Lord Mayor's name 
 was mingled. 
 
 Immediately afterwards the door was thrown open by 
 two servants in state liveries, and the sword-bearer, the 
 common crier with the mace, the water-bailiff, and other 
 gentlemen of the Lord Mayor's household, were seen stand- 
 ing outside. All these personages were in their full habili- 
 ments of office. Two gentlemen in court suits, who were 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 35 
 
 provided with white wands, and acted as ushers, then 
 stepped in, and, making an obeisance to the Lord Mayor, 
 intimated to him that his carriage was waiting. 
 
 On this. Sir Gresham bowed courteously around, and, 
 being joined by his chaplain, quitted the room, followed by 
 the two aldermen and the sheriffs. 
 
 As he descended the stairs, preceded by the sword- 
 bearer and the niace-bearer, and passed through the lines of 
 servants, trumpets were sounded to announce his coming 
 forth. 
 
 The military band stationed in Cheapside began to play, 
 and amid the cheers of all who could obtain a sight of him, 
 accompanied by the waving of hats and handkerchiefs, the 
 Lord Mayor entered his magnificent state-coach, to which 
 six splendid iron-grey horses, richly caparisoned, and decor- 
 ated with ribbons, were harnessed. 
 
 IV. 
 
 GUILDHALL — PAST AND PRESENT. 
 
 "While our Lord Mayor is on the way to Guildhall, in 
 his grand state-coach drawn by six horses, we will proceed 
 thither before him, and enter the great hall. 
 
 From its magnitude and the character of its architecture, 
 this time-honoured hall, now four centuries and a half old, 
 and fraught with a multitude of historical recollections, 
 cannot fail to command admiration under whatever circum- 
 stances it may be viewed. 
 
 It is one hundred and fifty-two feet long, fifty broad, and 
 fifty-five high, and its size may be estimated from the fact 
 that it will hold, and indeed did hold on the occasion of the 
 grand entertainment about to be described, upwards of 
 seven thousand persons. 
 
 The hall was the first part of the edifice erected. Eegun 
 in 1411, in the reign of Henry IV., by Thomas Knolles, 
 then Mayor, its walls were so solidly constructed that they 
 withstood the ravages of the Great Fire of London. 
 
36 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 It is delightful to reflect that the renowned Sir Eichard 
 Whittington, the first favourite of our boyhood, can be as- 
 sociated with this vast chamber, as he no doubt superin- 
 tended its construction, witnessed its completion, traversed 
 it almost daily, and constantly sat within it, during his third 
 and last mayoralty, in 1419. That he loved it is certain, 
 since his executors, only three years later — alas ! that he 
 should have gone so soon ! — in fulfilment of his bequest, con- 
 tributed a sum of money towards paving the floor with 
 "hard stone of Purbeck," glazing its windows, as well as 
 those of the Mayor's courts, and embellishing them with his 
 arms. 
 
 What scenes has not this storied hall witnessed since 
 "Whittington's day ! But though many a worthy Mayor has 
 occupied it since, none worthier than he has ever set foot 
 within it. 
 
 In process of time many courts and chambers, required by 
 the various municipal officers, were added to the hall, but we 
 shall not tarry to describe them, but come at once to the 
 year 1501, when a grand desideratum was supplied by Sir 
 John Shaw, goldsmith, then Lord Mayor, whose memory 
 deserves to be held in profound respect by all convivial 
 citizens. 
 
 Sir John Shaw — we have pleasure in repeating his name 
 — built a goodly kitchen, with large fire-places, capable of 
 furnishing prodigious banquets, and from that date the 
 famous Corporation feasts commenced. With three hun- 
 dred and sixty grand banquets before us, are we wrong in 
 maintaining that Sir John Shaw's name ought to be vener- 
 ated ? We regret, however, to add, that this fine old 
 kitchen, which, when Lord Mayors' dinners were dressed 
 " at home," was found equal to an unlimited demand upon 
 its resources, has since been converted to other and less 
 hospitable uses. 
 
 In the ill-omened year 1666, when so many ancient 
 structures perished, Guildhall was invaded by the tremend- 
 ous conflagration which then devastated the City, and its 
 beautiful Gothic open-work timber roof, with carved pend- 
 ants, resembling the roof of Westminster Hall, and other 
 combustible parts of the building, were entirely consumed. 
 The solidity, however, of the masonry — the walls being 
 six or seven feet in thickness— saved the bulk of the edifice, 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 37 
 
 and within three years afterwards it was restored at a cost 
 of £2500— restored, though not to its pristine beauty. 
 The rich stained glass of olden days could not be brought 
 back to its muUioned windows ; the fine arched timber roof 
 could not be replaced ; and an architectural taste true as that 
 which furnished its original design did not superintend ita 
 reconstruction. 
 
 But if fault must be found with certain portions of the 
 interior ; if we cannot admire the present flat roof divided 
 into panels, or the mean windows disfiguring the upper 
 storey, what must be said of the exterior of the structure, 
 which, in 1790, was bereft of all its venerable character, and 
 a frontage substituted equally anomalous and tasteless, which 
 has been very properly described " as an abortive attempt 
 to blend the Pointed style with the Grrecian, and both with 
 the East Indian manner " ? On this fa9ade is inscribed the 
 civic motto, " Domine dirige nos,'"' which has been construed 
 as a prayer from the Corporation to be better guided in 
 future in their choice of an architect. 
 
 But though there are drawbacks to the completeness of 
 the interior of the great hall, these are lost in its general 
 grandeur and beauty. The mighty pointed arched windows 
 at the east and west, occupying almost the entire width 
 of the chamber, with their muUions, mouldings, and tracery, 
 are exceedingly fine, though it is to be wished that the old, 
 deep-dyed glass could be restored ; it being infinitely pre- 
 ferable to the garisk panes flaring with royal arms, orders of 
 the Garter, &c., with which the upper compartments are at 
 present filled. At the sides are large and lofty pointed 
 windows, several of which have been unfortunately blocked up 
 by cenotaphs, but the clustered demi-pillars between them, 
 and the arcades beneath, are of great beauty. Above the capi- 
 tals of the pillars are shields emblazoned with the arms of 
 the City companies. On the north-eastward pillar are the 
 arms of England, and on the south-eastward pillar the arms 
 of the City of London. 
 
 Beneath the great eastern window is the ancient dais, on 
 which a platform is set, raised som.e feet above the pavement, 
 and partitioned from the body of the hall by a wainscoted 
 traverse.. Here the Courts of Hustings are held, occasionally 
 the Court of Exchequer, and here the City elections are 
 conducted. At the rear of the dais, and beneath the great 
 
38 THE LORD MAiTOR OF LONDON. 
 
 window, may be seen a range of exquisitely wrought niche 
 canopies. Similar canopies, but of modern execution, will 
 be found at the other end of the hall. 
 
 Several of the windows on the north side, as already re- 
 marked, are now closed by large marble cenotaphs reared 
 by the City in commemoration of distinguished persons. 
 Amongst these memorials is one devoted to a personage 
 mentioned in our story, Alderman Beckford, Avho was twice 
 JL/ord Mayor of London, and whose famous speech to George 
 III., in answer to his Majesty's unfavourable reception of a 
 Eemonstrance from the ' Corporation in 1770, is recorded 
 upon the pedestal. 
 
 Pennant describes this monument as " a marble group 
 of good workmanship, with London and Commerce whim- 
 pering like two marred children, executed soon after the 
 year 1770 by Mr Bacon. The principal figure (Beckford) 
 was also a giant in his day, the raw-head and bloody bones 
 to the good folks in St James's ; which, while Eemonstrances 
 were in fashion, annually haunted the court in terrific forms." 
 Here is also the monument by Bacon, and a noble work it 
 is, of William Pitt, Earl of Chatham, who will likewise 
 figure in these pages. Opposite the sculptured memorial 
 of the greatest of our statesmen and orators is the cenctaph 
 of his illustrious son, the inheritor of his high qualities. 
 Here also are monuments of the heroes of Trafalgar and 
 Waterloo. 
 
 But we must now examine two well-known occupants of 
 the hall. In opposite angles, at the west end, and upon oc- 
 tagonal columns, stand the two guardian giants, yclept 
 Gog and Magog. 
 
 Old Strype pretends that these mysterious figures repre- 
 sent an ancient Briton and a Saxon, and some believe them 
 to be of no greater antiquity than Charles the Second's day ; 
 but we reject these notions altogether. Their origin is 
 buried in obscurity. We suspect they were fashioned by 
 Merlin, or some equally potent enchanter. If they were 
 tried by th6 Great Eire, they came out of it unscathed. Gog 
 is armed with a halberd, and Magog with a poleaxe, from 
 which hangs a ball set round with spikes. Their mighty 
 limbs, grotesque attire, bushy black beards, penthouse-like 
 brows overshadowing great protruding eyes, which seem 
 ever disposed to wink at you, and wondrous lineaments in 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 39 
 
 whicli ferocity is so happily blended with joviality and mer- 
 riment, must be familiar to all. 
 
 Familiar also is the veracious legend connected with 
 them. We all devoutly believe, that at dead of night, when 
 the clock strikes one, these marvellous images become sud- 
 denly instinct with life, and, leaping down upon the pave- 
 ment, look out for supper, regaling themselves upon whatever 
 eatables and drinkables they may be lucky enough to meet 
 with, searching for a terrified apprentice in the Little Ease, 
 and sometimes, when hard pressed, devouring a beadle, 
 great-coat, three-cornered hat, staff and all. 
 
 Space is wanting at this moment, but in the course of 
 our story we hope to find occasion to recount another legend 
 of the two gigantic hall-keepers, equally as veracious as the 
 foregoing, and not so generally known. 
 
 At the period of our tale, however, the giants did not 
 occupy their present position, but were far better placed on 
 the north side of the hall, exactly were Alderman Beckford's 
 cenotaph is now fixed. Here was the old entrance to the 
 Lord Mayor's Court. Over the steps conducting to it was 
 a large balcony, supported by four iron pillars, shaped like 
 palm-trees, the branches and foliage of which formed a sort 
 of arbour. 
 
 In front of this picturesque-looking balcony was a curious 
 old clock with three dials, set in an oaken frame ; at the 
 corners were carved the four cardinal Virtues ; and on the 
 top the figure of Time, with a cock on either side. On 
 brackets at the right and left of the steps were placed Gog 
 and Magog ; thus establishing, as will at once be perceived, 
 a mysterious connection between them and the clock. 
 
 But the old entrance is now walled up ; the picturesque 
 balcony with the palm-trees is swept away ; and the quaint 
 old clock is gone. How the jovial giants must long for it 
 back again ! 
 
 At the sides of the steps, and in somewhat too close 
 proximity to the gigantic guardians, were two cells, denomin- 
 ated, from their narrow limits and the lowness of the ceil- 
 ing, " Little Ease," in which unruly apprentices were occa- 
 sionally confined by order of the City Chamberlain, where, 
 if the off'enders were detained during the night, the giants 
 were sure to find them out, battering at the cell doors with 
 halberd and poleaxe, and bellowing fearfully while trying to 
 
40 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 get at them. We may be sure that the scared apprentices 
 did not require a second night in the Little Ease. 
 
 Underneath the great hall is a crypt of extraordinary 
 architectural beauty, and in excellent preservation, corre- 
 sponding in size with the superstructure. 
 
 Ordinarily, at the period of our tale — though just now 
 all the pictures had been removed in anticipation of the 
 grand banquet — the walls of the great hall were adorned 
 with many portraits of royal and judicial personages. 
 Amongst the former were William and Mary, Anne, and 
 the two Georges. The reigning sovereign, George III., 
 and his consort, were added after their visit to the City, 
 about to be described. The judges, looking all alike in their 
 red robes and monstrous wigs, were sixteen in number, 
 and comprised the learned Sir Matthew Hale, Sir Heneage 
 Einch, Sir Orlando Bridgman, Sir E-obert Atkins, and others 
 of their contemporaries, painted in the time of Charles IL 
 At a later date Chief Justice Pratt, afterwards Lord Chan- 
 cellor Camden, was added to the list. 
 
 Amongst the decorations of the hall were the colours 
 and standards taken at Eamilies, with other trophies of 
 subsequent victories. 
 
 In Guildhall, as is well known, all the municipal busi- 
 ness is transacted, and here the nine civic courts are held. 
 But these it does not come within our province to describe^ 
 Many historical recollections are connected with the spot. 
 Shakspeare, following the old chronicler Hall, alludes to 
 one event in " Eichard III." Buckingham, we may remem- 
 ber, is ordered to follow the Lord Mayor. Thus cries the 
 wily Gloster : 
 
 Go after, after, cousin Buckingham, 
 
 The Mayor towards Guildhall hies him in all post. 
 
 "Whereunto the Duke replies : 
 
 I go ; and towards three or four o'clock. 
 Look for the news that the Guildhall affords. 
 
 His persuasions, however, though seconded by the Lord 
 Mayor and the Eecorder, only prevailed upon some few of 
 the " tongueless blocks " to shout 
 
 God save Richard, England's royal king ? 
 
 Here the martyred Anne Askew was tried for heresy, 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 41 
 
 and sentenced to the stake. Here the chivalrous and ac- 
 complished Surrey — the latest victim of the tyrant Henry 
 — was arraigned, and found guilty of high treason. Here 
 Sir Nicholas Throckmorton was tried, in the reign of Mary, 
 for conspiring with others against the queen's life ; andliere 
 in the reign of James I., Garnet, one of the chief contrivers 
 of the Gunpowder Plot, was condemned to be hanged, 
 drawn, and quartered. 
 
 But preferring the more cheerful side of the picture, 
 we would rather regard the hall as the scene of grand civic 
 entertainments than as a court of justice. It affords us 
 pleasure, therefore, to mention that, in 1612, when the 
 Elector-Palatine, Frederic, came to England to espouse the 
 Princess Elizabeth, only daughter of James I., he and the 
 king were sumptuously entertained by the Lord Mayor ; 
 and the Prince-Palatine was presented by his lordship, in 
 the name of the citizens, with an immense silver basin and 
 ewer, and two large silver flagons, richly gilt. On the 
 wedding-day the Corporation presented the electoral bride 
 with a superb necklace of Oriental pearls, valued at two 
 thousand pounds. Again, on the return of the unfortunate 
 king, Charles I., from Scotland, in 1641, a magnificent 
 banquet was offered him by the municipal body at Guild- 
 hall, and so delighted was the monarch by their professions 
 of duty, affection, and loyalty, that he created the Lord 
 Mayor a baronet, and dubbed all the aldermen knights. 
 
 But it is in the knowledge that it belongs to the wealth- 
 iest and most powerful body corporate in the world that 
 the contemplation of Guildhall becomes chiefly im.pressive. 
 "When we consider how well, and for what a lengthened 
 term of years, the vast and complicated business of the city 
 of London has been here conducted, we cannot but wonder 
 that generations of men have been found of such energy and 
 worth as those who have carried on the mighty machinery, 
 and have raised the City, for which they have toiled and 
 striven, to the proud position it now occupies. Abuses may 
 have crept in — abuses which may be easily remedied — but 
 the operations of the great municipal institution have been 
 little affected. 
 
 Prom the days of "Whittington, in whose life-time this 
 noble hall was founded, to our own day, what myriads of active 
 merchants and traders, what Mayors, Aldermen, Common- 
 
42 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 councilmen, and other officials have assembled to administer 
 the aiFairs of their fellow- citizens and uphold their privileges 
 and immunities. Dynasties have changed during this long 
 term, governments have fallen, but the municipal govern- 
 ment of the City of London remains the same. What inex- 
 haustible resources have the City rulers ever found — how 
 equal have they been to every emergency — how much muni- 
 ficence have they displayed — how faithful have they been 
 to their trust — how irreproachable in conduct ! "With what 
 unstinting hands have they dispensed the City charities — 
 how strictly administered its justice ! By an honourable 
 course like this, pursued for centuries, has the Corporation 
 of London advanced our City to its present greatness. Long 
 may it continue in such good hands! Long may it be 
 governed so wisely and so well ! 
 
 The remembrance of the multitudes of good men, honest 
 traders, prudent, liberal, generous, enlightened, charitable 
 benefactors to their fellow-citizens, and upright magistrates, 
 who have peopled this great hall, and have passed away, fills 
 the breast with emotions at once grave and gladsome. "We 
 think upon those who are gone ; but rejoice that many good 
 men are still left us. 
 
 And now, having completed our hasty survey of the in- 
 terior, let us examine the exterior of the edifice. 
 
 It has been stated that in 1790 the present tasteless 
 facade of the hall was erected, the design of which is de- 
 scribed by Malcolm as " neither Grecian, Saxon, JSTorman, 
 simple nor florid Gothic, though it approaches nearer to the 
 latter style than any of the former." 
 
 But it is not with the existing aspect of the structure, 
 but with that presented by it at the period of our story, 
 w^hich we have to do. At that time the frontage was really 
 Gothic in design, and had a grey and venerable air, though 
 the entire length of the pile could not be discerned, owing 
 to the encroachments of the buildings on either side of the 
 court. 
 
 The stately porch then projected some yards beyond the 
 main edifice, adding thereby greatly to its effect. The en- 
 trance was formed by a noble pointed arch supported by 
 columns, the spandrels being enriched with arms and tracery. 
 On either side were shields, and above them niches occupied 
 by statues. Over the porch was an upper storey, with a 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 43 
 
 balcony, beneath which were depicted the arms of the City 
 companies, while at the back were niches wherein were 
 placed figures of Moses and Aaron. The whole was sur- 
 mounted by a cornice, on which, in has relief, the arms of 
 England were boldly displayed. Embattled turrets, with 
 vanes, stood at each angle of the roof, and these turrets are 
 still left. 
 
 If Gruildhall could be perfectly restored, and the build- 
 ings intruding upon it removed, it would be one of the 
 noblest specimens of architecture in the City. But this ia 
 not to be hoped for. 
 
 On the west side of the yard there was a long colon- 
 nade, or piazza, and above this pleasant covered walk, re- 
 moved during the reparations of 1789, were the offices of 
 the Common Serjeant, the Eemembrancer, and the City 
 Solicitor. 
 
 The south-west corner was occupied by the old parish 
 church of St Lawrence in the Jewry, which remains pretty 
 much in the same condition as heretofore. On the other 
 side of the yard was G-uildhall Chapel, a venerable pile, 
 founded at the latter end of the thirteenth century, and 
 damaged, though not burnt down, by the dread calamity of 
 1666. The west front, which faced the court, was adorned 
 with a large pointed arched window, and with niches con- 
 taining statues of Edward YI., Elizabeth, and Charles I., 
 treading on a globe. This fine old edifice was pulled down 
 in 1822 to make room for the new Law Courts. 
 
 Contiguous to the chapel on the south was Blackwell 
 Hall, originally called Basing's Haugh, a very ancient struc- 
 ture, destroyed by the Grreat Eire, and rebuilt in 1672. It 
 had a spacious entrance into G-uildhall-yard, and the door- 
 way was adorned with columns, with an entablature and 
 pediment displaying the arms of England, and a little lower 
 the City arms. 
 
 Erom this hasty survey, it will be seen that the stately 
 G-othic porch, then advancing far beyond the body of the 
 old hall, which still retained much of its original character, 
 the piazza on the west side of the court, the ancient chapel 
 with its magnificent window and statues, together w^ith 
 Blackwell Hall on the opposite side, combined to produce 
 an effective ensemble, totally wanting to the existing court 
 and edifice. 
 
44 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Such was Guildhall during the mayoralty of Sir Gresham 
 LGrimer. 
 
 HOW THREE COURT BEAUTIES CAME TO GUILDHALL, AND 
 HOW THEY FARED ON THEIR ARRIYAL. 
 
 The gorgeous state-coach, in which our Lord Mayo? 
 rode, still exists, and constitutes a principal feature in the 
 annual civic show. 
 
 Since good Sir Gresham's day, a hundred Lord Mayors 
 have ridden in it, and we hope it may serve to convey a 
 hundred more to "Westminster and back. Though richly 
 gilt and burnished, it is not gaudy, but has a grand, im- 
 posing, courtly appearance, and seems fitted for the City 
 sovereign, or for any other sovereign. Indeed, it formed 
 the model for the royal state-coach — still likewise in use — 
 constructed for George III. in 1762. Built about four or 
 five years previous to the date of our story, in the some- 
 what cumbrous but handsome style of the day, hung very 
 low, having large windows calculated to afibrd a full view 
 of those inside it, panels covered with exquisitely painted 
 emblematical designs and elaborately carved woodwork, 
 representing Cupids sustaining the City arms, this state- 
 coach, by its antiquated air and splendour, carries back the 
 mind to another age. 
 
 The paintings on the panels, replete with grace and 
 elegance, are by Cipriani ; that on the right door exhibits 
 Pame presenting the Mayor to the genius of the City ; 
 while on the other door is- depicted Britannia pointing with 
 her spear to the shield of Henry Eitz-Alwin, the first 
 Mayor of London, who enjoyed his ofiice for the long term 
 of twenty-four years — namely, from the first of Bichard I. 
 to the fifteenth of John. 
 
 Until of late years the roof of this magnificent carriage 
 was surmounted by a carved group of boys supporting 
 baskets of fruit, but an accident deprived it of this orna- 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 45 
 
 ment. The original cost of the coach was upwards of a 
 thousand pounds, which will not appear surprising, when 
 its size and the splendour of its decorations and fittings are 
 taken into account. The expense of keeping it in repair is 
 by no means trifling, but this is now borne by the Corpor- 
 ation, whose property the coach has become. 
 
 According to custom, the Lord Mayor's companions 
 were his chaplain, Dr Dipple ; the sword-bearer, Mr Heron 
 Powney, who carried his weapon according to the rule of 
 armoury, " upright, the hilts being holden under his bulk, 
 and the blade directly up the midst of his breast, and so 
 forth between his brows ;" the common-crier, Mr Eoberts, 
 with the mace ; and the water-bailiif, Mr Dawson. The 
 latter gentlemen were in their official robes. 
 
 The six proudly-caparisoned horses were put in motion 
 by a couple of clean-limbed, active-looking postilions, wear- 
 ing jackets stifiened with lace, tight buckskins, and great 
 jack-boots, black velvet caps with far-projectijig nebs, and 
 adorned with the Lord Mayor's crest wrought in silver, 
 and carrying riding-whips with heavy silver handles. The 
 reins were held by a coachman worthy of the occasion. No 
 one in the Lord Mayor's household had a higher sense of 
 the importance of his post, or greater determination to up- 
 hold its dignity, than his lordship's head-coachman, Mr 
 Caleb Keck. On this day all other coachmen were beneath 
 him. He would have taken precedence of the royal coach- 
 man — just as the Lord Mayor would have done of royalty 
 itself, east of Temple-bar. 
 
 '' A very large man was Mr Keck, as darkly red as a 
 mulberry about the cheeks and gills, and the purple dye of 
 his broad, bluff countenance was deepened by contrast 
 with his flaxen wig. Nothing could be more imposing than 
 his appearance as he sat on the hammercloth, which was 
 not much too wide for him, in his laced three-cornered hat 
 and state livery, wdth a large bouquet on his breast, buckles 
 ornamented with paste brilliants on his shoes, and his great 
 balustrade calves encased in pearl-coloured silk stockings. 
 Neither the six tall footmen clustering behind the carriage, 
 each as fine as fine clothes could make him, and each con- 
 sequential enough for a lord, nor the splendidly arrayed 
 postilions, were to be compared to him. 
 
 Guided by Mr Keck and the postilions, the Lord 
 
46 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Mayor's coach passed across Cheapside amid the acclama- 
 tions of the multitude, and made its way, though slowly 
 and with difficulty, through the throng of equipages already 
 described as encumbering New King-street, in the direc- 
 tion of Gruildhall, the Grothic fa9ade of which agreeably 
 terminated the vista. 
 
 Close behind came the superb state chariots of the 
 sheriffs, each drawn by four horses, and the carriages of 
 Alderman Beckford and Sir Felix Bland. 
 
 "While Sir Gresham was acknowledging the cheers and 
 congratulations that greeted him from lookers-on from 
 window and house-top, as he passed along, Mr Keck 
 frowned in an awful manner at any familiar observation 
 that might chance to be addressed to him by a brother 
 coachman, and, if it had been consistent with his dignity to 
 open his lips at all, would have sworn lustily in return. 
 
 Cateaton-street was crossed without hindrance, while 
 loud clappings of hands and vociferations proceeded from a 
 stand erected by the Merchant Tailors near the old church 
 of Saint Lawrence in the Jewry, and decorated with the 
 company's banners. 
 
 In the midst of these huzzas, the Lord Mayor wa3 
 borne into Guildhall-yard, which, being thronged by vari- 
 ous personages connected with the procession, presented a 
 very animated and picturesque appearance, and his carriage 
 drew up before the gaily ornamented entrance of a tem- 
 porary covered way, erected for the convenience of the 
 illustrious visitors expected that evening, and leading from 
 the middle of the yard to the great hall-porch. 
 
 No carriages, except those of the late Lord Mayor and 
 the sheriifs, were allowed to stand in Guildhall-yard, but a ■ 
 line of equipages belonging to the aldermen, the chief City 
 officers, the wardens and prime-wardens of the different 
 City companies, extended thence, through Blackwell Hall, 
 far into Bishopsgate-street. The court, however, was 
 thronged by persons on foot, with whom a few others on 
 horseback were intermingled. 
 
 Amongst the latter the most conspicuous were the two 
 City marshals ; the upper marshal being mounted on a 
 proudly caparisoned steed, arrayed in a grand military uni- 
 form, with long jack-boots, glittering breastplate, flowing 
 Eamilies peruke, and feathered hat. In his hand he bore a 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 47 
 
 long baton, the badge of his office. The under mar- 
 shal was scarcely less splendidly attired. "With them 
 were a host of standard-bearers, trumpeters, and yeo- 
 men of the guard. Some of the standard-bearers were 
 mounted. 
 
 In front of the chapel stood the bargemaster of the 
 Merchant Tailors' Company — to which ancient and im- 
 portant fraternity, it will be remembered, our Lord Mayor 
 belonged — in his state dress, the watermen in their scarlet 
 and puce liveries, and the beadle in his scarlet gown. 
 
 On the other side of the yard, within the piazzas pre- 
 viously described, were ranged sixty poor men, habited in 
 the scarlet and puce gowns and hoods of the Merchant 
 Tailors' Company, bearing shields charged with the arms of 
 the Company, namely, a tent royal between two parliament 
 robes, and on a chief azure a lion of England, with a holy 
 lamb as a crest, and two camels as supporters. These sixty 
 poor men, corresponding in number with the Lord Mayor's 
 age, were intended to lead the procession. 
 
 One circumstance must be mentioned, as it not only 
 added materially to the crowded state of the court, but was 
 productive of considerable inconvenience to the various 
 officials collected within it. The management of the grand 
 entertainment had been confided to a committee of seven 
 aldermen, of which Mr Beckford and Sir Pelix Bland were 
 members. By favour of this committee private admittance 
 was given to the galleries erected within the great hall to a 
 number of ladies of quality, and to the wives and daughters 
 of such wealthy and important citizens as had interest 
 enough to procure tickets. 
 
 As early as nine o'clock, in order to secure the best 
 places, these privileged ladies began to arrive, some in court 
 dresses with plumes and diamonds, and all in rich evening 
 attire of silk and satin. Wonderful were the coiffures to 
 be seen! — some of them almost rivalling the towering 
 magnificence of the Lady Mayoress's " head " — some being 
 arranged a la Oylele, others a la Gorgonne, or a la Venus. 
 Prom the early hour we have mentioned until the arrival of 
 the Lord Mayor, a constant succession of carriages, hack- 
 ney-coaches, and sedan-chairs had been setting down before 
 the entrance to the covered passage, discharging their 
 freights of silks and satins, hoops, lace, feathers, and other 
 
48 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 finery, and then making their way back as well as they 
 could. 
 
 In his over-desire to oblige his friends, Sir Felix Bland 
 had given away a great many more tickets than he ought 
 to have done, and the consequence was, that the galleries 
 were crowded before any of the ladies belonging to the 
 common-councilmen had been admitted. 
 
 The entrance to the covered way before which the Lord 
 Mayor had stopped was decorated with flags and banners, 
 surmounted by the royal arms, with the City arms beneath. 
 Inside was a bar. The passage was of considerable extent, 
 lined with crimson cloth, carpeted, festooned with garlands 
 of artificial flowers, and hung with a profusion of coloured 
 lamps. Preparations, indeed, had been made for generally 
 illuminating the place at night. 
 
 Outside, the entrance to the covered way could be bril- 
 liantly lighted up, while the whole front of the adjacent 
 hall, together with the buildings on either side of the court, 
 were covered with variegated lamps arranged in graceful 
 devices, calculated to produce a very brilliant eflfect. 
 
 The interior of the noble Gothic porch, to which the 
 passage conducted, had quite lost its original character, its 
 architectural beauties being hidden by crimson cloth with 
 which the walls were draped. It had now all the appear- 
 ance of a modern ante-room, or rather a conservatory, being 
 filled with flowering shrubs and exotics. Nothing could be 
 seen of the arch crossing its centre, supported by columns, 
 of its paneled tracery with quatrefoil turns, of the variously 
 sculptured and gilt bosses at the intersections of its groined 
 roof, or of the shield displaying the arms of Edward the 
 Confessor. But though these beauties were shrouded for 
 the moment, much comfort was gained, and it must be 
 owned that t'he vestibule had a very charming appearance. 
 The shrubs and exotics, which formed a beautiful arbour, 
 were carried on to the great hall beyond, and were adorned 
 with variegated lamps, the eff'ect of which, when lighted up, 
 was really magical. 
 
 The stoppage of the state-coach before the door of the 
 covered passage summoned forth three of the aldermen, 
 members of the committee, in their gowns, to receive his 
 lordship as he alighted. They were accompanied by half a 
 dozen common-councilmen in mazarine blue gowns — whence 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 49 
 
 they obtained the nickname of " Mazarines," then commonly 
 applied to them. 
 
 Attended by the aldermen, with his train borne by a 
 page, and preceded by the sword-bearer and mace-bearer, 
 the Lord Mayor traversed the passage until he reached the 
 porch, where several City officials, in their robes, gowns, 
 and bob-majors, were waiting to receive him. Amongst 
 these were Sir Thomas Harrison, the Chamberlain; Sir 
 E/ichard Moreton, the Eecorder; Mr Eoberts, junior, the 
 City Eemembrancer ; and Mr James Chamness, the Chief 
 Huntsman of the City, ordinarily styled the Common Hunt, 
 the City Solicitor, the Comptroller, the two Secondaries, 
 and the Town Clerk. 
 
 Behind, at a respectful distance, stood Mr Towse, the 
 Chief Carver, an enormously stout man, who looked as if he 
 could stow half a baron of beef beneath his capacious waist- 
 coat, and who might have personated one of the giants of 
 the neighbouring hall without stuffing. Mr Towse was at- 
 tended by three sergeant- carvers, almost as broad across the 
 shoulders and as round about the waist as himself. The 
 sergeant-carvers were habited in the costume of Henry the 
 Eighth's time. 
 
 A little farther to the rear of these robustious person- 
 ages, and drawn up in lines, stood three sergeants of the 
 chamber and two yeomen of the chamber, with the sword- 
 bearer's man, the common- crier's man, the beadles, and 
 other attendants. 
 
 While Sir Gresham was conferring with the Recorder 
 and Chamberlain, the party was increased by the arrival of 
 the sheriffs, Alderman Beckford, Sir Felix Bland, and the 
 late Lord Mayor. Sir Matthew Blakiston was somewhat 
 past the middle term of life, though there were few marks 
 of age about him. He was stout of person as beseemed a 
 civic dignitary, and possessed a pleasant countenance and 
 urbane manners. Add to these recommendations great 
 liberality and hospitality, and it will not be wondered at 
 that Sir Matthew's mayoralty had been popular. 
 
 Some little discussion being requisite with the members 
 of the committee as to the arrangements of the day, the 
 Lord Mayor, in order to be more at his ease, took off his 
 gown, leaving it with his attendants, but he was still in the 
 vestibule, engaged in conversation with Mr Beckford, when 
 
 4 
 
60 THE LORD MAYOK OF LONDON. 
 
 three ladies, evidently of high rank, resplendent with dia- 
 monds, and distinguished alike for grace, beauty, and mag- 
 nificence of attire, were seen advancing along the passage, 
 preceded by two ushers, carrying white wands. 
 
 " "Whom have we here ? " exclaimed Alderman Beckford. 
 " Unless my eyes deceive me, these are three of our chief 
 court beauties — the Duchess of Bichmond, Lady Kildare, 
 and Lady Pembroke. They have come early." 
 
 " I begged them to do so," cried Sir Eelix Bland, trans- 
 ported with delight at the appearance of the ladies. "I 
 said it would be impossible to keep places after twelve 
 o'clock, when the great rush would commence ; but up to 
 that hour I would promise them front seats." 
 
 " You promised more than you can perform, Sir Pelix," 
 exclaimed a common-councilman, coming forward. "All 
 the front places are gone." 
 
 " What ! gone already, Mr Judkins ? " said the Lord 
 Mayor. How comes that to pass ? " 
 
 " It is all Sir Felix's fault, my lord," rejoined the angry 
 Mazarine. " He has given away a couple of hundred tickets 
 more than he ought to have done. None of our own ladies 
 can be accommodated. There'll be pretty work with them 
 by-and-by." 
 
 " Odds bobs ! I hope not," rejoined Sir G-resham. " All 
 disturbance must be avoided, if possible. Meantime, the 
 duchess, and the noble ladies with her, must have places 
 assigned them." 
 
 " I don't very well see how that can be accomplished, 
 my lord," rejoined Judkins. 
 
 "But I tell you it must be done, sir," rejoined the Lord 
 Mayor, authoritatively. "About it at once." 
 
 These remarks did not reach the ears of Sir Felix. 
 Hurrying oif, he was by this time bowing to the ground 
 before the superb Duchess of Eichmond, after which he 
 addressed similar profound obeisances to her grace's lovely 
 companions. So enraptured were his looks, so obsequious 
 was his manner, so. high-flown were his compliments, that 
 Lady Pembroke spread her fan before her face to hide her 
 laughter. 
 
 " How fortunate I chanced to be here at the moment of 
 your arrival," he exclaimed, " that I may have the honour 
 ftud happiness of escortiug your grace and their ladyships— 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 51 
 
 tliree graces, if I may venture to use the phrase — to your 
 seats. How amiable of you to come so soon ! " 
 
 " You may say so with truth, Sir Felix, so far as I am 
 concerned," replied the duchess. "It cost me a terrible 
 effort to rise at such an unearthly hour. However, I was 
 resolved to submit to any personal inconvenience rather 
 than lose my place." 
 
 " We should have been here half an hour sooner had not 
 the streets been so excessively crowded, Sir Felix," observed 
 Lady Kildare. 
 
 " Oh ! your ladyship has arrived in the very nick of 
 time," rejoined the little alderman, bowing. 
 
 "I am glad to hear it," observed Lady Pembroke. 
 ** The people at the entrance informed us we were late." 
 
 " Is it possible they ventured to say so to persons of 
 your ladyship's distinction? They can't plead ignorance, 
 for they must have felt — if not otherwise acquainted with 
 the fact — that they had before them persons of the most 
 exalted rank. I'm afraid your ladyship will think us very 
 ill-bred in the City." 
 
 " I can't possibly think so. Sir Felix,'* Lady Pembroke 
 rejoined, " with such a perfect specimen of politeness before 
 me." 
 
 " Tour ladyship quite overwhelms me," he replied, lay- 
 ing his hand upon his heart, and casting down his eyes. 
 " If I felt that I really deserved the compliment, I should 
 be the vainest of mortals." 
 
 " What a droll little creature it is ! " whispered Lady 
 Pembroke, with a laugh, to Lady Kildare. " These citizens 
 are vastly entertaining, though I know most about them 
 from plays, but to-day we shall have an opportunity of 
 studying them from the life. I suppose their manners and 
 customs are vastly different from our own ? " 
 
 " We shall see," returned Lady Kildare. " Here comes 
 another of the aborigines. Ah ! as I live, 'tis Mr Beckford. 
 I vow I didn't know him in his gown." 
 
 As she spoke, the alderman in question came up, and 
 bowed to the three peeresses, with all of whom he appeared 
 to be acquainted. 
 
 " I give your grace welcome to the City," he said to the 
 duchess. "We are much flattered to have guests so fair 
 and of such high degree within our halls." 
 
62 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Like your brotlier alderman, Sir Eelix Bland, you in- 
 dulge in compliments, it seems, Mr Beckford," the duchesa 
 rejoined. " 'Tis the first time I have been at Gruildhall, and 
 I am curious to witness one of your grand civic entertain- 
 ments." 
 
 " I trust your grace will not be disappointed," Mr Beck- 
 ford replied. " Perhaps, as we have royalty and the court 
 with us to-day, we may have a better chance of pleasing 
 you." 
 
 " We have royalty and the court every day," rejoined 
 the duchess, laughing. " Somewhat too much of both, per- 
 haps. What I want to see is a real Lord Mayor and a 
 Lady Mayoress. They tell me your Lord Mayor is a 
 draper ? Can it be true ? " 
 
 " Perfectly true, your grace. And, what is more, he is 
 not ashamed of his calling. We are all traders in the City, 
 you know." 
 
 "Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Sir Felix, "that's very well 
 for you to assert, Mr Beckford — you who are an opulent 
 West India merchant, and come of a gpod family, whose 
 grandsire was Sir Thomas Beckford, sheriff for London in 
 1677." 
 
 " I should have been prouder had I made my own 
 fortune as you have done, Sir Eelix, and as our present 
 Lord Mayor has done, than I am from inheriting one," 
 rejoined Beckford. "As to birth, craving your grace's 
 pardon, it is mere matter of accident.*' 
 
 " And pray, Sir Eelix, what may be your business ? " 
 inquired the duchess. 
 
 " Mine ! " he exclaimed, visibly embarrassed, and having 
 recourse to his snuff-box — " mine ! ha ! ha ! I thought 
 your grace had known it — he ! he ! " And he stuffed an 
 immense pinch into his nostrils. 
 
 " I'll spare my excellent friend the necessity of explain- 
 ing that he is a saddler," observed Alderman Beckford ; 
 "and I'll add for him, what he couldn't so well add for 
 himself, that he has realized a very large fortune by his 
 business." 
 
 " How very extraordinary ! " cried Lady Kildare, laugh- 
 ing. " I wasn't aware till now that people could make 
 large fortunes by selling saddles and bridles." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 53 
 
 "Tour ladyship's coachman could have enlightened you 
 on that point," observed Beckford, dryly. 
 
 " By-the-by, I hear you have rebuilt Ponthill, Mr Beck- 
 ford," observed the duchess, anxious to relieve Sir Pelix by 
 changing the conversation. " 'Twas a thousand pities the 
 fine old place should be burnt down." 
 
 " I have built a finer house in its stead," said Beckford. 
 
 "But at an immense cost," interposed Sir !Felix, who 
 had now recovered from his embarrassment. " Mr Beck- 
 ford has greater philosophy than most of us possess. Your 
 grace shall hear what occurred at the time. I happened to 
 be with him when a messenger, who had ridden post-haste 
 from Wiltshire, brought word that Ponthill Abbey was 
 destroyed by fire. I was dreadfully shocked by the intel- 
 ligence, as your grace will naturally conceive, but what did 
 'Mr Beckford say and do ? Eave and swear, as I should 
 have done ? Nothing of the sort. Quietly taking out his 
 pocket-book, he began to write in it. ' In Heaven's name, 
 what are you doing, my good friend ? ' I cried, at last, 
 provoked by his silence and apathy. 'Merely calculating 
 the expense of rebuilding the house,' he calmly replied. 
 * 'Tis insured for six thousand pounds, and I find it will 
 cost twenty-four thousand more to erect another mansion.' 
 That was all he said about it — he ! he ! " 
 
 " You are a philosopher indeed, Mr Beckford," observed 
 the duchess. " Few persons, under such circumstances, 
 could display so much equanimity. I should not, I'm quite 
 sure." 
 
 " I am not always so calm," rejoined Beckford, laugh- 
 ing. "I am choleric enough on occasion, as those who 
 chafe me can testify. Little matters put me out; great 
 matters never. I can bear misfortunes with fortitude, but 
 petty troubles, which others would disregard, annoy me. 
 I cannot bear ingratitude. I hold it to be the basest of 
 crimes, and when I find it manifested either to myself or 
 others, I lose all patience. From this your grace will 
 conceive what my feelings must have been when our Great 
 Commoner, to whom a nation's gratitude is due, found it 
 needful to resign, and still more when his resignation was 
 accepted." 
 
 " I can quite understand that you were very angry,'* 
 
64 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 replied the duchess, " because I know you to be Mr Pitt's 
 warmest partisan. His defeat, therefore, must have been a 
 severe blow to you." 
 
 "'Twas a blow to the whole country," said Beckford; 
 " but it will recoil, and with additional force, on those who 
 inflicted it." 
 
 " Mr Pitt, I am told, is coming here to-day," observed 
 Lady Pembroke. 
 
 " He is, and your ladyship will see how he will be re- 
 ceived by the citizens," returned Beckford. "They, at 
 least, know how much they owe him. They also know 
 what they owe my Lord Bute, and will probably demon- 
 strate their readiness to discharge their obligations to him." 
 
 "I am malicious enough to hope they may," laughed 
 Lady Kildare, displaying her pearl-like teeth. " The scene 
 would be highly diverting." 
 
 " Tour ladyship is not likely to be disappointed of it," 
 said Beckford. "His Majesty may see enough, and hear 
 enough, to spare us the necessity of further remonstrances." 
 
 "Lord Bute laughs at your remonstrances, Mr Beck- 
 ford," said Lady Pembroke, " and counsels his Majesty to 
 pay no heed to them ; and his lordship being omnipotent 
 just now, all your representations, however forcible, are 
 likely to fall on dull ears." 
 
 "Then we must find other means of obtaining a hear- 
 ing," rejoined Beckford. " Lord Bute does ill to deride 
 the People. He knows not their strength. They have 
 overthrown many a favourite ere now more potent than 
 himself. Mr Pitt is the People's Minister. "Whether their 
 favourite or the royal favourite will prevail in the end, re- 
 mains to be seen. But that my fellow-citizens, though 
 loyal and dutiful in the highest degree, and ever anxious to 
 maintain the true honour and dignity of the Crown, will 
 not be trifled with, I am certain. A poor jest of Lord 
 Bute made Sir Gresham Lorimer Lord Mayor. Another 
 unlucky jest may work his own overthrow." 
 
 " Hold ! hold ! my good friend, you are going sadly too 
 far," interposed Sir Felix. " You will alarm her grace and 
 their ladyships by the violence of your politics. They 
 will think we all share your sentiments, though many of 
 us, myself included, are of a totally different opinion. I 
 have a great respect for my Lord Bute — a very great 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 55 
 
 respect. He has wonderful abilities — wonderful abilities, 
 both as an actor and a statesman." 
 
 " Ay, as his Majesty's father, the late Prince of "Wales, 
 said of him, he would make an excellent ambassador in a 
 court where there is nothing to do. He has ability enough 
 for that," laughed Beckford. " You haven't forgiven me, I 
 see. Sir Pelix, for making known your calling. Pshaw ! 
 man, don't look blank. There's no disgrace in being a 
 saddler." 
 
 " No disgrace, certainly, but, at the same time, nothing 
 to be proud of," rejoined the little alderman, rather nettled. 
 *'So, if you please, sir, we'll say no more on the subject." 
 
 Mr Beckford laughed, and, turning to the Duchess of. 
 Bichmond, begged permission to present her grace and 
 their ladyships to the Lord Mayor ; and assent being in- 
 stantly given, he led them on to the vestibule, where Sir 
 Gresham was standing in the midst of the City dignitaries 
 and officials, and the presentations were made in due form. 
 
 If our Lord Mayor was not distinguished by any remark- 
 able dignity of deportment or peculiar refinement of man- 
 ner — as was scarcely to be expected — he had a great deal 
 of natural good breednig and courtesy, which answered the 
 purpose quite as well ; and being perfectly easy and self- 
 possessed, he was fully equal to the situation, and acquitted 
 himself so well that the fastidious court ladies, who expected 
 to find something ridiculous in his appearance and manner, 
 were surprised and perplexed. They did not suppose a 
 draper could be so well bred. They thought to dazzle and 
 confound him, but they did not succeed. He could not be 
 insensible to their rare personal attractions ; he could not 
 fail to be struck by the courtly grace of their manner ; but 
 neither their rank, the splendour of their beauty, nor the 
 haughtiness of their deportment, produced auy undue eifecfc 
 upon him. Exceedingly affable, he did not lose sight for a 
 moment of the position he had to maintain. 
 
 " Upon my word, the Lord Mayor seems very agree- 
 able," observed Lady Kildare, aside, to Lady Pembroke. 
 "Who would have supposed a draper could be a gentle- 
 man ? " 
 
 " One would think he had been born for his present 
 office, it seems to suit him so exactly,*' rejoined the count- 
 
66 THE LOED MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " I am quite concerned your grace and your ladyships 
 should Lave come so early," remarked Sir dresham to the 
 duchess. " You will find it very tedious, I fear, to M^ait so 
 many hours." 
 
 " Possibly we may, my lord," replied the duchess ; " but 
 then it is to be hoped we shall be rewarded for our pains. 
 "We must try to support the fatigue. People went to the 
 Abbey overnight to view the Coronation, and they tell me 
 this will be quite as fine a sight." 
 
 " Not quite, I fear," returned the Lord Mayor ; " it 
 won't have the advantage of your grace and their ladyships 
 as chief performers in it. 'Tis a pity you can't see the 
 procession. It might have amused you and would have 
 helped to pass away the time." 
 
 " I should have liked that prodigiously," said the 
 duchess. "But we were not invited to Mr Barclay's, 
 where their Majesties and their Eoyal highnesses are going 
 to view the procession." 
 
 "While this conversation was taking place, several other 
 ladies, richly attired, had entered the vestibule, and were 
 now^ presented to the Lord Mayor by some of the aldermen 
 composing the committee, and were very courteously re- 
 ceived by his lordship. 
 
 "We are rather in the way here, I think," said the 
 duchess, with a graceful though formal obedience to the 
 Lord Mayor. " May we trouble you to show us to our 
 places. Sir Eelix ? " 
 
 " I am at your grace's entire disposal," he rejoined, with 
 a bow. " This way, your grace — this way ! " 
 
 He was proceeding with a very consequential air, when 
 he was suddenly stopped by Mr Judkins and a party of 
 Mazarines, all of whom threw very angry glances at him, 
 drawn up before the doorway of the hall. 
 
 " By your leave, gentlemen ! " he cried. " Way for the 
 Duchess of Eichmond, and the Countesses of Kildare and 
 Pembroke. D'ye hear, gentlemen ? — make way ! " 
 
 To his surprise, however, the sturdy Mazarines did not 
 retire. 
 
 " What means this extraordinary conduct, gentlemen ? " 
 lie pursued, growing very red in the face. " Her grace will 
 have a poor opinion of City manners. Permit us to pass." 
 
 " Her grace shall know whom she has to blame for any 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 57 
 
 disappointment she may experience," returned Judkins. 
 " It is not our fault, but yours. Sir Felix, that there are no 
 front places left in the galleries." 
 
 "No front places left ! " exclaimed the little alderman, 
 looking aghast. " 'Sdeath ! I shall go distracted. How can 
 this have happened, Mr Judkins ? " 
 
 "Because you have given away too many tickets, Sir 
 Pelix," replied Judkins. " Two hundred ladies sent in by 
 you have already got seats, and we won't admit any more, 
 be they whom they may. We stand upon our privileges 
 and immunities. We have our own friends to oblige — our 
 own ladies to accommodate. Tou have greatly exceeded 
 your allowance, and will be censured for your conduct at 
 the next court. Had each member of the committee acted 
 as you have done, we should now have fourteen hundred 
 ladies in the galleries — that is, supposing they could accom- 
 modate so many. It's too bad of you." 
 
 " A great deal too bad," chorused the Mazarines. " But 
 we stand upon our rights. No more of your tickets shall 
 pass, Sir Felix." 
 
 " I don't for a moment deny your rights, gentlemen," 
 cried Sir Felix, " I appeal to your good nature — to your 
 well-known gallantry. I implore you to allow her grace 
 and their ladyships to pass. I will find places." 
 
 " There are none to be had, I tell you. Sir Felix," re- 
 joined Judkins. " We regret to appear disobliging and un- 
 courteous to the ladies, but we have no alternative." 
 
 " How can I extricate myself from this horrible dilem- 
 ma! " cried Sir Felix, with a look of distress so excessively 
 absurd that nobody could help laughing at him. 
 
 " Well, we must perforce return, it seems," said the 
 duchess. " We have got our early ride for nothing. We 
 shall know how to trust to your promises in future, Sir 
 Felix." 
 
 " Your grace drives me to despair," he rejoined, with a 
 frenzied look. " I can never survive this disgrace. I shall 
 die on the spot." 
 
 "Not till you have found chairs for us, I trust, Sir 
 Felix," said Lady Pembroke, laughing. " You are bound 
 to see us safely away. It is rather provoking, I must con- 
 fess, to come so far and see nothing." 
 
 " For my part, I shall never forgive Sir Felix," said Lady 
 
58 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Kildare. " I did not expect such treatment from a person 
 of his reputed politeness." 
 
 " We must endeavour to console ourselves by thinking 
 that the spectacle we came to witness is not worth behold- 
 ing," observed Lady Pembroke. " Adieu, Sir Felix. If you 
 design to put an end to your existence, pray don't delay." 
 
 As the duchess and the two countesses turned to depart, 
 the Lord Mayor disengaged himself from the persons by 
 whom he was surrounded, and stepped towards them. His 
 countenance wore a reassuring smile. 
 
 "I hope your grace will pardon me for allowing this 
 matter to proceed so far," he said; "I have done so to 
 punish Sir Felix for his indiscretion. You need be under 
 no apprehension about places, for I have ordered three of 
 the best seats to be retained for you, and they are now at 
 your disposition. But if you have any curiosity to witness 
 the procession — and it is likely to be better than ordinary 
 to-day — and will so far honour me, I will pray you to repair 
 to my house in Cheapside, which is nearly opposite to Mr 
 Barclay's, where you will see everything without inconveni- 
 ence, and can return here when you are so minded." 
 
 "Your lordship is excessively obliging," replied the 
 duchess. " I accept your offer with pleasure ; and I think 
 I may answer for my friends," she added, to the two count- 
 esses, who smilingly assented, and expressed their obligations 
 to the Lord Mayor. 
 
 "The Lady Mayoress and my daughters will be en- 
 chanted to show you every attention," pursued Sir G-resham. 
 " But before proceeding thither, I trust your grace will allow 
 me to show you our ancient hall, of which we citizens are 
 not a little proud. It must never be said that three of our 
 most richly graced court ladies were refused admittance to 
 it. Allow me to attend you." 
 
 " At a sign from his lordship, Mr Judkins and the rest 
 of the common-councilmen, whose demeanour was now to- 
 tally changed, and who were all smiles and civility, drev/ 
 back, and ranged themselves in double file. 
 
 Passing through these lines, a few steps brought the Lord 
 Mayor and his lovely companions into the body of the haU. 
 
 Astonished at the magnificent spectacle that burst upon 
 her, the duchess warmly expressed her admiration, as did 
 the two countesses in equally rapturous terms. We have 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 59 
 
 endeavoured to familiarize the reader -with the ordinary 
 aspect of the hall, but it had now undergone a wonderful 
 metamorphosis, being splendidly decorated in anticipation 
 of the grand entertainment to be given within it. 
 
 On either side large galleries had been erected, the fronts 
 of which were hung with crimson cloth, and otherwise orna- 
 mented. Even at this early hour, as already intimated, 
 these galleries were almost entirely filled by richly-attired 
 ladies, many of them of great personal attraction, whose 
 plumed head-dresses, and the brilliants with which they 
 were ornamented, added greatly to the effect produced by 
 such a galaxy of beauty. 
 
 Cut-glass chandeliers for illumination of the place when 
 evening came on were suspended from the roof, and the 
 royal banner, the banners of the City, with those of the 
 twelve principal companies, were hung from the walls. The 
 great cornice was traced throughout its entire extent by a 
 cordon of uncoloured lamps. Orchestras, capable of con- 
 taining two full military bands, were erected towards the 
 eastern end of the hall. 
 
 Here, upon the platform generally used for the hustings, 
 and now covered with Turkey carpet, the royal table was 
 placed, most sumptuously adorned with gold plate, as well 
 as with a variety of emblematic devices appropriate to the 
 occasion. A superb canopy fashioned of crimson satin, em- 
 broidered with the royal arms worked in gold, covered the 
 seats intended for their Majesties. 
 
 Behind the royal table, stretching across the hall, and oa 
 the right and left, were magnificent side-boards, piled with 
 salvers, flagons, ships of silver, and other plate. 
 
 On either side of the platform, and just where it crossed 
 the body of the hall, were reared lofty stages for the recep- 
 tion of barons of beef, so that these mighty joints might be 
 carved by Mr Towse and his assistants in sight of the whole 
 company. 
 
 Across the lower hustings, a table, richly set, was laid 
 for the Lord Mayor, and the aldermen and their ladies. 
 Three other tables, running down the chamber, all arranged 
 "with exquisite taste, were reserved for the Lady Mayoress 
 and her guests. At the first of these her ladyship herself 
 was to preside ; at the second, or mid-table, Mrs Chatteris ; 
 and at the third, Lady Dawes. 
 
60 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 A wide space here intervened, beyond which were three 
 other long tables, running towards the opposite end of the 
 hall, the upper parts of which were destined for the privy- 
 councillors, ministers of state, foreign ambassadors, and no- 
 bility, while the lower seats were assigned to the Mazarines. 
 
 The Court of Common Council w^ere to dine on tables 
 on the south side of the ball, but below the grand entrance, 
 where the division occurred. The table for the City officers 
 was placed on the north side, under the guardianship of Grog 
 and Magog, who came out magnificently, having been newly 
 painted and gilt for the occasion. The judges and serjeanta 
 were to dine in the old council-chamber. 
 
 VL 
 
 TJNDEE WHAT SINGULAE CIECUMSTANCES THE LOED MATOB 
 MET, AS HE SUPPOSED, HIS LONG-LOST BEOTHEE LAW- 
 EENCE. 
 
 The entrance of the Lord Mayor, and the distinguished 
 party with him, had excited, as might naturally be expected, 
 a very lively sensation in the galleries, as was made mani- 
 fest by a general murmur of applause ; but w^hen his lord- 
 ship and the lovely peeresses passed up the hall and ascended 
 the platform on which the royal table was set, turning round 
 to look at the scene from this advantageous position, the 
 enthusiasm became irrepressible, the whole of the fair be- 
 holders arose en masse, clapping their hands, waving their 
 handkerchiefs, and giving audible utterance to their appro- 
 bation. The ovation was exceedingly gratifying to the Lord 
 Mayor, and he acknowledged it by repeated bows, which 
 tended to prolong the applause. 
 
 At this moment the spectacle was really brilliant. 
 Streaming through the gorgeous panes of the great eastern 
 window, the bright sunbeams fell upon the beauteous 
 occupants of the galleries, tinging their plumes and other 
 portions of their attire with various hues, and giving them 
 the appearance of beds of flowers. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 61 
 
 Viewed from the elevated position on which stood the 
 Lord Mayor and the ladies, the vast chamber, superbly 
 decorated as it was, hung with banners, provided with 
 galleries filled with many of the loveliest women the metro- 
 polis could then boast, furnished with tables laid for some 
 thousands of guests, and all richly laid, — thus viewed, we 
 eay, the hall presented a magnificent coup d'ceil. 
 
 Having enjoyed the charming spectacle, and come in 
 for their own share of the applause resounding from the 
 galleries — having glanced at the arrangements on the royal 
 table, and noted the superb plate on the sideboards — the 
 duchess thanked the Lord Mayor, and begged to retire, as 
 they might be trespassing too much on his time. 
 
 As they were descending the steps leading from the dais 
 to the lower hustings, Lady Kildare expressed a desire to 
 have a nearer view of the giants. Smiling at the request. 
 Sir Grresham good-naturedly led the way towards them. 
 
 While they were contemplating the colossal figures, and 
 listening to Sir Gresham's droll version of the popular 
 legend connected with them, a strange hollow sound, re- 
 sembling a prolonged and dismal groan, was heard, issuing 
 apparently from the interior of the wall behind the figure 
 of Magog. 
 
 The ladies glanced at each other in surprise, and the 
 Lord Mayor paused in his recital. The unearthly sound 
 ceased for a moment, and was then renewed. 
 
 Just in front of the party, at the top of the steps lead- 
 ing to the internal courts, stood a fat, pompous-looking 
 beadle, with a face almost as crimson as his gold-laced coat, 
 and holding a tall staff with a gilt head nearly as big as that 
 of the Corporation mace. 
 
 " What's that ? " cried Sir Grresham, addressing a look 
 of inquiry towards this consequential person. " What's 
 that, I say ? " he repeated. 
 
 But the beadle pretended he heard nothing. The excuse, 
 however, did not avail him, for presently a knocking was 
 heard against a small low door on the right of the arched 
 entrance, and a voice could be distinguished as of some one 
 imploring to be let out. 
 
 " Bless my soul ! some poor fellow must be shut up in the 
 Little Ease ! " exclaimed the Lord Mayor. " Who has done 
 it, Staveley ? Not you, I hope ? " he continued, noticing the 
 
62 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 beadle's confusion, and tliat his cheeks were becoming red- 
 der than ever. 
 
 " "Well, I own I locked him up, my lord," stammered 
 Staveley ; " but I didn't know what else to do with him. I 
 hope your lordship won't be angry." 
 
 " But I am angry — very angry," rejoined the Lord 
 Mayor. " If you have acted without the Chamberlain's 
 warrant — and I'm quite sure no order for confinement in 
 that cell would be given by him on a day like this — you 
 shall smart for it. Who is the person you have dared to 
 imprison ? What offence has he committed ? Speak out, 
 sirrah — no equivocation." 
 
 " I'm very sorry to bave incurred your lordship's dis- 
 pleasure," returned the now crestfallen beadle ; " but I did 
 it for the best. 'Tis a drunken old scoundrel whom I have 
 shut up, my lord — a fellow not worth your right honourable 
 lordship's consideration. The old rascal was employed to 
 lay out the tables, and serve at the banquet, but he made 
 too free with the wine entrusted to him — drinking your 
 lordship's health, as he affirmed — and got drunk, roarin' 
 drunk, my lord — so I locked him up there that he might 
 have a chance to become sober ; and I dare say he's all right 
 now, for he's been there since seven o'clock. That's every- 
 thing about it, my lord. If your lordship desires it, I'll let 
 him out at once." 
 
 " And so you have imprisoned a poor old man in that 
 cell for four or five hours, eh ? " cried the Lord Mayor, very 
 angrily. " Enough to kill him. Tour unwarrantable con- 
 duct will cost you your post, Staveley." 
 
 " I hope your lordship will take a more lenient view of 
 the case," said the beadle, penitentially. " No doubt I've 
 done wrong, since your lordship thinks so. But 'twill be 
 hard to lose my post for a drunken old vagabond. Besides, 
 the old sot aggerawated me by the liberties he took with 
 your right honourable lordship's honoured name. What 
 does your lordship suppose he had the efirontery to as- 
 sert r " 
 
 " ISTay, I can't guess," cried Sir G-resham, impatiently. 
 
 " Imperance couldn't further go. He swore he was your 
 lordship's brother. May I lose my post if he didn't. ' I'll 
 complain of you to my brother, the Lord Mayor,' says he. 
 * That's very well,' says I, ' but I shall lock you up till you 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 63 
 
 alter your tune, my friend.' And I tbought I did quite 
 right." 
 
 " Let liim out without more ado," rejoined Sir Grresham, 
 upon whom his beadle's attempt to justify himself had pro- 
 duced a certain impression. 
 
 Taking a large bunch of keys from his capacious pocket, 
 Staveley unlocked the cell-door, and bawled out, in an au- 
 thoritative tone, " There ! come out, my man, come out! " 
 
 Whereupon, an old man, whose rusty black attire was a 
 good deal disordered, and whose grey scratch-wig had got 
 knocked off during his confinement, crept out on all-fours ; 
 for though, as presently appeared, the aged prisoner was 
 short of stature and round-shouldered, he could not stand 
 upright in the narrow hole into which he had been thrust. 
 
 The old man's appearance was abject and pitiable in the 
 extreme. Besides bearing evident traces of the excess he 
 had committed, his features were stamped with shame and 
 contrition, and he seemed painfully sensible of the degrad- 
 ing position in which he was placed. 
 
 " There, get up ! " cried the beadle, hastily adjusting his 
 dress, and clapping the wig upon his bald head. " Get up, 
 I say, and make an obeisance to the Lord Mayor." 
 
 "The Lord Mayor!" exclaimed the old man, with a 
 sharp cry. " Where is he ? — ha ! " And he would have 
 rushed away, if the beadle had not forcibly withheld him. 
 
 "Don't detain me!" he cried. "I can't face him. I 
 won't." 
 
 " But you must and shall," rejoined Staveley. " You 
 don't go hence till his lordship discharges you, I can promise 
 you. You've got me into trouble enough already with your 
 misconduct. Have you no manners?" he added, shakmg 
 him roughly. " Make an obeisance, I tell you, to the Lord 
 Mayor. Perhaps you'll claim relationship with his lordship 
 now ! " he pursued, in a low decisive tone. 
 
 "Oh no, I won't," replied the old man, beseechingly, 
 but without daring to raise his eyes to Sir Gresham. " I 
 didn't mean it! Don't mention it, I implore you! I waa 
 mad — I retract all I said." 
 
 " I knew you was bouncing," rejoined the beadle, chuck- 
 ling. " But learn to your confusion, you owdacious old 
 braggart, that his right honourable lordship is aware of all 
 you said in defamation of his character." 
 
64 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 "I said nothing derogatory of him, surely ? " rejoined 
 the old man. 
 
 " Tou said you were his brother, and if that ain't dero- 
 gatory and defamatory, I'm a Dutchman and not a British 
 beadle. Down on your marrow-bones and ask pardon." 
 
 " Have pity upon me, and let me go ! " cried the old 
 man. " You don't know how you torture me." 
 
 "Tou richty deserve it for getting me into trouble,'* 
 said Staveley, again shaking him. " Hold up your head, I 
 tell you, and look his lordship straight in the face." 
 
 " I can't! — I daren't ! " cried the old man, covering his 
 face with his hands. 
 
 Meantime, the Lord Mayor was greatly agitated. The 
 more he regarded him, the more convinced he became that 
 the old man was his brother Lawrence, and the shock and 
 surprise of the discovery affected him so powerfully for a 
 few moments, that he could neither speak nor stir. But he 
 presently became calmer, and prepared to carry out the 
 course he judged it right to pursue. 
 
 Many a one might have hesitated to acknowledge a near 
 relative under such circumstances, and could scarcely be 
 blamed for his reluctance. Sir Gresham, however, was not 
 a person of this stamp. He resolved to adopt the proper 
 and the manly course, let the world think, what it might 
 of him. 
 
 Praying the ladies to excuse him for quitting them, and 
 waving to the beadle to stand off, he advanced towards the 
 old man, who still kept his face covered, and patted him 
 affectionately on the shoulder. 
 
 " Why, Lawrence, is it you ? " he said. " Is it you, my 
 poor brother ? "What a meeting is this, after so many years' 
 separation ! " 
 
 The old man trembled violently, and it was some time 
 before he could speak. He then replied in broken accents, 
 and without looking up, 
 
 " Your lordship is mistaken. I am not he you take me 
 for. I have not the honour to be related to you." 
 
 " Come, come, Lawrence ! " cried the Lord Mayor, " I 
 am not to be put off thus. You told yonder beadle you 
 ■were my brother." 
 
 " It appears that I made some such silly boast, my lord ; 
 but my brain at the time was confused with strong drink, to 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 65 
 
 whicli I am not much accustomed. Believe me I am heartily 
 ashamed of myself, and humbly crave your lordship'3 
 pardon." 
 
 " Don't talk about pardon, brother, and don't attempt 
 to deny your relationship. It won't do. You are greatly 
 changed, 'tis true, but I know your voice. Besides, my 
 heart tells me you are my mother's son." 
 
 " Your lordship has a good heart, a very good heart,'* 
 rejoined the old man, " but it deceives you now. I commit- 
 ted a great error in makiug such an improper and ill-judged 
 statement, but I should do still worse to persist in it. Not 
 for worlds would I expose you to the reproach, the just re- 
 proach, of being connected with such a castaway as myself." 
 
 "If I don't fear the reproach, you need not, brother," 
 rejoined the Lord Mayor. " You have been unfortunate, 
 while I have been lucky, that's the only difference between us. 
 If your conduct has been blameless — as I trust it has — you 
 are just as good as myself. Everybody knows my origin. 
 Come, give me your hand, brother — give me your hand." 
 
 " No, no, I won't abuse your lordship's generosity," re- 
 plied the old man, respectfully declining the proflered hand. 
 " How many years may it be," he pursued, " since your 
 lordship has seen the brother for whom you take me ? " 
 
 " Why, forty years and upwards. You know that a3 
 well as I do, Lawrence," said the Lord Mayor. " During 
 all that time I have never even heard of you." 
 
 " Eorty years and upwards ! " sighed the old man. 
 " And your lordship has not seen or heard of your brother 
 during all that time ! Depend on it he is dead. Best sup- 
 pose him so, at all events. I'll answer for it he won't 
 trouble you more. My name is Candish — Hugh Candish— 
 and, as will be evident to your lordship, I am not in very 
 flourishing circumstances." 
 
 *' I see you are not," rejoined the Lord Mayor, brushing 
 away the tear that started to his eyes ; " but it shan't be 
 my fault if you don't do better in future." 
 
 " I must again say that your lordship is the dupe of a 
 too generous nature, and I beseech you to consider well be- 
 fore you proceed further. I have no possible claim on youp 
 bounty. Have I your permission to depart ? " 
 
 " No, no, you shan't go," cried the Lord Mayor. 
 ** Brother, or no brother, you must remain here to-day." 
 
 5 
 
66 THE LOED MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Tour lordsliip is too good ; "but disagreeable remarka 
 will be made if I remain after what has occurred. I came 
 here solely to see your lordship on this your day of triumph, 
 and having accomplished my object, I have nothing more to 
 desire." 
 
 " But I command you — that is, I beg of you to stay," re- 
 joined the Lord Mayor. " Here, Staveley," he cried to the 
 beadle, who had remained within earshot, and had tried to 
 catch what passed between them, " take Mr Candish to my 
 private room, and tell Jennings to give him the best dress 
 he can find — the best dress, d'ye hear ? A good place must 
 be kept for Mr Candish at the table of the common-coun- 
 cil—" 
 
 "A place at the common-councilmen's table, my lord! 
 Did I hear your lordship aright ? " exclaimed the astounded 
 beadle. 
 
 " You did, sirrah. And I counsel you to see my orders 
 Btrictly attended to. Mr Candish is to go where he likes, 
 and do what he pleases ; but if he'll follow my advice, he 
 won't take any more wine before dinner." 
 
 " Nor after dinner, my lord, except one glass to pledge 
 your lordship's health." 
 
 " Good-bye, brother," said Sir Grresham, in a low tone. 
 ** 1 fully comprehend and respect the motives that induce 
 you to practise this concealment, but I can only submit to it 
 to-day. To-morrow you must no longer be Hugh Candish, 
 but Lorry Lorimer, as of old. I shall look out for you on my 
 return from Westn>inster. Once more, good-bye. "What ! 
 won't you give me your hand now ? " 
 
 " I daren't, my lord. I am not worthy to take it." 
 
 "Tut! tut! have done with this nonsense!" cried Sir 
 Gresham, seizing the old man's head, and grasping it cor- 
 dially. 
 
 Eor the first time the latter raised his eyes, and fixed 
 them upon the Lord Mayor with a look of unutterable gra- 
 titude and admiration. 
 
 " Well, I'm blessed if this don't beat anything I ever 
 saw or heard of," moralized the beadle. " A Lord Mayor 
 shaking hands with a pauper, ordering him a fine suit of 
 clothes, and a place at the common-council table. Things 
 have come to a pretty pass ! " 
 
 But he was recalled to a sense of duty by the Lord 
 
^ 
 
 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 67 
 
 Mayor, wlio once more consigned tlie old man to his care, 
 and turned to rejoin the ladies ; thinking, as he went, how he 
 would make the rest of his poor brother's days comfortable. 
 
 Candish went away quietly enough with the beadle, who 
 had now entirely altered his deportment towards him ; but 
 as they were traversing a passage leading to the old council- 
 chamber, the old man discerned a means of flight through a 
 door opening upon the street at the back of the hall, and 
 immediately availed himself of it and ran oif, more quickly 
 than might have been expected. 
 
 Staveley called to him to stop, but in vain. When he 
 got to the door, the old man had disappeared. 
 
 " Was there ever such an aggerawating old rascal ! " ex- 
 claimed the beadle. " "What shall I say to his lordship ? I 
 shall lose my post after all." 
 
 VII. 
 
 OF THE LOED MAYORS PEOCESSION TO BLACKFRTARS • 
 AND OF THE PAGEANTS EXHIBITED BT THE CITY COM- 
 PANIES. 
 
 " I BEG your grace and their ladyships ten thousand 
 pardons," cried Sir Gresham, as he returned to them. "A 
 strange circumstance has just occurred to me — though it 
 wouldn't interest you to hear it. Ah ! Sir Pelix," he pur- 
 sued, to the little alderman, who came up opportunely at 
 the moment, " it must be your business to procure chairs 
 for the conveyance of her grace and their ladyships to my 
 house.. Ofiicers must attend to clear the way. This must 
 be done without loss of time, as the procession will start 
 forthwith, and the ladies desire to see it.' ' 
 
 " My own chariot should be at her grace's service," said 
 Sir Felix, " but I suppose it is absolutely necessary that I 
 should join the procession." 
 
 " Quite necessary," rejoined the Lord Mayor. " You 
 know that very well. Every moment is precious." 
 
 " On this Sir Felix hurried off, while the Lord Mayor 
 
68 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 conducted the ladies to the vestibule. Here it appeared 
 that the Sheriifs, with the Eecorder and Chamberlain, and 
 other of the chief City officers of the Corporation, had al- 
 ready been summoned to their carriages. 
 
 In a few moments more Sir Eelix returned, almost out 
 of breath, stating that the chairs were in readiness, and 
 that the City marshals had undertaken to ride on in 
 advance, so that there should be no possibility of hindrance. 
 
 With many expressions of obligation to Sir Grresham the 
 duchess and her companions then took leave, and were cere- 
 moniously conducted by Sir l^elix and two other aldermen 
 belonging to the committee to the conveyances provided for 
 them, and were borne with great promptitude down New 
 King's- street to the Lord Mayor's residence in Cheapside. 
 
 Intelligence of their arrival being communicated to the 
 Lord Mayor by the upper City marshal on his return to 
 Guildhall-yard, his lordship at once issued his commands 
 that the procession should start, whereupon the aldermen 
 entered their carriages. 
 
 At last the Lord Mayor himself was summoned by the 
 ushers, and with the same pompous formalities which had 
 marked his entrance to the hall, his train being borne by a 
 page, and the sword and mace carried before him, he re- 
 entered his state-coach, amid flourishes of trumpets, which 
 made the court resound with their clangour, while his chap- 
 lain and the three officials resumed their places beside him. 
 
 Meanwhile the sixty poor liverymen of the Merchant 
 Tailors' Company, in scarlet and puce hoods and gowns, had 
 quitted their station in the piazza, and advanced towards the 
 head of the -procession, which, when the long train was put 
 in motion, was considerably beyond Bow Church. These 
 liverymen marched three and three. 
 
 They were, however, preceded by six peace-officers 
 to clear the way, and followed by a like number of javelin- 
 men. Then came the marshal of the Merchant Tailors' 
 Company bearing the shield of the arms of England, suc- 
 ceeded by four stavesmen of the company, with their badges 
 of office. 
 
 Next came the band of the Grenadier Guards in full 
 regimentals, playing lively tunes as they marched along. 
 After them was borne the royal standard, the arms of the 
 Merchant Tailors' Company, the arms of the City of Lou- 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 69 
 
 don, the arms of the Lord Mayor, with those of the other 
 distinguished members of the company. Next came the 
 barge-master, a very portly personage, in his state-dress, 
 supported by watermen in scarlet and puce liveries. 
 
 Preceded by the beadle in his gown, came the clerk of 
 the company in a chariot, followed by the gentlemen of the 
 livery, the gentlemen of the court of assistants, the wardens 
 in their carriages, and the prime warden, Mr Braybroke, in 
 his chariot, attended by his chaplain. On either side of the 
 governors of this wealthy and important company walked 
 watermen and other attendants in livery. 
 
 But it was not so much upon the wardens and prime 
 warden that the gaze of all the spectators was turned as on 
 the pageant following them, which was intended to repre- 
 sent the coat armour of the company, and consisted of a 
 large tent royal, gules, fringed and richly garnished, or, lined, 
 faced, and doubled, ermine. This tent was fixed upon a 
 large and elevated stage, on which sat several richly-habited 
 figures, amongst whom was the renowned Sir John Hawk- 
 wood, the valiant Condottiere of Edward the Third's day, 
 originally a tailor, but who, according to old Puller, turned 
 his needle into a sword and his thimble into a shield, and so 
 distinguished himself at Poitiers and in the Italian wars, 
 that the Merchant Tailors are, with good reason, proud to 
 number him among their ranks. On either side of the tent, 
 on a smaller stage, stood a camel ridden by an Indian, form- 
 ing the supporters of the company's arms. 
 
 This pageant, which was much admired, was followed by 
 the banners and standards, with the various ofiicers of the 
 Ironmongers' Company, concluding with the master in his 
 chariot. 
 
 Then came a second pageant, representing the Lemnian 
 forge with Vulcan at work at it, aided by the Cyclops. 
 Fanned by a gigantic pair of bellows, a fire was kept blazing 
 in the furnace, while the anvil rang with blows of the ham- 
 mer dealt by swart old Mulciber and his brawny and smoke- 
 begrimed companions. 
 
 The Ironmongers were followed by the Skinners, and a 
 pageant was exhibited by the latter that caused infinite di- 
 version. It represented a great number of Avild animals, 
 lions, tigers, leopards and panthers, sables and beavers ; but 
 in the midst of these stuffed specimens was a great living 
 
70 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 bear, who climbed up a pole, and performed sundry ether 
 tricks, to the great amusement of the beholders. 
 
 Next came the Haberdashers, whose pageant was placed 
 on a very long stage, and represented a number of shops, 
 where milliners, hosiers, and other dealers in small commo- 
 dities, served. This pageant gave the greater satisfaction, 
 inasmuch as the actors in it distributed their wares, accom- 
 panied by small papers of tobacco, gratis among the crowd. 
 
 Next came the Yintners, who exhibited a very grand 
 mythological piece, the Triumph of Bacchus, and this might 
 have been better received if the spectators could have shared 
 the flowing cups perpetually drained by the tipsy revellers. 
 
 The fishmongers displayed a statue of St Peter, richly 
 gilt, with a dolphin, two mermaids, and a couple of sea- 
 horses. The Clothworkers introduced Jack of Newbury, 
 the famous Berkshire clothier, in the dress of the sixteenth 
 century, surrounded by peasants in costumes of the same 
 period, dancing to the music of pipe and tabor. In front of 
 this pageant was the golden ram, the crest of the company. 
 
 The Armourers were distinguished by an archer stand- 
 ing erect in a richly gilt car, with a bow in his left hand and 
 a quiver over his shoulder. The Grocers exhibited a camel 
 with a negro on its back, between two baskets full of gro- 
 ceries and dried fruits, which the tawny rider scattered right 
 and left, and for which the bystanders struggled and 
 fought. 
 
 All these pageants found great favour with the multitude, 
 but they were quite outdone by the Brewers, who displayed 
 two enormous wicker-work figures, each fifteen feet high, 
 having great paunches, grotesque visages, and extraordinary 
 costumes, intended to represent the giants Colbrand and 
 Brandamore. Seated in open chariots, these sociable Titans 
 smoked their pipes, quaffed ale out of mighty pots, and ban- 
 died jests with the bystanders. 
 
 The procession would have appeared somewhat tame 
 after the pageants which constituted the most popular part 
 of the show, had not the spectators been enlivened by the 
 music of a second grand military band. 
 
 Then came the Lord Mayor's beadles in their state 
 liveries, the barge-master in his state dress, bargemen with 
 the sheriffs' banners, watermen with various colours, the two 
 under-sheriffs, the City Solicitor, the Bemembrancer, thq 
 
THE LOftD MAYOR OF LONDON. 71 
 
 Comptroller, the two Secondaries, tlie four Common Pleaders, 
 the Common Serjeant, the Town- Clerk, and the Chamber- 
 lain. On either side of them were mounted peace-officers, 
 and they were followed by the mounted band of the Life 
 Guards. 
 
 Next came the ancient Herald of England in his tabard 
 and plumes. Then three trumpeters riding abreast, in rich 
 dresses, with their clarions decorated with flags. After them 
 rode a guard, followed by a standard-bearer on horseback in 
 half-armour, bearing the banner of his knight. 
 
 To him succeeded two esquires, riding together and 
 bearing shields ; and after them, between two yeomen of the 
 guard, rode an ancient knight, mounted on a richly-capari- 
 soned steed, armed cap-a-pie in a suit of polished steel, and 
 carrying a battle-axe. Behind the knight came two ar- 
 mourers with a mounted guard. 
 
 Next came Mr Sheriff Nash in his state chariot, drawn 
 by four horses, followed by three trumpeters and a mounted 
 guard. Then came other standard-bearers and esquires, 
 followed by a second knight, equipped like the first, and 
 similarly attended. 
 
 Next came Mr Sheriff Cartvvright in his state chariot, 
 followed by the aldermen who had not passed the chair, 
 amongst whom were our friends Mr Beckford and Sir Felix 
 Bland. Then came the Eecorder, and after him the aldermen 
 who had served the office of Mayor. After them the late Lord 
 Mayor, Sir Matthew Blakiston, in his chariot. Then more 
 trumpeters, another standard-bearer, esquires, yeomen of the 
 guard, and a third knight, sheathed, like those who had 
 gone before him, in complete steel. 
 
 More armourers succeeded, more trumpeters on horse- 
 back, more mounted guard, another standard-bearer, two 
 more esquires, and then a fourth knight in a suit of brass 
 scale armour. 
 
 After him rode three trumpeters, and then came the 
 Lord Mayor's servants in their state liveries ; tall fellows, 
 each above six feet in height, picking the way through the 
 mud in their thin shoes, and getting their salmon-coloured 
 silk hose bespattered by it. 
 
 To these gorgeous lacqueys, who did not seem to relish 
 the part assigned them in the procession, succeeded another 
 military band j after which, on his proudly caparisoned steed, 
 
72 THE LORD MAYOR OR LONDON. 
 
 came the upper City Marslial, accoutred as previously de- 
 scribed, and carrying his long baton with the air of a field- 
 marshal. 
 
 Preceded by the gentlemen of his household, and follow- 
 ed by a guard of honour, our Lord Mayor came next in his 
 state-coach. 
 
 As his carriage turned into Cheapside, Sir Gresham 
 directed liis gaze towards his own house, and remarked with 
 great satisfaction, and we are bound to admit with some 
 little pride, that among the large assemblage on the balcony 
 were the duchess and the two lovely countesses. 
 
 As may be supposed, the Lady Mayoress and her two 
 elder daughters were sedulous in their attentions to their 
 distinguished visitors. Millicent, as usual, was in the back- 
 ground, and her new-found cousin, Prue, was standing be- 
 side her. Tradescant and his fashionable companions were 
 likewise there, and several of the latter were grouped be- 
 hind the court beauties, striving to amuse them with their 
 jests. But though he searched for him. Sir Gresham could 
 nowhere discover his nephew, Herbert. 
 
 Graced as it now was, the balcony presented a very 
 brilliant appearance, and Sir Gresham could not repress a 
 feeling of elation as he ran his eye over it, and acknowledged 
 the salutations of the duchess and her companions. Had 
 he discerned the tears that started to Millicent' s eyes he 
 would have been more deeply moved. 
 
 But indeed the sight of the old house under its pre- 
 sent aspect excited many mixed emotions in his breast. He 
 thought of days long, long gone by, when he had first known 
 it, and had little dreamed of the honours and dignities in store 
 for him. He saw himself as the poor 'prentice behind the 
 counter, and heard his kind old master commend his zeal and 
 industry, and tell him if he went on thus he would be sure to 
 prosper, and might in time become Lord Mayor of London. 
 Well, the worthy man's prediction was now fulfilled. 
 He had prospered, and was become Lord Mayor. Yet there 
 was something saddening, even at that moment of exalta- 
 tion. He had been happier as the poor 'prentice, with his 
 way to make in the world, than now that the utmost object 
 of his ambition was attained, and he was seated in his gilt 
 coach, with the acclamations of his fellow-citizens ringing ia 
 his ears. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 73 
 
 So absorbed was be by tbese reflections that tbe sbouts 
 of the bystanders fell unheeded on his ears, and Dr Dipple, 
 noticing his abstraction, deemed it prudent to arouse him 
 by calling his attention to a large and crowded scaffold, 
 erected on the west side of Bow Church by the Goldsmiths* 
 Company. The bells of the church were pealing merrily. 
 
 " I have not heard those bells ring so blithely since my 
 wedding-day," observed Sir Gresham, " and that's live-and- 
 thirty years ago." 
 
 "That was a happy occasion, my lord," rejoined Dr 
 Pipple ; " but this is a happier and a prouder." 
 
 " A prouder occasion, certainly. Doctor," returned the 
 Lord Mayor ; " but I'm not so sure that it is happier than 
 the former. Then, having obtained the object on which I 
 had set my heart, I deemed myself the most fortunate of 
 men, and was, or fancied myself, perfectly happy. Now my 
 ambition is fully gratified, and yet there are drawbacks to my 
 complete felicity. How do you account for this. Doctor ? '* 
 
 " I can't account for it at all," returned the chaplain, 
 "unless your lordship has some secret cause for anxiety of« 
 which I am totally ignorant." 
 
 " I have nothing whatever to trouble me, my good sir." 
 
 " Then I own I am fairly puzzled. But we won't pur- 
 sue the subject. Do those decorations meet with your lord- 
 ship's approval ? " he added, glancing at a house on the 
 opposite aide of the street, the balcony of which was hung 
 with crimson damask, and otherwise sumptuously adorned, 
 having been fitted up in this manner for their Majesties by 
 the committee of aldermen, who had engaged the premises 
 for the occasion." 
 
 " The balcony has a handsome effect, and I trust it will 
 please their Majesties," replied the Lord Mayor. "Ah! 
 there is Mr Barclay himself," he added, bowing to a gentle- 
 man who stepped out at the moment on the balcony. 
 
 Not only was Mr Barclay's house richly decorated in 
 anticipation of his royal visitors, but almost every other 
 habitation on either side of the way was similarly orna- 
 mented. Carpets and rich stuffs of various colours were 
 hung from the windows, producing a very gay effect. More- 
 over, in several places galleries were erected, rising tier 
 above tier to the very roofs of the houses, every seat within 
 them being occupied. 
 
74 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Each of the twelve great City companies had a stand 
 reserved for its rulers and liverymen, and distinguished by 
 its banners. The Goldsmiths, as already mentioned, had a 
 scaffolding near Bow Church. The Grrocers had planted 
 themselves at the corner of Eri day-street, and the Skinners'^ 
 near Wood-street ; while the Salters and the Mercers had^ 
 fixed their stands on either side of Newgate- street where it 
 opens into Cheapside. 
 
 The procession took its way through St Paul's Church- 
 yard, at the eastern end of which the scholars of Christ's 
 Hospital had a stand, while at the top of Ludgate-hill the 
 Ironmongers and Cloth workers had scaffolds. Between 
 them, amid tremendous cheers, passed the procession, and 
 80 by the east side of the Eleet — not as yet covered in — to 
 Blackfriars. 
 
 The enthusiastic greetings that welcomed our Lord 
 Mayor throughout the whole route made it impossible to 
 doubt the regard entertained for him by his fellow-citizens 
 of every degree. Not only was he cheered by the gaily- 
 dressed folk stationed at the open windows, or on the numer- 
 ous scaffoldings, and who waved hats and handkerchiefs and 
 shouted lustily as he passed by, but he was equally well re- 
 ceived by the common folk, who by their demonstrations of 
 good will evinced their satisfaction. They could only be 
 kept back by the train-bands who lined the way from ap- 
 proaching the state-coach, and trying to shake hands with 
 him. 
 
 Luckily there was no tumult — nor did anything occur 
 to disturb the good humour of the mob. They were pleased 
 with the pageants, which they w^ere told had been revived 
 for their special delectation; they were pleased with the 
 procession generally ; but most of all they were pleased with 
 the Lord Mayor. The acclamations raised for him in 
 Cheapside were carried on to St Paul's, and thence without 
 interruption to Blackfriars. What with the crowds, the 
 continuous shouting, the ringing of bells, the firing of guns, 
 and the waving of hats and handkerchiefs, the scene waa 
 wonierfully exciting. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDOIT. 75 
 
 VIII. 
 
 HOW THE LOED MAYOR WENT TO WESTMINSTER BY WATER, 
 AND WHAT OCCURRED DURING THE PASSAGE. 
 
 PoRTUNATELY for the display on the river, it was liigli 
 tide at the time ; and fortunately also, there was no wind, 
 so that the surface of the stream, being perfectly unruffled, 
 and somewhat clearer than it is in these days, mirrored back 
 the numerous gilded barks by which it was covered. 
 
 The City barge, with its double banks of rowers in rich 
 liveries, in carved and burnished wood-work, the rich hang- 
 ings of its stately cabin, the broad silken banner in front 
 displaying the City arms, and the numerous pennants be- 
 decking its roof, flamed like the Venetian Bucentaur. 
 
 Nor were the barges belonging to the City companies 
 inferior in size and splendour to that destined for the recep- 
 tion of the Lord Mayor and the great civic dignitaries. 
 Newly gilt and decorated for the occasion, decked with pen- 
 nons and displaying their banners, they were all provided 
 with bands, and manned by watermen in their liveries. 
 
 At the helm of each of these magnificent barks, which 
 glittered in the sunbeams as if made of gold, stood the 
 barge-master in his state livery. 
 
 To several of them a fantastical appearance was given by 
 the actors in the pageants exhibited in the land procession 
 being taken on board, and so placed that they could be seen 
 by the occupants of the numerous wherries by which the 
 river was croAvded. Thus, the two giants, Colbrand and 
 Brandamore, having quitted their chariots, were now com- 
 fortably seated on the roof of the gilded saloon of the 
 Brewers' barge, smoking their pipes, and occasionally drink- 
 ing to the health of the good folks in the wherries. 
 
 Sir John Hawkwood, leaning on his two-handed sword, 
 stood at the prow of the Merchant Tailors' barge ; St Peter 
 took the Fishmongers under his care ; Vulcan and the Cy- 
 clops went on board the Ironmongers' galley ; and Bacchus 
 and his crew revelled with the Vintners. 
 
 The Skinners were rowed by watermen disguised in 
 
76 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 strange spotted skins and painted hides, while their great 
 brown bear, chained upon the cabin roof, continued to 
 clamber up his pole. 
 
 These superb vessels, which, including those belonging 
 to the lesser companies, amounted to more than twenty, 
 were now drawn up in a wide half-moon round Blackfriars- 
 stairs, close to which the Lord Mayor's barge w^as moored, 
 and made a most brilliant display. 
 
 Within this semicircle no wherries or other craft were 
 now allowed to enter, but outside of it thousands of boats 
 hovered, filled with well-dressed persons, eager to view the 
 aquatic procession. In fact, the whole reach of the river, 
 from Queenhithe, past Paul's Wharf and Baynard's Castle, 
 to the Temple-stairs, was thronged with well-laden barks of 
 every kind. The lighters moored to the banks were covered 
 with spectators, as were the wharves on either side, together 
 with every building or projection that seemed to offer a 
 tolerable point of view. 
 
 Just before the period of our story, the building of 
 Blackfriars Bridge had been commenced, though as yet little 
 progress had been made. However, an unfinished arch af- 
 forded a commanding view of the scene, and was consequent- 
 ly crowded, though the position seemed very perilous. 
 
 Bridewell Dock, as this part of the Fleet Ditch was 
 termed, had not then been filled up, and all the vessels 
 within it, with the quays and buildings on either side — 
 shortly afterwards demolished — were thronged. 
 
 Before the state-coach drove up to Blackfriars-stairs, 
 under the skilful guidance of Mr Keck, the watermen who 
 had marched in the procession with the Eecorder and Cham- 
 berlain, the Sheriffs, the Aldermen, and the chief City 
 officers, had entered the barge, so that the Lord Mayor ex- 
 perienced no delay, but, on alighting, was ceremoniously 
 conducted across a railed gangway to the stately vessel pre- 
 pared for him. 
 
 Just as he stepped within it a salute was fired from 
 Baynard's Castle, and another from the opposite bank of 
 the river, while loud and reiterated cheers burst from the 
 spectators on all sides, caught up and re-echoed by those on 
 the river, who could not even see what was going on. At 
 the same moment the bands of the different barges struck 
 up, while the watermen looked out for the signal to start. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 77 
 
 As soon as the Lord Mayor and his retinue were on 
 board, the gorgeous vessel was pushed off; the barge-master 
 telegraphed to the convoy around him, and in another mo- 
 ment the whole company was in motion and dropping into 
 their places. 
 
 The Merchant Tailors took the lead, moving slowly and 
 majestically along. The Skinners and Brewers followed, 
 while in the midst of the dazzling squadron rode the City 
 barge. 
 
 The whole river was now astir. Hundreds of boats 
 accompanied the procession, which they could easily do, the 
 progress of the barges being remarkably easy and dignified, 
 while the lighter and more active craft threaded their w^ay 
 amongst them, or loitered to admire their decorations. 
 
 The spectacle was really magnificent. Moving six 
 abreast, the barges stretched almost across the stream, and 
 what with their splendour, the flags and banners with which 
 they were adorned, the music, and the continuous shouts 
 and acclamations from the occupants of the lesser craft, and 
 the beholders on the banks of the river, the procession 
 resembled some grand triumph. 
 
 In this manner the fleet passed the Temple Gardens, 
 where the unemployed lawyers were collected to look at the 
 show, old Somerset House — the present imposing edifice was 
 not erected until some years later — Salisbury, York, and 
 Hungerford-stairs — each adding to the number of their 
 attendant barks — and at length came in sight of "West- 
 minster Bridge, which had been erected about ten or twelve 
 years, and was pronounced one of the finest bridges in the 
 world. 
 
 "While the Lord Mayor's barge was passing AVhitehall, 
 his lordship, who was frequently obliged to show himself to 
 his admirers and acknowledge their vociferous greetings, 
 noticed amid the wherries thronging around him a small 
 boat rowed by a single waterman, in which sat his nephew, 
 Herbert. He could not be mistaken, for the young man, 
 on perceiving his uncle, stood up and waved his hat. 
 
 Though rather surprised at seeing him there, the Lord 
 Mayor smiled and nodded in return, but his countenance 
 almost instantly underwent a change. A little in advance 
 of his nephew was another boat, pulled by two oarsmen, 
 containing a stout elderly personage with his wife — a 
 
78 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 comely, middle-aged woman— and their daughter. This fat 
 old fellow's name was Walworth. He was a respectable 
 hosier, dwelling in St Mary-axe, well enough to do in the 
 world, and he and his wife were known to Sir Gresham. 
 Alice "Walworth, their daughter, was about nineteen, and 
 possessed considerable personal attractions. 
 
 ]Mr Walworth had got up to salute the Lord Mayor, and 
 was in the act of bowing to him, when a collision took 
 place between his boat and another which came suddenly 
 and swiftly round the head of the barge. Losing his bal- 
 ance, owing to the force of the shock, the old hosier was 
 precipitated into the stream with a tremendous splash. But 
 this was only the commencement of the disaster. Mrs 
 Walworth and' Alice shrieked aloud, and, in their endeavours 
 to rescue him, overbalanced the boat, and in another instant 
 they and its other occupants were in the water. 
 
 The Lord Mayor was greatly alarmed by the accident, 
 and, with some of the aldermen, hastily quitted the saloon 
 to procure assistance. 
 
 Aid was promptly found. Herbert Lorimer succeeded 
 in catching Mrs Walworth before she sank, and consigning 
 her to the care of the waterman who pulled his boat, and 
 who held her till further help could be obtained, he instantly 
 plunged into the stream in search of the younger lady, who 
 by this time had been swept away by the current, and, 
 though many an^ arm had been put out to arrest her, had 
 disappeared. 
 
 Herbert, however, did not despair of saving her. He 
 was an excellent swimmer, and noting the place where she 
 had sunk, he dived, and presently returned to the surface 
 sustaining her with one arm, while with the other he kept 
 her from again sinking until a boat came to their aid. 
 
 Meantime, the other persons whose lives had also been 
 placed in jeopardy met with a happy deliverance. The two 
 watermen escaped with a ducking, as indeed did old Wal- 
 worth himself, who was hooked up by the barge-master, and 
 taken on board the City barge, where Mrs Walworth was 
 shortly afterwards brought by the Lord Mayor's directions. 
 
 Their anxiety respecting their daughter was speedily 
 relieved by the shouts that hailed the successful issue of 
 Herbert's gallant attempt, and in another minute Alice was 
 delivered to them by her preserver. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 79 
 
 IX. 
 
 THE la:n^ding at westminstee. 
 
 EvEET possible attention that circumstances would 
 permit was paid by the Lord Mayor and tbose with him to 
 Mrs Walworth and her daughter. Notwithstanding their 
 uncomfortable plight, drenched to the skin, and with all 
 their finery spoiled, both ladies bore up against the annoy- 
 ances with great cheerfulness. 
 
 Poor Mr "Walworth looked a very miserable object. 
 Dripping like a water-spaniel, having lost his laced hat and 
 bob-wig in the water, he was next compelled to take off his 
 wet muslin cravat. A glass of ratafia helped to restore 
 him, and he pressed the same remedy upon his wife, who, 
 however, could not be prevailed upon to follow his example. 
 
 Great was the surprise of Mrs Walworth and her 
 daughter to learn that the young man, to whose heroic con- 
 duct they were so much indebted, was the Lord Mayor's 
 nephew, and, indeed, this circumstance was equally surpris- 
 ing to most of the company within the barge, as they learnt 
 for the first time that his lordship had a nephew — only Sir 
 Pelix Bland, Mr Beckford, and a few others, who had seen 
 Herbert in Cheapside, being aware of the fact. The 
 knowledge of the young man's relationship to Sir Gresham 
 certainly did not tend to diminish the interest with which 
 Alice regarded him, while it seemed to increase her father's 
 gratitude in a tenfold degree. 
 
 " Don't say a word more, my good Mr Walworth," cried 
 Sir Gresham, cutting short the old hosier's professions ; " if 
 you and the ladies don't suffer from the accident, its conse- 
 quences may prove agreeable rather than the reverse. As 
 the best preventive I would recommend a glass of ratafia 
 to Mrs Walworth" — her husband had already tossed off a 
 second — " 'tis an excellent fortifier, my dear madam — all 
 the ladies take it. Won't you pledge my nephew and my- 
 self. Miss Walworth ? " Alice smiled good-naturedly, bowed 
 in return to their salutations, and raised the glass to her 
 lips, but set it down untasted. " Ah ! I see ! " exclaimed 
 
80 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Sir Gresham, shaking his head. "Well, if you take cold it 
 will be your own fault. Herbert, your good health ! My 
 nephew is nearly as great a stranger to me, Mr Walworth, 
 as he is to you. I never saw him before this morning, but 
 I don't mean to lose sight of him again in a hurry, I can 
 promise you. His conduct on this occasion won't lower 
 him in my regard." 
 
 " Your nephew is a very fine young man, my lord," 
 cried Mr Walworth, upon whom the cordial, combined with 
 his previous ducking, had produced some little eftect — " a 
 very courageous young man, and I'm sure he will do your 
 lordship infinite credit. I shall always consider myself 
 under the greatest possible obligations to him, and to your 
 lordship. And so will you, my dear — won't you ? " he 
 added to Mrs Walworth. " Take a glass of ratafia — do ! " 
 
 But the lady declined, and looked at him to intimate 
 that he had taken quite enough himself. 
 
 "I'll tell you what you must do, Mr Walworth," said 
 the Lord Mayor, " to compensate for the annoyance you 
 have experienced, and enable you to wind up the day pleas- 
 antly, you and your wife and daughter must come and dine 
 with the Lady Mayoress and myself at Gruildhall. What 
 say you — eh ? " 
 
 " Oh ! my lord, you do us too much honour ! " exclaimed 
 the old hosier, delighted. 
 
 " You shall see their Majesties and the young Princes, 
 and dance at the ball, Miss Walworth," pursued good- 
 natured Sir Gresham. " I'll find you plenty of partners. 
 My nephew looks as if he could dance — " 
 
 "Oh yes, uncle," interposed Herbert, " I can dance a 
 minuet as well as most people." 
 
 " Then you shall dance one with Miss Walworth — that 
 is, supposing she will accept you as a partner." 
 
 "I need scarcely say it will give me great pleasure to 
 dance with your nephew, my lord," replied Alice, blush- 
 ing 
 
 "Then all's settled. Tickets shall be sent you, Mr 
 Walworth, and if I may advise, you'll get home as quickly 
 as possible and put on dry clothes." 
 
 " Precisely what I desire to do, my lord," replied the 
 other. " If I don't change soon I know what will happen. 
 I shall have an attack of rheumatism, that will lay me up 
 
T]IE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 81 
 
 for a month. My coat is beginning to stick to my back, 
 and my legs feel as stiff as if cased in leather." 
 
 " But you mustn't think of taking a coach," said the 
 Lord Mayor. "If you do, you won't reach the City for 
 hours. A boat to Three Crane Stairs will be the speediest 
 and surest conveyance. Go with Mr Walworth, Herbert,'* 
 he added to his nephew. " You stand as much in need of 
 dry apparel as he does. And harkee," he whispered, 
 you'll find what you want at my house. Gro there at once. 
 Tradescant's wardrobe will furnish you with all you need. 
 He's about the same size as yourself, and his clothes are 
 sure to fit you. Don't hesitate to put on one of the young 
 coxcomb's smartest suits, for I wish you to cut a figure to- 
 night. You're to dine at Guildhall — mind that. Tomline 
 will give you a ticket, and tell you all about it. D've 
 heed?" 
 
 Herbert thanked his uncle, and a wherry coming along- 
 side, the party got into it, and as soon as the oarsmen could 
 disengage their skiff from the crowd of boats that beset it, 
 they were piilled swiftly down the river. 
 
 Meantime, the City barge, which had been delayed 
 during this interval, proceeded on its course, and passed 
 safely through the centre arch of Westminster Bridge, 
 amid the acclamations of the multitudes looking down from 
 its balustrades. 
 
 Several of the other barges had gone on while the Lord 
 Mayor halted, and these had grouped themselves on the 
 farther side of the bridge, opposite New Palace-yard Stairs, 
 where his lordship proposed to disembark. All their bands 
 were playing, and the spectacle was now as striking as any 
 previous part of the water-pageant. 
 
 While the City barge moved majestically towards the 
 stairs, a salute was fired from one of the wharves on the 
 Lambeth side of the river, and, amidst deafening and long- 
 continued cheers from an immense number of spectators 
 stationed at every point commanding a view, the Lord 
 Mayor landed, and was ceremoniously conducted to West- 
 minster Hall, where he was presented to the Judges of the 
 Court of Exchequer by the Eecorder. 
 
 The Chief Baron having addressed his lordship in a 
 lengthened speech highly eulogistic of the City, the cus- 
 tomary oath was administered. Invitations to the banquet at 
 
82 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Gruildhall were then formally given to the Judges, and 
 accepted ; after which the Lord Mayor withdrew, and re- 
 turned to the barge. 
 
 His lordship was then conveyed to the Temple, where 
 he once more disembarked, and was received in great state 
 by the Master and Benchers of the Inner Temple, with 
 whom he breakfasted in their Hall. 
 
 HOW KINa GEORGE THE THIRD AND QUEEfr CHARLOTTE SET 
 rORTH FROM SAINT JAMES's TO DINE WITH THE LORD 
 MAYOR AT GUILDHALL. 
 
 About noon on the same day, another cavalcade, mov- 
 ing in the opposite direction of the first, set forth from 
 Saint James's Palace. 
 
 King George III. and his consort having, as we are 
 aware, graciously accepted the Lord Mayor's invitation to 
 the banquet at Guildhall, their Majesties started betimes 
 in order to view the civic procession on its return from 
 "VYestminster from Mr Barclay's house in Cheapside, which, 
 as already stated, Avas prepared for their reception. 
 
 At the time of our narrative, George III., whose acces- 
 sion to the throne had occurred on the death of his grand- 
 sire, some thirteen months previously, was a very handsome 
 young man of about three-and-twenty. 
 
 Our notions of the personal appearance of this excellent 
 monarch are so connected with portraits taken at a later 
 period of his life, wherein he is represented as an elderly 
 gentleman, rather stout and slightly bent, with a very 
 benevolent expression of countenance, clad in blue coat and 
 boots with brown tops, and leaning on a cane, that we can 
 scarcely fancy him as tall, upright, well-proportioned, and 
 extremely good-looking. 
 
 Yet he was so at the period of this story. Very tem- 
 perate, and taking a vast deal of exercise, he now looked 
 tlie picture of health. His complexion was fresh and 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 83 
 
 blooming, his eye bright, and his manner, while character- 
 ized by great dignity, was very aiFable and engaging, and 
 offered a pleasing contrast to the cold and haughty deport- 
 ment of his immediate predecessor, George II. 
 
 In spite of his German descent, no monarch ever pos- 
 sessed a more thoroughly English character, or features 
 more truly English, than George the Third. " Born and 
 educated in this country," he said, in his first speech from 
 the throne, " I glory in the name of Briton:" — words that 
 established him in the heart of the whole nation. 
 
 Evidence, confirmatory of his extreme amiability and 
 kindness of manner at this period, is aftorded by Horace 
 "Walpole, who, writing to Sir Horace Mann, says : " The 
 young King, you may trust me, who am not apt to be 
 enamoured with royalty, gives all the indications imaginable 
 of being amiable. His person is tall, and full of dignity ; 
 his countenance florid and good-natured ; his manner grace- 
 ful and obliging; he expresses no warmth or resentment 
 against anybody : at most coldness." Again, in a letter to 
 George Montagu, the same shrewd observer writes : " The 
 King seems all good-nature, and wishing to satisfy every- 
 body ; all his speeches are obliging. I saw him agaia 
 yesterday, and was surprised to find the levee-room had 
 lost entirely the air of the lion's den. This sovereign don't 
 stand in one spot with his eyes fixed royally on the ground, 
 and dropping bits of German news ; he walks about and 
 speaks to everybody. I saw him afterwards on the throne, 
 where he is graceful and genteel, sits with dignity, and 
 reads his answers to the addresses well." 
 
 Such is the picture of this charming Prince, painted at 
 the time by one who, as he described himself, " was not apt 
 to be the Humorous Lieutenant, and fall in love with 
 majesty." 
 
 The fair promise held out by the young King was amply 
 fulfilled during his long and eventful reign, chequered as it 
 was by many vicissitudes, and including the sad afiliction 
 by which he was visited. Solicitude for the welfare of his 
 subjects, unaffected piety, and a character scrupulously 
 moral, combined with worth and goodness, endeared him to 
 all, and earned for him the title of the " Eather of his 
 People." 
 
 That there were shades to his otherwise perfect charao 
 
84 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 ter cannot be denied, but these were lost amid its general 
 brightness. He has been charged with obstinacy, and said 
 to entertain strong and lasting prejudices. It may be so, 
 but at the same time he never yielded to passion or enmity, 
 but sought to be strictly just. !6y nature he was kindly, 
 benevolent, charitable. His household was well regulated. 
 Practising rigid economy himself, he tried to enforce it 
 throughout his household; yet though careful, he was by 
 no means devoid of generosity. His industry was remark- 
 able, his time being never unemployed. Though his mental 
 qualifications were not of a high order, and though his 
 education had been much neglected, he had great good 
 sense, and remarkable correctness of judgment. Strong 
 moral perceptions guarded him alike from temptation, and 
 prevented him from committing wrong. That the days of 
 a monarch so just, so pious, so revered — to whom his peo- 
 ple's happiness was so dear, and for whose preservation so 
 many heartfelt prayers were uttered — should have been 
 temporarily subjected to the direst affliction that can befall 
 man, must ever remain among the inscrutable decrees of an 
 unerring Providence. 
 
 However, it is not with this dark and dread period of 
 his lengthened reign that we have to do, but with its dawn- 
 ing splendour, when fire was in his eye, courage in his 
 breast, and vigour in his limbs — when his mind was sound 
 and his judgment good. We have to do with him in the 
 hey-day of youth and happiness, ere yet care and the weight 
 of empire had begun to press upon him — while all was full 
 of present delight and of hopefulness for the future. 
 
 So admirably did the young King conduct himself in 
 the exalted position he was called upon to fill, so gentle 
 and beneficent was his sway, so amiable was his manner, 
 that all hearts would have been won, had it not been felt 
 and indeed known that he had a Favourite, by whom he 
 was ruled, and who, it soon became evident, would be con- 
 tent with nothing less than supreme power in the govern- 
 ment. Many of his most loyal subjects viewed this influ- 
 ence with distrust and apprehension, as likely, if not shaken 
 off", to lead to evil consequences. The cabal formed against 
 Pitt by Bute's machinations, and the resignation of a min- 
 ister justly regarded by the country as its saviour, filled 
 every breast with indignation, and would have materially 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 85 
 
 diminished the young monarch's popularity had not the 
 intrigue been traced to its right source. Perhaps the 
 King might have come in for a greater share of popular 
 opprobrium, had not the untoward event followed close 
 upon his nuptials and coronation. 
 
 That the Favourite w^as fully aware of the opinion en- 
 tertained of him in the City, appears from a letter addressed 
 by him at the time to his confidant. Lord Melcomb : " In- 
 deed, my good lord," he writes, "my situation, at all times 
 perilous, is become much more so, for I am no stranger to 
 the language held in this great city : ' Our darling's resigna- 
 tion is owing to Lord Bute, who might have prevented it 
 with the King, and he must answerfcr all the consequences.' " 
 Such was the Favourite's impression, and we shall see pre- 
 sently that it was warranted. 
 
 No event that had occurred since the young King mounted 
 the throne gave more general satisfaction than his marriage 
 with Charlotte, second sister of the Duke of Mecklenburg- 
 Strelitz. The royal nuptials were celebrated on the 8th of 
 September, 1761 — just two months before the date of our 
 story — and on the 22nd of the same m.onth the coronation 
 of the august pair took place in Westminster Abbey. 
 
 Most fortunate was the King in his choice. His first 
 love had been the beautiful and captivating Lady Sarah 
 Lennox, but compelled to conquer his passion for this fasci- 
 nating person, he turned his thoughts in another direction. 
 By whatever motives he was guided in the selection of a 
 consort, the result showed that he had acted wisely. If he 
 himself made the best of husbands, Queen Charlotte was a 
 model wite and mother. 
 
 In describing her Majesty we have again to contend 
 with preconceived notions, which, referring to a later period 
 of her life, would seem to determine that she must always 
 have been plain, if not downright ugly. Such, however, 
 was not the fact. When united to the King she was very 
 young, being scarcely seventeen, and at that time, and in- 
 deed for many years afterwards, she was attractive in man- 
 ner, and certainly pleasing, if not positively pretty. 
 
 An eye-witness has given an exact portrait of her : " Sho 
 is not tall, nor a beauty," writes Horace Walpole ; *' pale 
 and very thin ; but looks sensible and is genteel. Her hair 
 is darkish and line ; her forehead low, her nose very well, 
 
86 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 except tlie nostrils spreading too wide ; her mouth has the 
 same fault, but her teeth are good." In this portrait, how- 
 ever, a most important feature is omitted, namely, the eyes, 
 Tdiich were fine and extremely expressive, and which liglited 
 up the countenance, and gave a great charm to it in con- 
 versation. Gay and good-humoured, she was without a 
 trace of levity or frivolity of manner. She possessed many 
 accomplishments, played and sang well, was fond of reading, 
 and ever anxious to obtain information. Her conversation 
 was animated, and perhaps she possessed more vivacity than 
 she cared to display. At all events her spirits were under 
 perfect control, and her manner guarded. Her chief aim 
 was to please her royal husband, to whom she invariably 
 showed profound respect. 
 
 About noon, as we have said, and while the Lord Mayor 
 was landing at AYestminster, drums, trumpets, kettle-drums, 
 and obher instruments resounded within the courts of Saint 
 James's Palace, and amid this martial din a troop of Horse 
 Guards, completely equipped, and extremely well mounted, 
 issued from the gates, and took their way slowly past Marl- 
 borough House along Pali-Mall. 
 
 They were followed by a superb coach, drawn by six 
 noble horses, containing the Duke of Cumberland. Attired 
 in a magnificent military costume, and wearing the blue 
 riband and a star, the hero of Culloden looked painfully 
 ill, and as if his days were numbered. At this juncture he 
 was slowly recovering from a severe paralytic attack, which 
 for a time had deprived him of the use of his limbs, and he 
 had other bodily ailments besides. With difiiculty, and 
 only by the aid of two servants, had he been got into his 
 coach. Naturally harsh and repulsive, his features were 
 now swollen and distorted, the mouth being drawn down 
 on the left side, while his bloodshot eyes and truculent 
 looks seemed to justify the epithet of " the Butcher," be- 
 stowed upon him for the severity with which he had treated 
 the unfortunate Scots during the rebellion. The Duke was 
 not popular with the multitude, and very few cheers greeted 
 him as he entered Pall-Mali. Evidently offended at the 
 sullen silence of the throng, and with the looks almost of 
 aversion cast at him by some of them, he scowled fiercely 
 around, and threw himself back in his carriage. 
 
 After another troop of Horse Guards came the Princess 
 
THE LOKD MAYOR OF LONDON. 87 
 
 Amelia in her chariot. Sumptuously attired in silver bro- 
 cade, ornamented with large flowers, and having her head 
 dressed a la Hollandaise, with well-powdered curls at the 
 sides, and large ringlets behind, frilled with ribbons set on 
 with diamonds, her K-oyal Highness presented a very splen- 
 did appearance, and quickly effaced the disagreeable im- 
 pression produced by her morose-looking brother. 
 
 Next followed a newly-fashioned state-coach, differing 
 from the one preceding it, inasmuch as it had a superbly- 
 gilt ducal coronet in the centre of the roof, instead of a 
 coronet at each corner. 
 
 And here we may be permitted to observe that, although 
 our modern equipages are in some respects an improvement 
 upon those of the last century, they are far less elegant in 
 form, and much less easy to ride in. The way in which the 
 old chariots were hung enabled their occupants to recline 
 backwards most luxuriously, while the coachman's box was 
 placed so far off, that a footman could sit between it and 
 the body of the carriage, with his back to the horses — this 
 servant, of course, being merely supplementary to three or 
 four others hanging behind. Moreover, the coaches and 
 chariots belonging to the nobility and persons of wealth 
 and distinction were magnificently painted and gilt, and 
 presented a gorgeous appearance. 
 
 In such a splendid and luxurious vehicle as described, 
 sat, or rather lolled, the Duke of York, a very handsome 
 but indolent-looking young man, whose demeanour and 
 aspect proclaimed him very different in character from his 
 sedate elder brother. Nor did his looks belie him ; the 
 young Duke was greatly addicted to pleasurable pursuits. 
 Attired in white velvet, with a gold brocade waistcoat orna- 
 mented with flowers, and his ruffles and shirt-frill of richest 
 point d'Espagne, and wearing a flaxen peruke, he had the 
 appearance of a splendid roue. Like his uncle of Cumber- 
 land he wore a blue ribband and a star. 
 
 After the young Duke came a roomy state-coach, carry- 
 ing his three brothers, the Princes "William, Henry, and 
 Frederick. The royal youths were dressed in rich suits of 
 various colours, flowered or sprigged of gold, and all three 
 looked very lively, and as if anticipating considerable 
 amusement from their visit to the City. 
 
 After them came twelve footmen in court liveries, wear- 
 
88 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 ing black velvet caps, and then another troop of horse, 
 followed by a coach containing the Princess-Dowager of 
 "Wales and her daughters, the Princesses Augusta and Ca- 
 roline. 
 
 The Princess-Dowager was still exceedingly handsome 
 • — so handsome, indeed, that she could not escape the breath 
 of scandal. Eyes fine and expressive, skin smooth as satin, 
 complexion brilliant — such were her points of beauty ; 
 while time had dealt very leniently with her, as if unwilling 
 to destroy 'so much loveliness. Perhaps art might have 
 some little share in the conservation of her charms. But 
 as to this we forbear to inquire, being content to chronicle 
 the result. This Princess Avas dressed in rich silk, trimmed 
 with gold, and embroidered with green, scarlet, and purple 
 flowers. Her diamonds were very brilliant ; she had them 
 on her stomacher, her necklace, and earrings ; her sleeves 
 were fastened with them, and the sprigs in her hair were 
 formed of the same precious stones. 
 
 Her daughters were charmingly attired in pink and 
 whitft silks, with gold and silver nets, laced tippets, and 
 treble-laced rufiles. Their heads were dressed a I'Anglaise, 
 curled down the sides, powdered and fastened with pink 
 and silver knots — a mode that accorded very well with their 
 bright young faces. 
 
 The Princess-Dowager's carriage was followed by a 
 grand retinue, after which came a chariot containing the 
 Earl of Harcourt, Master of the Horse, and then another in 
 which sat the Duke of Devonshire, Lord Chamberlain, and 
 the Marquis of Rockingham, Chief Lord of the Bedchamber. 
 Next marched the Grrenadier Gruards, and these were suc- 
 ceeded by Yeomen of the Gruard. 
 
 Then followed his Majesty's state-carriage, drawn by six 
 magnificently-caparisoned cream-coloured horses. In it sat 
 the royal pair, chatting together very pleasantly, and both 
 looking extremely cheerful and happy. 
 
 The King, who was by no means so richly dressed as 
 his brother the Duke of York, or even as the younger 
 Princes, wore a blue embroidered velvet coat, on the breast 
 of which glittered a large star set with diamonds ; his waist- 
 coat was of white brocade, ornamented with silver flowers. 
 A plain tie-wig, muslin cravat, lace ruffles, and jabot, com- 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 89 
 
 pleted his costume. Such as it was, his attire suited him 
 remarkably well. 
 
 The Queen was equally unostentatiously arrayed in 
 plain yellow silk, laced with pearls. Her hair, which she 
 wore without powder, was taken back from the brow, curled 
 at the sides and back, and secured by a half-circlet of pearls 
 and diamonds. Her principal ornaments were superb pear- 
 shaped pearl earrings. 
 
 At the corner of Saint James's-street a balcony was 
 erected, which was filled with well-dressed personages of both 
 sexes — beaux, young and old, in flowered velvet, or cloths 
 trimmed with gold, not of the dusky and monotonous hues 
 nojv in vogue, but of every variety of tint, rich brocaded 
 waistcoats, perukes of every possible shape, high foretops, 
 pigeons' wings, bobs, bags, majors, full-bottoms, queues, and 
 Hamilies. 
 
 These gentlemen were too well bred to remain covered 
 in the presence of ladies, but carried their three-cornered 
 laced hats under their arms, and trifled with their snuff*-boxes 
 and clouded canes, though some of the more elderly among 
 them protected their hands from the cold by mufls. 
 
 Here also the female fashions of the day were fully ex- 
 hibited — sacques of silk and satin of all the colours in the 
 rainbow, tabby sacques, white and silver sacques, pink-and- 
 white-striped tobine sacques, and brocaded lustring sacques, 
 with a ruby-coloured ground ; fly caps, Mecklenburg caps, 
 [Ranelagh mobs, turban rolls, and " heads " of the astounding 
 size already described. 
 
 By this courtly assemblage, as might naturally be ex- 
 pected, their Majesties were very M^ell received, though no 
 loud demonstrations were made, but as the royal carriage 
 rolled slowly along the cheering commenced, and was vocifer- 
 ously continued as far as Cockspur-street. Hats and hand- 
 kerchiefs were waved from window and balcony, and the 
 strongest manifestations of loyalty and devotion exhibited. 
 
 Some obstruction occurred at Charing-cross, which 
 brought the cavalcade to a halt, and a stoppage of fall 
 twenty minutes ensued. The King bore the delay with 
 great good-humour, laughed and chatted with the Queen, 
 called her attention to any trifling matter likely to divert 
 her, and repeatedly and graciously acknowledged the cheera 
 of the bystanders. 
 
90 THE LORD MAYOR ^OF LONDON. 
 
 At the time of our story great freedom of speech, as 
 well as of action, was indulged in by the masses, who were 
 exceedingly fond of a jest and a practical joke, and were sel- 
 dom restrained by any sense of decorum i'rom giving way to 
 their predilections. 
 
 Hence it chanced that, while the royal carriage was de- 
 layed at the top of Cockspur-street, a roar of laughter sud- 
 denly burst from the throng near it, and all eyes were 
 turned towards a house on the right, from a penthouse on 
 which some young men were dangling an immense jack- 
 boot. The allusion was at once understood by the crowd, 
 and the laughter, wholly unchecked by the King's presence, 
 was redoubled. 
 
 Some hootings, however, arose as the image of a Scotch- 
 man, such as may be seen at the door of a tobacconist's 
 shop, was brought out by the same young men, and set 
 beside the jack-boot in front of the penthouse. The slight 
 expressions of disapproval which the appearance of this 
 figure had occasioned were speedily drowned in the cheers 
 and laughter of the majority of the assemblage. 
 
 " What ! what ! what's that ? Hey ! hey ! " cried the 
 King, in his quick way, looking out of the coach window. 
 
 His Majesty spoke so loudly that the inquiry was over- 
 heard by those near him, and a voice immediately responded, 
 "It's the new Scotch minister — Jack Boot." 
 
 " Hold your tongue, fool ! " exclaimed another voice. 
 "Don't you know that Lord Bute is his Majesty's 
 favourite ? " 
 
 " Pitt's our favourite," cried a third, " and unless we 
 get him back again, we'll drive all the beggarly Scotchmen 
 over the Border." 
 
 On this there was a great shout, mingled with cries of 
 " Pitt for ever ! No favourite ! no Scotch minister ! " 
 
 On hearing these outcries, the King became very red, 
 and sat back in his coach, looking highly offended. 
 
 " These good folks presume rather too much upon their 
 freedom," he said. 
 
 " It is their way, no doubt, but perhaps there is no 
 harm in it," replied the Queen softly. " It is not 
 against your Majesty, but against Lord Bute, that these 
 cries are directed." 
 
 " The rogues think they can force me by their clamour 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 91 
 
 to take Pitt back again, and give up Bute, but tbey may 
 shout till they're hoarse ; I won't do it — I won't do it." 
 
 " Your Majesty will always act for the best ; of that I 
 am quite sure," said the Queen ; " and the better you are 
 understood by your people the more you will be beloved." 
 
 Jusfc then, as if the crowd had become sensible of their 
 indecorous conduct, loud shouts were raised for the King 
 and Queen, and missiles were hurled against the obnoxious 
 jack-boot and Scotchman, which were quickly withdrawn, 
 only to be brought forward again, however, shortly after- 
 wards. 
 
 No other incident occurred before the cavalcade was 
 again put in motion, but the King had not reached Charing- 
 cross when a second stoppage took place. Precautions 
 ought to have been taken to prevent these hindrances, but 
 it would seem from their recurrence that they must have 
 been neglected. A vast crowd was here assembled, and of 
 a more miscellaneous character than that which had occu- 
 pied Pall- Mall and Cockspur-street, a large portion consist- 
 ing of low rabble. But these poor folk were just as loyal 
 and warm-hearted, however, as their betters, and cheered 
 their young sovereign and his queen most lustily. 
 
 It was during his detention, however, at this point that 
 his Majesty was made aware, in an unmistakable manner, 
 of the unpopularity of his favourite. A distant yell was 
 heard, increasing in volume as it was caught up and carried 
 on, which informed the King that Lord Bute's carriage was 
 approaching, and by the time the minister, who now swayed 
 the Cabinet, had joined the royal cavalcade, he was exposed 
 to a perfect storm of indignation. 
 
 XL 
 
 THE FAVOTTEITE. 
 
 The object of this popular displeasure, to whom so much 
 allusion has already been made, was a very stately-looking 
 personage, with a serious and almost tragic cast of counten- 
 
92 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 ance. He was still in the prime of life, being a year or two 
 under fifty ; his features were decidedly handsome, his per- 
 son tall and elegant, his address courtly though Tery formal, 
 and his deportment dignified but somewhat theatrical. 
 
 Lord Bute's gravity did not seem altogether natural to 
 him, any more than the slow and measured style of speech 
 which he adopted, even in ordinary discourse. His aim was 
 to be weighty and impressive, but he was sententious and 
 affected, and consequently tiresome. Yet his manner pleased 
 the King, and if report was to be trusted, was particularly 
 agreeable to his Majesty's mother, the Princess-Dowager of 
 "Wales. 
 
 Perhaps, beneath this cold and impressive exterior there 
 lurked a more ardent temperament than seemed natural to 
 him. Undoubtedly Lord Bute possessed great self-mastery, 
 and rarely exhibited emotion of any kind, at least in public. 
 Such a visage as his was well calculated to conceal what was 
 passing within. Each muscle was under control. Not only 
 were his looks, however, carefully studied, but every gesture 
 and accent. In short, he was a consummate actor, and it 
 was mainly owing to his ability in this line that he owed hia 
 elevation. 
 
 Shortly after the Bebellion of '45, in order to prove his 
 zeal to the House of Hanover, the Earl of Bute, who had 
 for some time retired to the Hebridean Isles, of which he 
 was lord, and from which he derived his title, returned to 
 London, and offered his services to the government, but it 
 is doubtful whether the overtures would have been successful 
 had not an unexpected piece of good luck befallen him. 
 
 A series of dramatic performances, given by the Duchess 
 of Queensbury, were honoured by the presence of the Prince 
 and Princess of Wales and their court, and on one occasion 
 Eowe's " Fair Penitent " was played, the part of the gallant 
 gay Lothario beiug assigned to Bute, whose remarkable 
 personal advantages, then at their acme, eminently fitted 
 him for the part. 
 
 Bute's good looks and graceful person, combined with 
 the passionate ardour thrown by him into the part, so 
 charmed the sensitive Princess that she invited him to her 
 court, and thenceforth he became a constant attendant upon 
 her, and exercised a marked influence in the direction of 
 afiairs at Leicester House. He enjoyed equal favour with 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 93 
 
 tlie Prince, and on the death of the latter — an event that 
 occurred about ten years before the date of our story — he 
 "was entrusted by his widow with the care of her eldest son, 
 the heir-presumptive to the throne. 
 
 From that time until the young Prince's accession, in 
 1760, Bute continued to maintain the ascendancy he had 
 obtained over the Princess, while at the same time he had 
 contrived to secure the affections of her son. So apprehen- 
 sive was he of losing his influence over his royal pupil, that 
 he would scarcely trust him out of his sight. As the Prince 
 grew in years, the wily Scot grew in his credit, and the first 
 act of the young monarch, on mounting the throne, was to 
 make his favourite, then groom of the stole, a member of the 
 privy-council. 
 
 Put Bute aimed at a far higher mark. Not content to 
 rule by secret influence, he would have direct power. Aspir- 
 ing, as we have seen, to the first post in the Cabinet, and 
 certain of the King's assent to his wishes, he did not for a 
 moment doubt the realization of the scheme. His design 
 was now all -but accomplished. Though merely secretary of 
 state. Lord Holderness having resigned the seals to make 
 way for him, he was virtually prime minister. Pitt, the 
 grand obstacle in his path to greatness, was removed. All- 
 powerful with the King, and with nothing to fear from his 
 pliant colleagues, he only waited the favourable moment to 
 seize upon the coveted prize. 
 
 Golden showers at this time descended on the Pavourite's 
 head, and Horace "Walpole might well term him "on^ of 
 Fortune's prodigies." " You will allow," writes "Walpole to 
 Sir Horace Mann, " that this earl is a fortunate man ; the 
 late King, old Wortley, and the Duke of Argyle, all dying 
 in a year, and his daughter married to such an immense 
 fortune." AVhat Bute gained by Greorge the Second's death 
 needs no explanation. Old Wortley Montagu, husband of 
 the celebrated Lady Mary — " old Avidieu," as Horace Wal- 
 pole elsewhere calls him — was his father-in-law, and left 
 more than a million to the countess. By the demise of the 
 Duke of Argyle, Bute obtained the chief power of Scotland ; 
 and his daughter. Lady Mary Stuart, was married at the 
 time the royal nuptials took place to Sir James Lowther, 
 the " Prince of Coal-pits." 
 
 On the present occasion the Favourite was attired in 
 
94) THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 black velvet trimmed with gold, and wore his star and 
 riband. Vain of the whiteness and beauty of his hands, he 
 loaded his long taper fingers with rings like a woman. 
 
 The opposite side of the carriage Avas occupied by an ex- 
 cessively corpulent personage — so corpulent, indeed, that he 
 required a seat to himself — whose round, red face, to which 
 a small snub nose lent a decidedly comic expression, was 
 almost buried in an enormous tie-periwig, while his plump 
 hands were quite covered by deep-laced ruffles. 
 
 This elderly personage — for elderly he was — whose self- 
 important looks and manner, combined with his extraordin- 
 ary bulk, were highly provocative of laughter, and rarely 
 failed to excite it, was Bubb Dodington, then recently 
 created Lord Melcomb — a veteran courtier and politician. 
 
 Embarrassed by no scruples, venal and corrupt as were 
 most of the placemen of the time, Bubb Dodington, from his 
 long experience and sagacity, was precisely the person to be 
 serviceable to the aspiring Favourite, and he proved himself 
 so able an instrument, that he was rewarded by a peerage, 
 the grand object of his ambition. 
 
 Son of an apothecary at Carlisle, who had married a lady 
 of condition far superior to his own, Bubb Dodington rose 
 by his talents to his present position. He possessed great 
 conversational powers and much wit, courted the society of 
 men of letters, and numbered amongst his friends Chester- 
 field, Fielding, G-ray, Thomson, and Dr Bentley. Though 
 excessively vain, he was good-natured, and if much ridiculed, 
 was generally liked. He was accustomed to array his bulky 
 person in gaudy and flaring suits, and his preposterous 
 perukes were ridiculed both by Churchill and Hogarth. 
 
 On the present occasion he was as fine as fine could be, 
 in a coat of gold brocaded tissue, a waistcoat of lilac- 
 coloured silk, breeches of the same material, white silk 
 stockings, which made his legs look perfectly colossal, and 
 red-heeled shoes with diamond buckles. 
 
 "I fear we shall have a tedious ride to the City, my 
 lord," said Lord Melcomb, proifering his diamond snuff-box 
 to Lord Bute, who, however, declined the attention. " These 
 constant stoppages are very tiresome." 
 
 " Excessively so," replied the other. " They almost 
 seem contrived to give the insolent rabble an opportunity 
 of displaying their animosity to me. But that it would bo 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 95 
 
 Baid I fear to sliow myself in the City, I would Lave de- 
 clined the Lord Mayor's invitation to the Guildhall to-day. 
 The whole thing is highly distasteful to me, and the noise 
 and turbulence of this canaille are well-nigh intolerable. 
 The uproar is as stunning as the storm of an angry audi- 
 ence at a playhouse. There's nothing for it but to stop 
 one's ears." 
 
 " Better laugh at it as I do, my lord," rejoined Melcomb, 
 consoling himself with another pinch of snuff. 
 
 The Favourite's carriage was followed by that of the 
 Duke of Newcastle, Pirst Lord of the Treasury, with whom 
 rode the Duke of Bedford, Lord Privy Seal. The Duke of 
 Newcastle, who, in spite of age and infirmities, still clung 
 pertinaciously to power, was a little man, shrivelled in 
 person and wrinkled in features, and his nervous anxiety 
 about his health and fear of taking cold often exposed him 
 to the ridicule of his colleagues. His political life had 
 commenced above forty years ago, and he had filled the 
 most important posts duriug the two previous reigns. Very 
 wealthy, and having a vast number of boroughs under his 
 control, he possessed immense parliamentary influence, and 
 hence his long retention of power. He had his merits as a 
 statesman, but they were counteracted by indecision and 
 feebleness, and latterly, during Pitt's tenure of office, he 
 had completely submitted to the sway of that master-spirit. 
 
 The next carriage contained George Grenville, Lord 
 Temple's brother, a statesman of unquestionable ability, 
 and then leader of the House of Commons. Grenville was 
 accompanied by Lord Egremont, recently appointed secre- 
 tary of state in room of Pitt. Other carriages followed, 
 containing the rest of the ministers, the representatives of 
 the courts of Versailles and Madrid, the Due de Nivernais 
 and the Conde de Puentes, the Algerine ambassador, with 
 other foreign ambassadors and officers of state. 
 
 During its passage along the Strand, the royal cavalcade 
 met with repeated, and, it would seem, needless interrup- 
 tions. One of these occurred near the New Exchange, and 
 gave an opportunity to the crowd there assembled to mani- 
 fest their loyalty and regard for the young King and his 
 consort, and their dislike of the Favourite. The cheers 
 and blessings with which the monarch was greeted changed 
 into groans and hootings at the sight of the unpopular 
 
96 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 minister. The Duke of Newcastle himself was hissed. 
 The mob w-ere kept back from pressing upon the carriages 
 by a strong military force, as well as abundance of peace- 
 officers, or still greater annoyance might have been experi- 
 enced. 
 
 Very different was the appearance of this great thorough- 
 fare, along which the cavalcade was now slowly taking its 
 w^ay, from that presented by it now-a-days. Badly paved, 
 without a smooth footway for the pedestrian, having a deep 
 kennel in the middle of the road, the Strand, on crowded 
 occasions like the present, was inconvenient and even dan- 
 gerous. Still there was something picturesque in the aspect 
 of the shops, with their immense carved and gilt signs pro- 
 jecting many yards into the street, and embellished with 
 every possible device — golden periwigs, blackamoors' heads 
 with gilt hair, half-moons, sugar-loaves, &c. — and as all 
 these signs were now decorated with streamers, flags, and 
 ornaments, they looked gayer than usual. Of course the 
 shops were closed, but the upper windows were garnished 
 with spectators, as were the roofs of the buildings. Ex- 
 pressions of loyalty and devotion everywhere awaited the 
 King, but the favourite was saluted with derisive cheers, 
 contemptuous outcries, and hissing. 
 
 By this time the head of the cavalcade had reached 
 Temple-bar, the gates of which, according to custom, were 
 closed. Trumpets were then sounded, and when their bray 
 ceased, the High Constable of Westminster, who had at- 
 tended the cavalcade with his staff, rode up with a pursuivant 
 and a serjeant of arms, and knocked against them. On 
 this a wicket was opened, and the under City marshal, 
 \nth. the herald and two yeomen of the guard, bearing hal- 
 berds, came forth from it and inquired the cause of the 
 summons. The High Constable, removing his hat, replied 
 that his Majesty King George the Third desired permission 
 of the Lord Mayor to enter his good city of London. At 
 the same time the pursuivant delivered a warrant to the 
 marshal. 
 
 "Permission is right willingly granted by the Lord 
 Mayor," replied the marshal, " and I am charged by his 
 lordship, in his own name, and in the name of his feilow- 
 citizens, to bid his Majesty and his Eoyal Consort hearty 
 welcome to their loyal and dutiful city of London." 
 
THE LORD MAYOE OF LONDON. 97 
 
 " God save the King ! " cried the herald. And the ex- 
 clamation was repeated by a hundred voices. 
 
 The gates were then unbarred and thrown wide open, 
 and the cavalcade passed through them, the trumpeters 
 making its arch resound with their blasts. Here the High 
 Constable of AVestminster, with his staff, retired, their 
 places being now taken by the City officers. 
 
 From this point, as already intimated, to the top of 
 Ludgate-hill, both sides of the road were guarded by regi- 
 ments of the Trained Bands, or City Militia, in their full 
 equipments. The street being narrower, and the crowd 
 equally numerous, the pressure was very great, and it was 
 with some difficulty that order could be maintained. Drums 
 beat, trumpets were blown, and tremendous shouts were 
 raised as the King passed through Temple-bar. These ac- 
 clamations, proceeding from an immense concourse of 
 people, were continued as the royal pair passed along, and 
 could not fail to be highly gratifying to them. 
 
 But if the good citizens were eager to demonstrate their 
 loyalty to their sovereign, they seemed equally resolved to 
 manifest their dislike of the Eavourite. No sooner had 
 Lord Bute entered the City than he found himself exposed 
 to the full burst of popular indignation. To repress it was 
 impossible. The yelling and groaning rabble cared not for 
 the menaces of the constables and the militia, and an at- 
 tempt to arrest any of them would have instantly caused a 
 tumult not to be easily quelled. Besides, the mob were 
 cheered on by the occupants of windows, balconies, and 
 scaffoldings, many of whom added their voices to the clam- 
 our, and hooted and yelled as heartily as the rest. The 
 uproar was indescribable, and the King's carriage not being 
 more than a hundred yards in advance of that of the Fa- 
 vourite, the noise, mingling with the acclamations bestowed 
 upon himself, reached his ears. The national prejudice 
 against Lord Bute's country, which at that time had not 
 been entirely overcome, inflamed the popular passion, and 
 it was looked upon as an additional offence that the 
 Eavourite was a Scotsman. No injurious epithet, no 
 taunt, no insult that animosity could devise, was spared 
 him. 
 
 " Down with the Scotch minion ! Send him back to his 
 own country ! " was the cry of one party. 
 
 7 
 
98 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " No Newcastle coal — no Scotch coal for us ! "We burn 
 Pitt coal in the City ! " shouted others. 
 
 " Does your lordship desire to know why Sir Gresham 
 Lorimerwas elected Lord Mayor? " shouted a stout citizen 
 from a balcony, addressing Lord Bute. 
 
 As this individual possessed the lungs of a Stentor, he 
 made himself heard above the tumult. 
 
 " We'll tell him," responded the mob from below. " It 
 was because his lordship called Sir Gresham a ' busy med- 
 dler.' That was enough for us." 
 
 " "Who proposed a dishonourable peace ? " shouted one 
 voice. 
 
 " Who would sell us to Prance ? " cried another. 
 
 " Who would make us the laughing-stock of Spain ? " 
 added a third. 
 
 " Who abuses the King's favour ? " roared a fourth. 
 
 " Who has robbed us of our patriot minister — of our 
 Great Commoner ? " vociferated a fifth. 
 
 " Lord Bute," rejoined the Stentor in the balcony — 
 " Lord Bute, the upstart, the Lothario of private life, the 
 Scotch minion, the modem Mortimer, the betrayer of bis 
 country ! " 
 
 " ' Chacun a son But,' said Miss Chudleigh to the 
 Princess," cried another voice. " But we won't have Bute 
 at any price." 
 
 In such terms, and in language far more scurrilous, was 
 the Favourite assailed by the concourse. Everything which 
 it was supposed could gall him was uttered. Lord Bute, 
 however, bore the ordeal to which he was exposed without 
 flinching, and betrayed no sign of annoyance. 
 
 Incredible as it may sound, there did not seem any dis- 
 position to check the licence of the mob. On the contrary, 
 the militia and constables appeared mightily amused by 
 what was taking place, while the better part of the specta- 
 tors applauded the mob, and cheered them on. 
 
 Meanwhile, the royal cavalcade continued its course, but 
 so slowly that nearly two hours elapsed before it reached 
 St Paul's Churchyard, at the east end of which, as we have 
 already mentioned, a scaiFold was erected for the students 
 of Christ's Hospital, and the King halting beside it, an 
 address was read to his Majesty by the senior scholar, at 
 the close of which all the young voices united in chanting 
 
♦ THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 99 
 
 t\e national antliem. Botli the King and Queen appeared 
 much pleased by this display of youthful loyalty. 
 
 We shall not follow the royal pair along Cheapside, but 
 bring them at once to Mr Barclay's house, where the Duke 
 of Cumberland, with the young Princes and their mother, 
 had already alighted. 
 
 On quitting their carriage, their Majesties were cere- 
 moniously conducted to the rooms prepared for their recep- 
 tion. In the same place, shortly afterwards, to his infinite 
 relief. Lord Bute found shelter from the ceaseless persecu- 
 tion he had endured on his way to the City. 
 
 " I should like to have these cursed citizens in my power 
 for a day," he observed to Lord Melcomb, as they went up- 
 stairs together. "I would make them mend their man- 
 
 XII. 
 
 THE GREAT COMMONER. 
 
 i 
 
 Meantime an unpretending-looking chariot and pair, 
 having two persons inside it, had entered the City. 
 
 This carriage had not proceeded farther than the gates 
 of Inner Temple-lane, when a stoppage occurred, during 
 which the gentlemen occupying it were recognized as Mr 
 Pitt and his brother-in-law. Lord Temple. 
 
 The news spread like wildfire, and was instantaneously 
 communicated to the prodigious concourse in Pleet-street. 
 The effect was electric. A shout was raised, the like of 
 which was never before heard in that quarter, and may 
 never be heard again. The populace seemed frenzied. In 
 an instant, and notwithstanding their opposition, the peace- 
 officers and trained bands on either side of the street were 
 swept away by the irresiatible force of the mob, and the 
 carriage was surrounded by hundreds of persons, all in a 
 state of frantic excitement. Those nearest the vehicle, how- 
 ever, put no bounds to their enthusiasm, but looked in at 
 the windows, and invoked blessings on Pitt's head j others 
 
100 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 shook hands with the coachman and footmen ; and others, 
 delirious with joy, flung their arms about the horses. 
 
 Fain would they have drawn the carriage themselves, 
 but this Mr Pitt would on no account allow. Profoundly 
 touched by this extraordinary and unmistakable display of 
 popular sympathy, he warmly thanked his idolaters for their 
 zeal, but besought them to be more calm. But even his 
 words were of no avail in checking the ebullition. The 
 crowd listened to him only to cheer him the louder when he 
 ceased to speak. All he could prevail upon them to do was 
 to allow his carriage to proceed at a foot's pace, while they 
 marched beside it as a body-guard, shouting till they were 
 hoarse, denouncing his enemies, and waving their hats and 
 sticks. 
 
 Never was there a more enthusiastic or clamorous escort. 
 Moreover, the lines of the militia being broken, order could 
 no longer be maintained. Thousands poured into the street 
 and followed the Great Commoner's carriage, which, as it 
 slowly advanced, seemed at the head of an army. Enthusi- 
 astic demonstrations were not confined, however, to the 
 concourse in the streets. The spectators at the windows, 
 in the balconies, on the stands, on the house-tops, were 
 equally vociferous. The frenzy seemed to be contagious. 
 Every one coming under its influence appeared equally ex- 
 cited. 
 
 Some description must be attempted of the personal ap- 
 pearance of one of the first of England's statesmen, and in- 
 comparably her greatest orator, though we despair of giving 
 an idea of that marvellously expressive countenance, cast in 
 the proudest mould, and stamped by the loftiest intelligence 
 — the magnificent brow, made marble pale by constant 
 thought — the eagle eye, that penetrated the very soul of 
 him on whom it fell — the aquiline nose — the haughty lips, 
 which could give vent to such a flood of eloquence as none 
 other ever poured forth. 
 
 These were his lineaments ; but to judge of their full 
 effect, you should have seen them kindled by the fiery soul 
 within, the eye flashing lightnings, the lips breathing scorn, 
 and every feature impressed with the thought to which the 
 eloquent tongue gave utterance. You should have seen his 
 tall majestic figure, thin and wasted by the cruel malady to 
 which he was a martyr, reared to its full height — have 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 101 
 
 marked his patrician look and deportment, his dignified and 
 appropriate gestures — and above all, have listened to his 
 wonderful delivery — grand, sonorous, impassioned, persua- 
 sive, menacing, terrible — thunder not more awful than hia 
 loudest and deepest tones. 
 
 " England," said Frederick the Great, speaking of Pitt, 
 " has at length brought forth a Man." Nature, indeed, as 
 we have just endeavoured to show, had endowed the Great 
 Commoner with her richest gifts — a stately person, a noble 
 countenance, an eagle glance, and a magnificent voice, sus- 
 ceptible of every variety of intonation, persuasive in argu- 
 ment, terrific in invective. Of the latter power he early 
 gave proof when taunted with youth and a tendency to the- 
 atrical declamation by Sir Robert Walpole, and his bitter 
 rebuke of that minister was not speedily forgotten. 
 
 Born without fortune, some fifty-three years before the 
 date of our story, but of a good family, Pitt entered the 
 army as cornet of the Blues, but being disqualified from 
 active military duty by frequent attacks of gout, he directed 
 his attention to politics, towards which he had a strong bias, 
 and speedily distinguished himself in parliament. 
 
 It is not our intention to follow him through his glorious 
 career, to show how he bore down all opposition, and asserted 
 his supremacy. To such a point of greatness had he risen, 
 that on the accession of George III., he might, without 
 strain of metaphor, be said to hold in his hands the destinies 
 of the world. 
 
 Human ambition has no higher mark than he had reach- 
 ed. In five years he had raised his country from the abject 
 condition to which it had been reduced by incapacity and 
 mismanagement — a condition so abject as positively to in- 
 spire despair — to the highest point of prosperity and power. 
 
 Such had been the glorious result of the Great Com- 
 moner's administration. To him alone was the credit due 
 of our conquests, both by sea and land, since it was he who 
 directed our armies and navies. Measures so mighty could 
 have been conceived by no mind inferior to his own, neither, 
 if formed, could they have been carried out by a spirit less 
 intrepid ; but genius and courage were united in Pitt, and 
 the result of his gigantic projects showed how admirably 
 they had been planned. 
 
 'While M^aging war, in the Old and New Worlds, with 
 
102 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 unprecedented vigour, he opened up new and vast spheres 
 for Commerce. If he lavishly expended the treasures of 
 state so freely entrusted to him, he employed them well and 
 profitably, to the immense extension of our dominions, and 
 to the increase of our wealth. 
 
 Moreover he was as disinterested as patriotic. At a 
 time when all other statesmen were self-seeking and cor- 
 rupt, he was free from any debasing taint. "With every op- 
 portunity of enriching himself, he disdained to do so by 
 means which he deemed dishonourable. As Paymaster, he 
 declined the immense perquisites of the office, and renounced 
 all subsidies, contenting himself with the bare salary. 
 
 That after such honourable conduct, and the unexampled 
 services rendered by him to his country, he should be 
 blamed for accepting a pension, can only be attributed to 
 the malice of party. The nation quickly exonerated him, 
 and felt that he had been most inadequately rewarded. It 
 also felt no slight apprehension that in losing the pilot who 
 had so long and so skilfully guided the vessel of state through 
 difficulty and danger, disasters might ensue. 
 
 Certain it is, that if Pitt had not been baffled by the in- 
 trigues of Bute, but had carried out his plans against France 
 and Spain with his accustomed vigour, both powers must 
 have been speedily and effectually humbled, and the war 
 brought to a glorious termination. It was this conviction 
 that so much incensed the populace against the Pavourite, 
 and roused such a fervent demonstration of regard towards 
 himself. 
 
 In manner Pitt was haughty, sometimes imperious. The 
 habit of command made him overbearing and impatient of 
 contradiction. Exacting the utmost respect from all about 
 him, his secretaries were never allowed to be seated in his 
 presence. But though proud he was not repelling, while 
 his imperiousness was never exhibited except to those of 
 rank superior to his own. 
 
 Such was England's greatest statesman at the moment 
 when the power, which he had ever used for the wisest and 
 best purposes, was wrested from his hands by a miserable 
 intriguer, aided by his perfidious colleagues. 
 
 Pitt's brother-in-law. Lord Temple, a very influential 
 and wealthy nobleman, who had lately succeeded to the 
 estates of his uncle, Lord Cobham, was himself distinguished 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 103 
 
 for parliamentary abilities. He had been a member of the 
 Cabinet, but had resigned at the same time as Pitt, whom 
 he staunchly supported. Lord Temple's hatred of the 
 Favourite was even more intense than Pitt's, and it was 
 mainly owing to his persuasions, coupled with those of Mr 
 Beckford, that the Great Commoner had been induced to 
 go into the City on that day. Temple and Beckford de- 
 sired to humiliate Bute, and in this they succeeded almost 
 beyond their expectations. But Pitt had no petty malice 
 in his composition, and though deeply gratified by his own 
 reception, he was pained by the indignities offered to his 
 rival, and began to regret the step he had taken. 
 
 iio such regrets, however, were felt by Lord Temple. 
 Charmed with the great popular demonstration in behalf of 
 his brother-in-law, he laughed heartily at the Pavourite's 
 discomfiture. Plenty of tongues were eager to tell him 
 what had happened to Lord Bute, how he had been jeered 
 and hooted, and compelled to hide his head. 
 
 As the Great Commoner approached the various scaf- 
 folds erected by the City companies, the cheering was pro- 
 digious. The wardens and prime-wardens uncovered, and 
 their bands struck up. In Cheapside Pitt's escort received 
 an accession of forces, and as the moving masses approached 
 Mr Barclay's house, their Majesties and the royal family 
 came forth to look at the scene, and were loudly cheered. 
 
 Bute, however, had the prudence not to show himself, 
 or the presence of his royal master might not have pro- 
 tected him from insult. Though such a popular demon- 
 stration could not be pleasing to the King, the behaviour 
 of the crowd was so decorous that exception could not be 
 taken to it. 
 
 In this manner was Mr Pitt escorted to Guildhall. 
 
 Having brought him to his destination, the crowd 
 quietly withdrew from the streets, and left them clear for 
 the Lord Mayor's processiou. 
 
104 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 HOW THE LADY MATOHESS JOINED THE PROCESSION ON IT3 
 BETUEN, AND OF THE DISASTER THAT BEFELL HEE. 
 
 So many unavoidable delays occurred, that it was full 
 four o'clock ere the head of the civic procession, on its 
 return from "Westminster, passed the balcony in Cheapside 
 occupied by the royal party, and another hour flew by be- 
 fore the Lord Mayor's coach approached the same spot. 
 Their Majesties, however, did not seem wearied by the 
 length of the show, but, on the contrary, were greatly 
 amused by the pageants, and the humours of the mob. 
 
 The Lady Mayoress joined the procession at Temple- 
 bar, and the superb chariot, drawn by six fine horses, in 
 which her ladyship sat, immediately preceded the Lord 
 Mayor's coach. Magnificent indeed did she look in her 
 gorgeous attire, and it was fortunate that her chariot was 
 lofty enough to allow her to occupy it without detriment to 
 her towering head-dress. 
 
 Sir Felix Bland's predictions as to the effect certain to 
 be produced by her " head " were literally fulfilled. It 
 astonished all beholders ; and if more merriment and ridi- 
 cule were excited than admiration, her ladyship was happily 
 unaware of the fact, and persuaded herself she created quite 
 a sensation. 
 
 No one in the procession was prouder than she. Pufled 
 up by fancied consequence, she regarded the crowd as 
 something infinitely beneath her, and scarcely deserving 
 notice. Their acclamations were taken as rightful homage 
 to her exalted position, and if she acknowledged them at 
 all, it was with marked condescension. 
 
 In this manner the Lady Mayoress moved triumphantly 
 along, believing herself envied and admired. At any un- 
 usual outburst from the throng she would slightly incline 
 her lofty " head," or droop her fan. This was all the notice 
 she vouchsafed the lookers-on, and quite as much as she 
 thought they deserved. 
 
 Her grand effect was reserved for the royal party, 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 105 
 
 thougli her confidence somewhat abated and her breast 
 began to flutter as she neared them, and noticed — for she 
 was watching them narrowly from behind her fiin — that 
 their Majesties exchanged rather significant looks, while 
 some remark made by the King caused a smile to pervade 
 the whole of the royal circle. 
 
 Could they be laughing at her ? Impossible ! Slightly 
 disconcerted, however, she prepared for her obeisance, and 
 looking towards the balcony reverently bent her head. 
 
 Alas ! she could not raise it again. The summit of the 
 immense superstructure had gone through the open window 
 and could not be drawn back. 
 
 To struggle with the difficulty would have made matters 
 ten times worse. But what a frightful position to be 
 placed in, with the eyes of their Majesties and the royal 
 family upon her — and with the irrepressible laughter of all 
 who witnessed the occurrence, and were mightily enter- 
 tained by it, ringing in her ears. 
 
 She thought she must have swooned, and probably 
 she would have done so, had not the footman, seated 
 between her and the coachman, relieved her from the 
 dilemma, though not without some little damage to her 
 feathers and bands. 
 
 The King was vastly diverted by the incident, and 
 laughed heartily at it, and we may be sure that the rest of 
 the royal party joined in the merriment. 
 
 His Majesty had not quite recovered from his hilarity 
 when the Lord Mayor's coach came up. But he found 
 nothing to laugh at now. Sir G-resham had already been 
 presented to him, when, as Lord Mayor elect, he had waited 
 upon his Majesty, after the coronation, to invite him and 
 his consort to the civic banquet. 
 
 On that occasion, in spite of Lord Bute's disparaging 
 remarks and sneers, he had formed a very favourable opinion 
 of the worthy citizen, and he was no less pleased now ; and 
 being accustomed to give utterance to his thoughts, he 
 said so pretty plainly. 
 
 Very reverentially did Sir Gresham bow to their Majes- 
 ties as he went by, and very graciously did they return the 
 salutation. Amid universal cheering, addressed as much to 
 the City magnate as to the monarch, the state-coach moved 
 on, and took its way up New King-street. 
 
106 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 The sheriifs came next, but did not proceed farther than 
 Mr Barclay's house. Here they alighted, in order to con- 
 duct their Majesties to Guildhall. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 THE BATS^QUET AT GUILDHALL. 
 
 Makt of the distinguished personages bidden to the 
 entertainment had already arrived at Guildhall, and were 
 received by the aldermen composing the committee, and 
 conducted by the ushers and other officials to the apart- 
 ments adjoining the great hall prepared for them. 
 
 Among these important guests were the foreign minis- 
 ters, including the Erench and Spanish ambassadors, and 
 the Algerine and Tripoline ambassador and his son, in 
 their muslin turbans and long gowns of flowered and laced 
 silk, many of the principal nobility, the members of the 
 privy council, the Lord Chancellor and the judges, and the 
 lords and ladies in w^aiting. 
 
 On their entrance, the names of all these persons were 
 thundered forth, so that the ladies in the galleries were at no 
 loss as to whom they beheld, and while the ushers marshalled 
 them at a slow and stately pace between the two lines of 
 common-councilmen drawn up across the hall, abundance 
 of time was allowed for the gratification of curiosity. 
 
 But though many great names were proclaimed, none 
 created anything like the sensation caused by the announce- 
 ment of those of Lord Temple and Mr Pitt. No sooner 
 was the tall and majestic figure of the Great Commoner 
 discerned within the hall, than the whole of the ladies arose 
 as if by a common impulse, waving their handkerchiefs and 
 loudly expressing their admiration, while all the common- 
 councilmen, with the company and attendants scattered 
 about the vast chamber, cheered and clapped their hands. 
 Yisibly touched, Mr Pitt paused, looked around, and placing 
 his hand upon his heart, bowed to both galleries; after 
 which he passed on, amid reiterated cheering. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 107 
 
 It was past five o'clock before the Lord Mayor arrived 
 at Guildhall. By this time, it having become dusk, the 
 thousands of wax tapers in the chandeliers, lustres, giran- 
 doles, and sconces were lighted, producing an extraordin- 
 arily brilliant effect, which was heightened by the ropes of 
 lamps already described as hung around the great cornice. 
 
 His lordship immediately retired to his private chamber, 
 where he found the Lady Mayoress, and had to listen to 
 her description of the direful disaster that had befallen her, 
 but her head-dress 'having been already set to rights by M. 
 le Gros, the coiffeur, who was in attendance, he could not 
 afford her much sympathy. 
 
 Shortly afterwards they were joined by Lady Dawes 
 and Mrs Chatteris, both of whom had changed their attire, 
 and were now in full evening dresses, and looked uncom- 
 monly well. As may be expected from their passion for 
 high society, they were enraptured with the Duchess of 
 Bichmond and the two countesses, and told Sir Gresham 
 they were mightily obliged to him for sending such charm- 
 ing guests. 
 
 " But where's Milly ? " cried the Lord Mayor, not per- 
 ceiving his favourite daughter. 
 
 " Oh ! don't trouble yourself about her, papa ! " ex- 
 claimed Lady Dawes. " I'm quite ashamed of her. She's 
 in one of the galleries with that underbred creature who 
 intruded herself upon us this morning with her brother, 
 and whom you were foolish enough — excuse me for saying 
 so — to acknowledge as your niece before Tradescant's 
 fashionable friends." 
 
 "Foolish indeed you may well call it, dearest Livy,'* 
 cried the Lady Mayoress. " It was the height of folly. I 
 never felt so humiliated in all my born days. But Milly 
 is just as absurd. She has lent her cousin, as she stupidly 
 calls her, one of her own dresses, and has brought her here 
 to disgrace us. But they shan't dine at my table — on that 
 I'm resolved." 
 
 " Nor at mine," said Lady Dawes. 
 
 " And I'm quite sure they shan't dine with me,'* added 
 Mrs Chatteris. 
 
 " Then it's lucky I am able to accommodate them," 
 observed Sir Gresham, dryly. 
 
 " I'm of Tradescant's opinion," said Mrs Chatterifl^ 
 
108 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. ' 
 
 "and feel quite sure the girl and lier brother will prove 
 arrant impostors. Your credulity has been shockingly 
 abused, papa. To say the least, it was highly imprudent to 
 place credence in the assertions of absolute strangers, with- 
 out making any inquiries about them. But even if they 
 turn out what they represent themselves, you cannot expect 
 us to notice such low people." 
 
 " Certainly not, dearest Chloris," said the Lady Mayor- 
 ess. "Your papa cannot expect such a thing." 
 
 "But I do expect it," exclaimed the Lord Mayor, "and, 
 what is more, I insist upon it. Unless you mean to offend 
 me, you will treat them as relations. "What will you say, 
 when I tell you I've found another long-lost member of my 
 family?" 
 
 " Oh ! I don't doubt it," cried the Lady Mayoress, with 
 asperity. " Belations will become as plentiful as black- 
 berries with you. Sir Gresham, if you're ready to acknow- 
 ledge them at a moment's notice. But I hope the one last 
 discovered is an improvement upon those we have just 
 been talking about." 
 
 "Hum ! I can't exactly say that," rejoined Sir Gresham. 
 ** But you shall see him by-and-by, and judge. I wonder 
 "what he has been about — I must inquire. Here, Jenkins,'* 
 he added, stepping to the door of a small inner room, 
 " what have you done with Mr Candish ? Did you provide 
 him with a dress-suit as I directed ? " 
 
 " I beg your lordship's pardon," replied the attendant, 
 advancing towards him ; " I have not seen the gentleman 
 in question." 
 
 " Not seen him ! " exclaimed the Lord Mayor, angrily. 
 " "Why, I sent him to you wdth Staveley, the beadle." 
 
 " Staveley has been here, my lord ; but, unfortunate- 
 ly-" 
 
 " Well ! what ? What the deuce has happened ? " 
 
 " Mr Candish has decamped, my lord. Staveley feared 
 your lordship would be angry, and begged me to say it 
 wasn't his fault. Mr Candish took him quite unawares. 
 Staveley would have sent after him, but he has no clue to 
 his address." 
 
 " Well, this is provoking ! " cried Sir Gresham ; " very 
 provoking ! I must try to find him out to-morrow." 
 
 And he turned away, striving to conquer his vexation- 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 100 
 
 At this moment the door opened, and Tradescant en- 
 tered the room. 
 
 " Have you seen your cousin Herbert ? " said Sir Gres- 
 ham, rather hastily to his son. 
 
 " I've seen the young man whom you have taken under 
 your protection," replied Tradescant, " but I didn't choose 
 to comply with the order he brought me. I wasn't going to 
 let him have a suit of my clothes." 
 
 " I should think not," exclaimed the Lady Mayoress. 
 "You would have been a precious simpleton if you had." 
 
 " Better be a simpleton than disobedient," rejoined the 
 Lord Mayor, sternly. " I won't have my orders disputed, 
 Tradescant." 
 
 " But, father—" 
 
 " This is not a time for discussion," interrupted the Lord 
 Mayor, authoritatively ; " neither would I permit it, were the 
 occasion more suitable. What has become of Herbert ? " 
 
 "I don't know," replied the young man, rather sullenly. 
 " He was at our house in Cheapside when I left." 
 
 " And you have prevented him from attending the ban- 
 quet ? Upon my soul, Tradescant, I am very angry with 
 you." 
 
 " It is a slight matter to cause you so much displeasure, 
 sir," rejoined his son. 
 
 " I don't think it slight — but let that pass. Go home 
 at once, and see whether your cousin is still there." 
 
 " He shall do no such thing," interposed the Lady 
 Mayoress. 
 
 "If you find him," continued Sir Gresham, without 
 heeding her, " let him have the best suit in 3^our wardrobe, 
 and bring him back with you. If he has left, you need not 
 trouble yourself to return. Do you mark me, sir ? " 
 
 "I do, father," replied the young man. *''You cannot 
 mean this, papa ? " cried Lady Dawes and Mrs Chatteris 
 together. 
 
 "Your brother understands me," replied the Lord 
 Mayor, coldly. 
 
 Perceiving that his father was inflexible, Tradescant 
 moved towards the door, but, ere he could reach it, it was 
 opened, and admitted Herbert. 
 
 To the surprise of every one present, but to no one 
 more than Tradescant, Herbert was arrayed in a suit of 
 
110 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 flowered velvet, which fitted him to perfection, and displayed 
 his symmetrical person to the utmost advantage. His ap- 
 pearance was so much improved by the change of attire, that 
 Lady Dawes and Mrs Chatteris began to view him with 
 more favourable eyes, thinking such a handsome young fel- 
 low would do them no discredit. 
 
 After staring at him for a moment, Tradescant exclaimed, 
 "How's this, sir? Tou have presumed to make free with 
 my wardrobe, after all ! " 
 
 " I certainly owe you an apology for the liberty I have 
 taken, cousin," replied Herbert, "but I felt bound to obey 
 my uncle's orders." 
 
 " You have done quite right," cried Sir Gresham, " and 
 Tradescant ought to feel obliged to you for getting him out 
 of a scrape. I have a right, methinks, to dispose of some of 
 his apparel, seeing that I pay his tailors' bills — and they are 
 heavy enough in all conscience — without a murmur. All's 
 right now. I don't want any more explanations. There 
 isn't time for them. Hark ye, Herbert! Tou must find 
 out your new friends, the Walworths, and bring them to my 
 table, where I have had places reserved for them." 
 
 " I saw them on my way hither, among the company in 
 the great hall, uncle," replied Herbert. " Tour directions 
 respecting them shall be attended to." 
 
 "Tradescant," pursued his father, "as soon as their 
 Majesties arrive, you must go for Millicent and your cousin 
 Prue. Lady Dawes will tell you where to find them, and 
 bring them to the council-chamber. I wish them to see the 
 presentations. D'ye heed ? " 
 
 His son gave a reluctant assent, and the Lord Mayor re- 
 tired to the inner chamber to have his robes adjusted, pre- 
 paratory to the approaching ceremonies. 
 
 Shortly afterwards Sir Felix Bland, accompanied by two 
 sergeants of the chamber carrying wands, entered to announce 
 that the royal family were momentarily expected ; upon 
 which, the Lord Mayor came forth from the inner room, and 
 proceeded with the Lady Mayoress to the foot of the steps 
 leading from the inner courts to the great hall. 
 
 Here it had been arranged that they should receive their 
 illustrious guests, and here were already assembled the al- 
 dermen composing the committee, several common-council- 
 men, the Lord Mayor's chaplain, the sword-bearer, the 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. IH 
 
 common-crier, the common-hunt, with some gentlemen of 
 the Lord Mayor's household, attended by servants in state 
 liveries, and supported by the band of gentlemen pensioners 
 bearing halberds. The latter lined the steps on either side ; 
 and at the entrance to the hall were stationed half a dozen 
 taU yeomen of the guard. 
 
 Erom this point to the opposite side of the hall, drawn 
 up in two rows, stood the whole of the aldermen not on the 
 committee, in scarlet gowns, flanked by common-councilmen 
 in mazarine gowns. The pavement was covered with scarlet 
 cloth. 
 
 farther on, within the vestibule already described, stood 
 the two City marshals with their men, the chamberlain with 
 several ushers bearing wands, supported by javelin men. 
 The passage beyond was lined on either side by Mazarines 
 holding tall wax tapers. 
 
 The first of the royal family to pass between these 
 candle-bearers was the Princess Amelia. Escorted across 
 the hall by the chamberlain and the City marshal, she was 
 received with every mark of respect by the Lord Mayor and 
 the Lady Mayoress, and conducted by Sir Felix Bland and 
 Mr Beckford to the council-chamber, which was spread with 
 Turkey carpet, richly decorated, and brilliantly lighted up 
 for the occasion. 
 
 Sir Felix, it need scarcely be said, was enchanted with 
 the post assigned him, and bowed to the ground, and glided 
 backwards like a practised courtier. He fared very well 
 with the Princess, but met with a terrible rebuff from her 
 brother, the Duke of Cumberland, who came next, leaning 
 upon an attendant, and who, not being in a particularly good 
 humour, swore at the officious little alderman, and bade him 
 to stand out of the way. Sir Felix, however, was consoled 
 by reflecting that the hero of Culloden had been very badly 
 received out of doors, which might account for his ill temper. 
 
 After an interval came the three young Princes, who 
 were greeted with loud clapping of hands ; then their mother, 
 the Princess-Dowager of Wales, with her daughters ; and 
 then the Duke of York. The Princess-Dowager, who 
 courted popularity, was exceedingly affable to the Lady 
 Mayoress. The Duke of York and his brothers remained 
 in the body of the hall, amusing themselves with ogling the 
 ladies in the galleries. 
 
112 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Presently, intimation being given that their Majesfht?* 
 had arrived, the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress, with 
 the aldermen of the committee and the other officers, crossed 
 the hall, and stationed themselves near the doorway. 
 
 On the entrance of their Majesties, the whole of the 
 assemblage arose. Taking the sword from the bearer, the 
 Lord Mayor knelt down and offered it to the King, who 
 bowed graciously, bub of course declined to take the weapon. 
 "While this ceremonial was being performed, the bands in 
 both orchestras struck up, and as the King marched slowly 
 across the great hall, preceded by the Lord Mayor bearing 
 the sword, and followed by the Queen, with the Lady 
 Mayoress following her Majesty, the acclamations became 
 so loud as almost to drown the music. The body of the hall 
 was quite fidl, and the company here assembled vied with 
 the fair occupants of the galleries in demonstrations of 
 loyalty. 
 
 Both their Majesties were evidently much pleased, and 
 the King, as he went along, loudly expressed his gratifica- 
 tion to the bowing aldermen on either side. 
 
 As to the Lady Mayoress, this was unquestionably the 
 proudest moment of her life. Never before, as she subse- 
 quently owned, had she felt " so lifted up." She could not 
 help appropriating some of the applause, and felt herself a 
 Very important part of the show. 
 
 After the Lady Mayoress came the Queen's ladies, the 
 Duchess of Hamilton, Lady Effingham (Mr Beckford's 
 daughter), the Countesses of Northumberland and Egremont, 
 and the Ladies Weymouth and Bolingbroke. Their Majes- 
 ties were conducted to the council-chamber by the aldermen 
 of the committee, and as soon as the Lord Mayor and his 
 royal guests and the whole of their attendants had entered 
 it, an address was offered to the King by Sir "William More- 
 ton, the Eecorder. 
 
 This being concluded. Lady Dawes and Mrs Chatteris 
 were presented, and had the honour of being saluted by his 
 Majesty and of kissing the Queen's hand; but though the 
 Lord Mayor looked anxiously round among the brilliant 
 throng for his youngest daughter and his niece, he could no- 
 where discern them. He afterwards learned that Millicent, 
 of whose shyness and timidity the reader is aware, could not 
 be prevailed upon to enter the room. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 113 
 
 Bashfulness, however, could not be laid to tlie charge of 
 either of his other daughters. They seemed quite at their 
 ease with the exalted personages among whom they found 
 themselves, and chatted in a very lively manner with the 
 Dake of York and the young Princes. 
 
 The Duke, who was a great admirer of beauty, seemed 
 particularly struck with Lady Dawes, and engaged her to 
 open the ball with him in a minuet, while Prince William, 
 not to be behind his brother in gallantry, made a similar 
 engagement with Mrs Chatteris. 
 
 While this was going on, to the infinite delight of the 
 Lady Mayoress, who ever and anon cast an eye of approval 
 at her favourite daughters, several aldermen's wives and 
 daughters were presented. After this, the sheriffs received 
 the honour of knighthood, and rose up Sir Kathaniel IS'ash 
 and Sir John Cartwright. 
 
 Their Majesties remained some little time longer within 
 the council-chamber, graciously conversing with the Lord 
 Mayor and the Lady Mayoress, when two officers with white 
 staves entered to announce that the banquet was served — a 
 piece of information which the King good-naturedly declared 
 he was not sorry to receive. Hereupon, the Lord Mayor 
 again assumed the sword, and preceded their Majesties 
 through a side-door opening upon the elevated platform on 
 which the royal table was set. 
 
 By this time the greater part of the distinguished com- 
 pany had assembled at the different tables in the body of 
 the hall, but all remained standing until their Majesties 
 had taken their places beneath the canopy, and grace was 
 solemnly said by the chaplain. None but the members of 
 the royal family dined at the upper table. 
 
 The entertainment was of the most sumptuous descrip- 
 tion, and unusual ceremony was observed throughout the 
 service. The dishes were set upon the table by the seven 
 aldermen on the committee, and they alone waited on the 
 royal guests. 
 
 And here it must be admitted that Sir Felix distinguish- 
 ed himself beyond all his colleagues, and seemed to have 
 discovered his true vocation. None of his brother aldermen 
 were half so attentive as he; could change a plate so quickly, 
 set on a dish so well, or pour out wine with so much grace. 
 His Majesty told him he should like to- have him always for 
 
 8 
 
114 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 a butler, and Sir Eelix was deeply gratified by the com- 
 pliment. 
 
 At the commencement of the banquet the Lord Mayor 
 stationed himself behind the King, and the Lady Mayoress 
 took up a similar position near her Majesty, but their ser- 
 vices were immediately dispensed with, and committing 
 their royal guests to the care of the sedulous aldermen, 
 they retired by the side-door, and proceeded to their re- 
 spective tables. 
 
 By this time the feasting had begun in earnest. Numer- 
 ous tureens of turtle were placed on every table throughout 
 the hall, and their contents liberally dispensed. Fish fol- 
 lowed of every variety, and of rare excellence, and at a later 
 period of the repast the boards groaned beneath the weight 
 of many a well-fatted haunch of venison. 
 
 No distinction was made in regard to the tables. All 
 were equally well supplied. The ministers, nobles', and 
 foreign ambassadors, though they dined off silver plate, and 
 had magnificent epergnes and gilt flagons before them, 
 fared no better than the Mazarines at the lower end of the 
 hall. 
 
 Nor was the wine inferior to the viands, or less plentifully 
 supplied. Hock, champagne, and Burgundy of the choicest 
 quality flowed freely. Punch — such only as the City can 
 compound — of course followed the turtle. At the proper 
 period the loving cup went round with all the ancient 
 formalities. 
 
 But the most picturesque accompaniments to this most 
 splendid entertainment were, perhaps, the two lordly barons 
 of beef, with the carvers in the costume of Henry the 
 Eighth's time. Placed on the stages already described as 
 erected on the right and left of the hustings, in silver dishes 
 capacious enough to hold them, these enormous joints — 
 evidences of the unbounded hospitality of our ancestors — 
 were decorated with large flags, one of which bore the royal 
 arms, and the other the arms of the City, and were carved 
 with wonderful skill by the indefatigable Mr Towse and the 
 sergeant carvers — the latter habited as we have just men- 
 tioned. Mountainous as were these masses of meat at the 
 beginning of the feast, such was the incessant demand upon 
 them that little was left at the close, while Mr Towse, who 
 ^hi5 well-nigh exhausted, was glad to relinquish his post. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 115 
 
 Eut we are anticipating matters, and must return to an 
 earlier stage of tlie banquet, when the appetites of the 
 guests were as yet unsatiated. Though it will be impos- 
 sible to describe the numerous and brilliant company, or do 
 more than glance at the tables at which they were seated, 
 it may be well to inquire where some of our friends were 
 placed. 
 
 By his uncle's thoughtful directions seats were assigned 
 to Herbert, and his new friends the Walworths, at the Lord 
 Mayor's own table, and the young man, who was astonished 
 at the splendour of the entertainment, had the happiness of 
 sitting between Alice and her mother ; neither of whom 
 appeared the worse for their cold-bath of the morning. 
 
 The old hosier was enchanted, and while revelling upon 
 the good things set before him, or washing them down with 
 brimmers of Johannisberg and Clos Vougeot, congratulated 
 himself upon the lucky accident that had brought him to 
 such a glorious feast. 
 
 Worthy Sir Gresham was not a little pleased with his 
 nephew's good looks and good manners — the latter being 
 far better than he expected — and he received many compli- 
 ments on the young man's gallant appearance. Ever and 
 anon his thoughts reverted to his poor brother, and he 
 wished he could have been present on the occasion. Milli- 
 cent and Prue dined at the same table, and were not far 
 removed from the Lord Mayor. 
 
 The Lady Mayoress, who, as we have already mentioned, 
 had three tables allotted to her, was assisted by Tradescant 
 and Captain Chatteris, and did the honours to the lords and 
 ladies in waiting, and to other persons of the highest dis- 
 tinction. 
 
 Mrs Chatteris presided at the table next her mother, 
 and perhaps had the gayest and liveliest party in the hall, 
 her guests being chiefly young men of fashion, sprigs of 
 nobility, and officers of the Guards. Among them were 
 Sir Francis Dashwood, Sir "William Stanhope, Tom Potter, 
 and "Wilkes, and the droll stories and witticisms of the 
 latter kept those near him in a continual state of merriment. 
 
 The care of the third, or outer table, devolved upon 
 Lady Dawes, who was supported by Lord Sandwich and 
 Lord Ligonier, commanding officer of the Guards. Many 
 other persons of rank were among her guests, and her table 
 
116 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 had a charm such as none other could boast — being graced 
 by the presence of the three court beauties, the Duchess of 
 Richmond, and the Countesses of Pembroke and Kildare. 
 Lord Sandwich, who was desperately smitten by Lady 
 Dawes's charms, was devoted in his attentions to her, but 
 they fell unheeded. Her fickle ladyship was thinking of 
 the handsome Duke of York. What chance against a 
 Prince of the Blood had a peer of the realm ? 
 
 As to the more important personages in whom interest 
 may be felt, we may mention that the Earl of Bute and 
 Lord Melcomb dined with the Duke of Newcastle and the 
 rest of the ministers and privy-councillors. 
 
 At an adjoining table, with the foreign ambassadors and 
 some of the principal nobility, sat Lord Temple and Mr 
 Pitt. 
 
 None of the ceremonials customary at such grand enter- 
 tainments were omitted. "While the second course was 
 being brought in, the common crier, in obedience to a man- 
 date from the King, advanced to the front of the platform 
 and demanded silence, and amid the hush that followed, 
 proclaimed, in a loud voice, that his Majesty drank to the 
 health and prosperity of the Lord Mayor, aldermen, and 
 commons of the City of London, adding that her Majesty 
 the Queen joined in the toast. As the crier ceased the 
 bands struck up the march in Judas Maccabssus. 
 
 When this grand composition was concluded the com- 
 mon crier descended to the Lord Mayor's table, and again 
 demanding silence, proclaimed that the Lord Mayor, alder- 
 men, and commons drank health, long life, and a prosperous 
 reign to his Majesty King George the Third, and his royal 
 consort Queen Charlotte. 
 
 On this the whole company stood up and faced the 
 platform, the gentlemen raising their glasses enthusiastic- 
 ally. The national anthem was then sung, in which all the 
 assemblage united, and at its close the cheering was uni- 
 versal. 
 
 The sight at this moment of the ladies in the galleries 
 waving their handkerchiefs, and the enthusiastic demon- 
 strations of the company in the body of the hall, consti- 
 tuted the most striking feature of the entertainment, and 
 long dwelt in the recollection of those who witnessed it. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 117 
 
 XV. 
 
 now ME PITT TEITJMPHED OVER HIS OPPOjS'E^'TS. 
 
 ArTEE-DiNNER Speeches at grand civic entertainments 
 had not yet come into fashion. Consequently the only 
 healths drank on the present occasion were those already 
 recorded. 
 
 The repast over, and grace said by the chaplain, their 
 Majesties and the royal party immediately arose and pro- 
 ceeded to the council-chamber, where the Lord Mayor and 
 the Lady Mayoress, with the sherifis, the recorder, and 
 some others, were in waiting to receive them. 
 
 The King was in high good humour, and called out in a 
 cheerful tone to Sir Gresham, " A very sumptuous enter- 
 tainment you have given us, my Lord Mayor — very sump- 
 tuous indeed ! Always famous for hospitality in the City ! 
 Determined to keep up your charter, eh ? " 
 
 " We try to do, sir," replied the Lord Mayor, bowing ; 
 *' and it gratifies me exceedingly, and will, I am sure, gratify- 
 in an equal degree all those with whom I am associated, to 
 learn that our efforts to please your Majesty and your gra- 
 cious consort have been successful." 
 
 " Couldn't be better ! couldn't be better ! " cried the 
 King. " Don't you think so, Charlotte, eh ? " he added, to 
 the Queen, who smilingly assented. " Must have cost a 
 vast deal, though. Pity to waste so much on a single enter- 
 tainment." 
 
 " Pardon me, sir. "We cannot do too much to evince 
 our gratitude for the honour and happiness conferred upon 
 ns by this visit. The City of London is rich, and can well 
 afibrd what it has now done ; but your Majesty may rest 
 assured it would gladly expend ten times the amount to 
 prove its unalterable attachment to your royal person, and 
 its zeal for your government." 
 
 " Good — very good. I thank you sincerely, my Lord 
 Mayor, and make no doubt your loyal sentiments are shared 
 by all your fellow-citizens. In my turn let me say^and I 
 beg you to repeat my words — that the scene I have just 
 
118 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 witnessed in your noble hall has made a profound and last- 
 ing impression upon me. Those enthusiastic demonstrations 
 went to my heart. I trust they are not wholly unmerited. 
 Since I have assumed the crown, it has ever been, and will 
 ever continue to be, my aim to preserve inviolate the religion, 
 the laws, and liberties of my people." 
 
 " Happy are your subjects in possessing such a ruler," 
 replied the Lord Mayor. " I shall not fail to repeat the 
 gracious expressions that have fallen from your Majesty's 
 lips, and I well know from the feelings they excite in my 
 own breast what will be their effect on others." 
 
 " Apropos of this grand entertainment," said the King. 
 " Am I right in supposing that the expense of it is defrayed 
 by the City, and not out of your lordship's private purse ?'* 
 
 " Tour Majesty is quite right. The cost is borne by the 
 City. On ordinary occasions the inaugural banquet is 
 given jointly by the Lord Mayor for the time being and the 
 sheriffs, and may be put down at three thousand pounds, of 
 which the chief magistrate pays half." 
 
 " And enough too," rejoined the King, laughing. *' I'm 
 glad I'm not Lord Mayor. A year of these civic feasts 
 would kill me ; but they seem to agree with your lordship 
 and your brother aldermen vastly well. To-morrow you 
 begin your official duties I believe, and your time, no doubt^ 
 will be fully occupied. I wish you well through your term 
 of mayoralty." He was running on in this way, wlien, 
 seeing the Lady Mayoress standing near him, he turned to 
 her, and said, "I was much concerned at the unpleasant 
 predicament in which you were placed this morning, madam. 
 Surely you must find that lofty head-dress very inconveni- 
 ent, eh?" 
 
 " I don't mind inconvenience so long as I am in the 
 fashion, sir," replied the Lady Mayoress. " But if your 
 Majesty disapproves of my head-dress, I will never wear it 
 again." 
 
 " Nay, that is a matter which concerns your husband 
 more than it does me, madam," replied the King ; " but I 
 own I think you would look far better without it." 
 
 " Then I will sacrifice it without a moment's hesitation, 
 sir," cried the Lady Mayoress. 
 
 " Nay, that would be csusxwing the matter too far," inter 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 119 
 
 posed the Queen, good-liumouredly ; " does not your lady- 
 ship perceive that his Majesty is only jesting ? " 
 
 " Faith, I am perfectly serious," rejoined the King ; 
 " and the next time I have the pleasure of seeing her lad}'-- 
 ship in her chariot, I trust she will be able to look out of 
 the window without risk to her head." 
 
 Whilst this conversation took place tea was served in 
 the dainty little cups used at the time, and the room be- 
 coming gradually filled, the King moved into an inner apart- 
 ment, attended by the Lord Mayor, the sherifts, the alder- 
 men of the committee, the Duke of Newcastle, Lord Bute, 
 Lord Melcomb, the Spanish ambassador, and the French 
 plenipotentiary. Lord Temple and Mr Pitt followed, but 
 held themselves a little aloof, until called forward by his 
 Majesty. 
 
 The Queen, however, remained in the outer chamber, 
 surrounded by the royal family and the lords and ladies in 
 waiting. Somewhat removed from the royal circle were the 
 aldermen not upon the committee, with theu" wives and 
 daughters, and a few of the common-council. Of course 
 Lady Dawes was present, and was speedily discovered by 
 the Duke of York ; and of course, when his Eoyal Highness 
 ju'i iressed her, she had no longer an car for Lord Sandwich. 
 Her ladyship brought with her the three court beauties. 
 Mrs Chatteris was also present, attended by Sir Francis 
 Dashwood, Tom Potter, and Wilkes. Tradescant and Cap- 
 tain Chatteris formed part of the brilliant throng, but moved 
 to another part of the room on the entrance of Herbert with 
 Milly and Prue, followed by the AValworths. 
 
 If the young coxcombs could have read what was pass- 
 ing in the breasts of the two poor timid girls, they might 
 not have been so displeased with them. It was only in 
 obedience to Sir Grresham's express commands that Milly 
 and Prue consented to be present at all, and most devoutly 
 did they wish themselves anywhere else. 
 
 Yery different was it with Alice Walworth. Enchanted 
 with all that had hitherto come under her observation, she 
 thought this the crowning event of the evening. To be 
 surrounded by great people, and to be in the same room 
 with their Majesties and the royal family — only a few yards 
 from them, indeed — what could be more delightful ? Mrs 
 
120 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Walworth was scarcely less elated, and the old hosier was in 
 a state of perfect beatitude. 
 
 Herbert's self-possession did not desert him even now. 
 Gazing around him with much curiosity, he scrutinized the 
 features of the various important personages in his vicinity, 
 and was particularly struck by the elegant figure and ma- 
 jestic deportment of Lord Bute, who previously to quitting 
 the room with his Majesty had been standing beside the 
 Princess-Dowager. Herbert was also greatly amused by 
 the restless manner of the old Duke of Newcastle, and the 
 ludicrously consequential air of the corpulent Lord Mel- 
 comb, But the stately figure and haughty countenance of the 
 Great' Commoner chiefly attracted his attention, and he 
 could not remove his eyes from Mr Pitt so long as the latter 
 remained in the room. 
 
 But let us now follow his Majesty. After some discourse 
 with Bute and Melcomb, which appeared to irritate him, the 
 King called to Pitt, and on the approach of the latter, said, 
 in a sarcastic tone, 
 
 " I have to thank you, sir, for affording her Majesty and 
 myself an opportunity of witnessing your triumphant en- 
 trance into the City to-day. The whole aftair was exceed- 
 ingly well managed, and does infinite credit to its contrivers. 
 But 1 cannot help thinking that better taste would have 
 been shown by all concerned, if the display had been re- 
 served for some other occasion." 
 
 "That would not have answered the purpose, sir," ob- 
 served Lord Bute. " The thing was got up to prove that 
 no one enjoys so much popularity in the City as Mr Pitt." 
 
 "I should deserve this reprimand, sir, if I had been 
 guilty of the presumption attributed to me," rejoined Pitt. 
 " But so far from designing to make a triumphal entry into 
 the City, I meant to come here incognito, and took every 
 possible precaution to that end." 
 
 " Ay, ay, I remarked that you and Lord Temple rode in 
 a chariot and pair," observed the King, dryly; "but that 
 circumstance only made you more conspicuous. All the 
 town knows you have sold your horses and disposed of your 
 state-coach." 
 
 " Since Mr Pitt declares that he meant to come hither 
 incognito, we are bound to believe him," observed Lord 
 Bute, with a sneer ; " but it is quite evident, whatever pains 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 121 
 
 he may have taken to avoid detectioD, that his partisans had 
 no difficulty in finding him out, and were fully prepared to 
 give him welcome. To suppose he could entertain the pre- 
 posterous notion of outvying your Majesty, would be to 
 charge him with immeasurable arrogance and folly, but that 
 he should have been the means — unintentional no doubt — of 
 diverting the regards of many of your subjects from your 
 royal person on an occasion like the present, is much to be 
 regretted. I will say nothing at this moment of the insults 
 I have had to endure at the hands of the mob — of the out- 
 rages heaped upon me for my devotion to your Majesty, and 
 the favour you are graciously pleased to bestow upon me^^— 
 of these I shall say nothing now — except to remark that it 
 requires no great discernment to perceive that the frenzied 
 demonstrations in behalf of Mr Pitt, and the outrageous and 
 disgraceful attacks upon myself, emanate from the same 
 source, and are, beyond question, the results of a deep-laid 
 scheme — the object of which is apparent. But I am as- 
 sured, sir, you will never yield to popular clamour, as I will 
 never yield to the coercion of the mob. The opportunity 
 lias been seized of striking a blow at me, but the weapon 
 will recoil on those who used it." 
 
 The last words were uttered with much acrimony, while 
 the speaker glanced sternly and almost menacingly at the 
 Lord Mayor. 
 
 " Unless I am mistaken, the latter observation made by 
 your lordship was applied to me," observed Sir Gresham. 
 " If so, I can merely say in reply, that the charge is wholly 
 unfounded, and that no attack upon your lordship could 
 originate with myself or with any of the City authorities. 
 Let me add, that we are as jealous of our honour as your 
 lordship can be of your own, and we repel the imputation 
 with scorn. We are incapable of any underhand proceed- 
 ing. "We do no act of which we are ashamed. We speak 
 our minds plainly — too plainly, perhaps— but still manfully 
 and directly. If we assail an adversary, we meet him face 
 to face. It is no fault of ours that you have learnt from the 
 people's own lips their opinion of you. Some of us share 
 that opinion, though we would have sought a fitter occasion 
 for expressing it." 
 
 "My Lord Mayor," said the King, "this is strange 
 language — " 
 
122 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " I Immbly crave your pardon, sir, if I have been want- 
 ing in due respect, but my feelings carried me away. It is 
 our attachment to your Majesty that makes me and my 
 fellow- citizens desire that you may have a better adviser." 
 
 " And your zeal leads you to endeavour to impose one 
 on me, eh ? " demanded the King, coldly. 
 
 "Far from it, sir. AVe simply wish to see you freed 
 from an influence which Ave deem inimical to your own 
 interests and to those of your country." 
 
 " You said very truly that you are plain-spoken in the 
 City." 
 
 " We are no courtiers, sir. But if blunt, we are honest, 
 loyal, and dutiful." 
 
 "Loyal it may be," remarked Lord Bute; "but your 
 notions of duty are somewhat peculiar." 
 
 " Enough ! " cried the King, authoritatively. " This 
 altercation is unseemly, and must cease." 
 
 But Pitt would not be silenced. 
 
 "I trust, sir," he said, "that you will allow me to vindi- 
 cate myself from the charge of basely courting popularity, 
 and using dishonourable weapons against a rival. That 
 Lord Bute may feel humiliated is not unnatural, that he 
 may nourish resentment against me is not surprising, but 
 that he should venture to insinuate that I would stir up the 
 mob against him, shows that he judges me by himself. It 
 may not be agreeable to him to be made aware of his unpopu- 
 larity, but he has not to seek far to discover the cause of it." 
 
 " These taunts are but part of the systematic annoyance 
 I have this day endured," rejoined Bute. "But a time will 
 come — and that speedily — when the people will estimate my 
 conduct aright, and give me credit for anxiety to promote 
 their welfare and prosperity. Peace is the greatest blessing 
 that can be bestowed upon a nation long distracted by war, 
 and I do not hesitate to say that I have counselled an hon- 
 ourable and advantageous peace to his Majesty, and that 
 there is every prospect of his desires being accomplished. 
 Had Mr Pitt's proposals been followed, we should now be 
 at war with a power with whom we still happily retain 
 friendly relations." 
 
 " But our exchequer would have been enriched by the 
 treasures of the Spanish galleons," remarked Alderman 
 Beckforrl 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 123 
 
 " Heaven be praised they are safe under the guns of 
 Cadiz ! " cried the Coude de Fuentes, with a glance of tri- 
 umph. " Since allusion has been made to the court I have 
 the honour to represent, I may be permitted to observe that 
 the spirit of haughtiness which until lately characterized 
 the British Cabinet, was most offensive to his Catholic Ma- 
 jesty. Conditions, advantageous and honourable to Eng- 
 land, were disdainfully rejected by the minister who then 
 held the reins of government, and propositions made to 
 Spain to which she could not listen. Throughout his Ca- 
 tholic Majesty was influenced by pacific feelings, but he 
 could not sacrifice his dignity." 
 
 " I am glad to find that our friendly relations with Spain 
 are not likely to be disturbed," observed one of the she- 
 riffs. " I had feared otherwise, since I understood that a 
 positive and categorical demand had been made of his Ca- 
 tholic Majesty, as to whether he intended to ally himself 
 with Trance against this country, furthermore, I understood 
 that on the answer to this question hung the issue of war.'* 
 
 " So it does," rejoined Bute ; " but there is no fear of a 
 rupture between the two powers. The Pamily Compact is 
 a pure fiction." 
 
 At this remark, the Conde de Fuentes and the Due de 
 Nivernais exchanged a look, which did not escape Mr Pitt's 
 notice. 
 
 " The secret treaty exists as surely as your lordship 
 stands before me," said Pitt. " Ere long you will have full 
 proof of the truth of my assertion. You have just heard 
 from the best authority that the Spanish flota has reached 
 Cadiz in safety ; and I am enabled to add that an answer 
 Jias come from the court of Madrid. A courier extraor- 
 dinary arrived this very morning." 
 
 " Eh ! what ? what ? A courier arrived this morning 
 from Madrid ; " exclaimed the King. " You must be mis- 
 taken, sir. I have heard of none." 
 
 " ]N"either have I," replied Bute, looking rather blank. 
 " But perhaps Mr Pitt — since he knows so much — can tell 
 us the nature of the response." 
 
 " You must apply for precise information to his excellency 
 the Spanish ambassador," rejoined Pitt ; " but, unless I 
 greatly err, his Catholic Majesty peremptorily refuses to 
 answer the inquiry." 
 
124 THE LOED MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " This man must be a wizard," observed Piientes, in an 
 under-tone, to the Due de Nivernais. " No one but your 
 excellency has seen the despatch." 
 
 " And I have certainly not disclosed its contents to him," 
 replied the Erench plenipotentiary. 
 
 The King seemed almost startled by Pitt's reply, and 
 looked at the Favourite, vrho shook his head incredulously. 
 
 " I must beg your excellency to contradict this unwar- 
 ranted assertion," remarked Bute to Fuentes. 
 
 "Would I could do so," rejoined the latter, shrugging 
 his shoulders. " How Mr Pitt has obtained the informa- 
 tion I cannot tell. Unluckily, it is correct. Unwilling to 
 disturb the harmony of this festive occasion, I did not de- 
 sign to acquaint your lordship with the determination of my 
 court till to-morrow. But the announcement has been 
 forced from me prematurely, as you perceive." 
 
 Master of himself as he was, Bute could scarcely conceal 
 his mortification. 
 
 " Curses on it ! we are checkmated," he muttered. 
 
 At first the King looked very angry, but quickly recover- 
 ing himself, he said to the Duke of ISTewcastle in an au- 
 thoritative tone, " Lord Bristol must be instantly recalled 
 from Madrid — instantly, your grace." 
 
 " It shall be done, sir," replied the duke. 
 
 " Ton have been duped, my lord, and I have been trifled 
 with," said the King in a low tone to Bute. 
 
 " The Spanish ambassador and the French plenipotentiary 
 have played me false, sir," replied Bute. 
 
 " You did wrong to trust them, my lord — very wrong,'* 
 replied the King. " They are a pair of arch hypocrites." 
 
 " It grieves me to announce that I am ordered to quit 
 your Majesty's court and dominions forthwith," said Fu- 
 entes, bowing. 
 
 " Your excellency shall have your passport and creden- 
 tials," replied the King, with great dignity. 
 
 " I must also crave your Majesty's permission to depart," 
 said the Due de Nivernais. *' My mission to your court is 
 at an end." 
 
 " Your excellency can depart when you please," rejoined 
 the King. And turning coldly from him, he added, in a 
 voice calculated to be heard by all the assembly, " War shall 
 be declared at once against Spain." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON 125 
 
 " I am right glad to hear your Majesty say so," observed 
 the Lord Mayor. " The proclamation will be hailed with 
 satisfaction by all your subjects. But it is vexatious to 
 think we have lost those rich Spanish galleons." 
 
 " I cannot sufficiently express my obligations to your 
 lordship for the great consideration you have shown us," 
 said the Conde de Fuentes to Bute. 
 
 " You have out-manoeuvred me, that is certain," replied 
 the chagrined Favourite. 
 
 " Those galleons undoubtedly are a great loss," remarked 
 the King to Pitt. " Your information was correct. Had 
 I followed your counsel all would have been well." 
 
 " That admission requites me for the disappointment I 
 have experienced, sir," observed the Great Commoner. 
 
 " It is now clear there has been a cabal against you," 
 continued his Majesty, in a low tone ; " but I will quell it. 
 "Will you consent to act with Lord Bute ? " 
 
 " It pains me to refuse any request of your Majesty," 
 replied Pitt. " I will lay down my life to serve you, but I 
 cannot act with him." 
 
 " Hum ! I thought better of you. I did not suppose you 
 capable of petty jealousy." 
 
 " I jealous of Bute ! " exclaimed Pitt, in a half-scornful 
 tone, his cheek flushing as he spoke. " Your Majesty does 
 not know me. I will not act with his lordship, but he shall 
 have no factious opposition from me. If his measures seem 
 to me worthy of approval, I will warmly support them. 
 This is no season for personal differences. A crisis like the 
 present demands united action. All must work to one end. 
 To bring the war on which your Majesty is about to eugage 
 to a glorious termination, to raise the power and renown of 
 the nation, must be the aim of every true patriot and loyal 
 subject — and it shall be mine." 
 
 And making a profound obeisance, he drew back. 
 
 As will naturally be supposed, the King's declaration of 
 an immediate war with Spain had caused great excitement. 
 Only those in the inner room heard the announcement, but 
 they conveyed the intelligence to the persons in the outer 
 apartment, and it soon became generally disseminated. The 
 truth of the report was confirmed by the departure of the 
 Conde de Puentes and the Due de IS'ivernais, both of whom 
 took formal leave of his Majesty. 
 
126 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Througliout it all, gratifying aa tlie incident must have 
 been to his pride, no undue elation was discernible in the 
 countenance of the Great Commoner. 
 
 But if Pitt was perfectly calm, it was more than could 
 be said for his opponents. Lord Bute, the Duke of New- 
 castle, and the whole of the cabal who had intrigued against 
 him, looked sorely discomfited. 
 
 On the other hand, Pitt's partisans did not attempt to 
 conceal their exultation. Lord Temple and Alderman 
 Beckford laughed together at the defeat of the Pavourite 
 and his coadjutors, and even the Lord Mayor chuckled. 
 
 " If the government should be able to carry on this war 
 with Spain successfully," observed Beckford to Temple, " it 
 will only be by adopting the plans they have striven to 
 frustrate. It is well they didn't go too far." 
 
 " "Would they had gone farther ! " rejoined Temple. 
 'Tis a pity Bute should not have had rope enough to hang 
 himself." 
 
 XYI. 
 
 HOW THE LOED MATOE'S ELDER DATJGHTERS DANCED WITH 
 THE YOUNG PRINCES ; AND HOW HIS YOUNGEST DAUGH- 
 , TER WAS PRESENTED TO THEIR MAJESTIES. 
 
 The situation was embarrassing to his Majesty, and, to 
 put an end to it, he rejoined the Queen in the outer room. 
 
 Shortly afterwards the common hunt, who acted as 
 master of the ceremonies, accompanied by the City marshal 
 and two gentlemen of the Lord Mayor's household, entered 
 to announce that all was prepared for the ball. 
 
 This information was a great relief to the King, and he 
 expressed his desire that dancing should commence forth- 
 with, calling out good-naturedly to the Queen, 
 
 " Come, Charlotte, the ball is about to begin. Though 
 we don't dance, let us go and see the young folks enjoy 
 themselves." 
 
 " "With all my heart," replied the Queen, instantly rising. 
 
 On this the doors were thrown open, and the company 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 127 
 
 respectfully drew back as the royal party passed out, pre- 
 ceded by the Lord Mayor. Close behind her Majesty fol- 
 lowed the Lady Mayoress. The rest of the assemblage fol- 
 lowed according to their degrees, but only a privileged few 
 were admitted to the platform ; the majority of the com- 
 pany proceeded by another passage to the body of the hall. 
 
 On their return to the hustings, the royal party w^ere 
 struck with surprise by the wonderful metamorphosis that 
 had been effected in so short a space of time in the great 
 hall ; it being now converted into a magnificent ball-room, 
 all the tables removed, and carpets stretched across the pave- 
 ment. Accommodation could therefore be afforded to a 
 vast assemblage ; but, large as it was, the space was not 
 greater than needed, for all the fair occupants of the gal- 
 leries, eager to participate in the pleasures of the dance, 
 began to descend to the area below, so that it soon became 
 densely thronged. 
 
 But the platform itself was likewise changed in appear- 
 ance. The royal canopy was left, but the state table, with 
 its superb ornaments, had been taken away, a fresh carpet 
 spread over the floor, and the stage cleared for danciug. 
 
 Amongst those allowed admission to this privileged place 
 — in addition to the immediate attendants on their Majes- 
 ties — were the aldermen of the committee and the Lord 
 Mayor's family. 
 
 As soon as their Majesties had seated themselves beneath 
 the canopy, the Duke of York advanced to Lady Dawes, 
 who was standing with the Duchess of Eichmond on the right 
 of the stage, and, with a very graceful though ceremonious 
 bow, claimed her hand for a minuet. Dropping a curtsey 
 to the ground, her ladyship delightedly assented, and yield- 
 ing him the points of her fingers, which he took respect- 
 fully within his own, they proceeded with slow and stately 
 steps towards the centre of the platform, where his Eoyal 
 Highness was joined by his brother. Prince "William, who 
 had gone through a like ceremony with Mrs Chatteris. 
 
 The music then struck up, and the graceful dance com- 
 menced, exciting universal admiration from the vast assem- 
 blage in the hall, who had nothing at present to do but to 
 look on. No dance is so well calculated to display grace 
 and elegance as the minuet. AVhy can it not be revived, 
 and extinguish the everlasting waltz and outlandish polka ? 
 
128 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 A thousand eyes being fixed upon the present performers, 
 it cannot be doubted they would do their best ; and we 
 may add they acquitted themselves to admiration. Every 
 movement was noted, and when the dance was over, a 
 buzz of approval ran through the hall. Of the two 
 sisters, Lady Dawes was considered the most majestic, Mrs 
 Chatteris the most graceful. The Lady Mayoress could 
 not tell which pleased her most. She was enraptured with 
 both. They were matches for princes, she thought, and, 
 forgetful of the bar to any such exalted union, she fondly 
 persuaded herself that her dearest Livy might become 
 Duchess of York. " 'Tis plain his Royal Highness is en- 
 amoured of her," she mentally ejaculated. And as Lady 
 Dawes encountered the Duke's ardent glance, and felt 
 the pressure of his hand, she was of the same opinion, 
 though she did not carry her folly to quite such lengths as 
 her mother. 
 
 At the conclusion of the performance her Majesty gra- 
 ciously observed to the Lady Mayoress that she had never 
 seen the minuet better danced. The king likewise compli- 
 mented the Lord Mayor upon the grace and beauty of his 
 daughters, and inquired whether they constituted the whole 
 of his family. 
 
 " No, sir, I have another daughter, and a son," replied 
 Sir Gresham, bowing. 
 
 "Are they here, eh? Present them! present them!'* 
 cried his Majesty, quickly. " The Lord Mayor has another 
 daughter, Charlotte." 
 
 " Indeed," replied the Queen. " If she resembles her 
 sisters she must be very good-looking," she added to the 
 Lady Mayoress. 
 
 " Tour Majesty makes me exceedingly proud," said Lady 
 Lorimer, " but I fear you will not think my youngest 
 daughter quite equal to her sisters." 
 
 " "Well, let us see her and judge, madam," said the King. 
 *' And your son ; — what of him, eh ? " 
 
 " Tour Majesty will excuse a mother's partiality if I 
 speak in his praise — but here he is," she added, as Sir 
 Gresham approached with Tradescant, and presented him 
 to their Majesties, by both of whom he w^as very graciously 
 received. 
 
 " A good-looking young man enough," observed the 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 129 
 
 King, " but not exactly the sort of person I expected. He 
 is not likely, I should think, to follow his father's busi- 
 ness." 
 
 " I fear not, sir," replied Sir Gresham. 
 
 " Luckily he will not be obliged to do so, sir," said the 
 Lady Mayoress . 
 
 " But where' s your daughter ? " cried the King to the 
 Lord Mayor. 
 
 " She is excessively timid, sir," said Sir G-resham ; " so 
 timid, that she dares not approach your Majesty — I must 
 entreat you to excuse her. 
 
 " Nonsense ! " exclaimed the King. " What is she afraid 
 of?. I shan't excuse her. Bring her at once." 
 
 Thus enjoined, Sir Gresham retired, and presently after- 
 wards returned with Milly, looking very pale and frightened. 
 The Queen's kind looks, however, reassured her, and the 
 poor girl mustered up courage to press her lips to the hand 
 graciously extended to her by her Majesty. 
 
 " Come here, my dear," said the King, saluting her ; 
 " you must overcome this timidity — borrow a little of your 
 sisters' confidence. They can spare you some." 
 
 "Exactly what I say to her, sir ; " exclaimed the Lady 
 Mayoress. " I am constantly bidding her imitate her 
 sisters." 
 
 "Take my advice, madam, and let her alone," said the 
 King. " She is very well as she is, and can find her tongue 
 on all fitting occasions, I make no doubt. I dare say your 
 lordship is very well content with her," he added to Sir 
 Gresham. 
 
 " I have every reason to be so, sir," replied the Lord 
 Mayor ; " and it is my earnest hope that she may retain 
 her present simplicity of character." 
 
 " Quite right," said the King. " "Well ! have you 
 nothing to say for yourself? " he added to Milly, with an 
 encouraging smile. 
 
 The poor girl's heart was overflowing, but she was so 
 confused that she could not give utterance to her feelings. 
 At last she stammered out, " I shall never forget your Ma- 
 jesty's kindness and condescension to me, and if i cannot find 
 words to express my gratitude, I trust you will forgive me." 
 
 And with a profound curtsey to both their Majesties, 
 she retired with her father, 
 
 9 
 
130 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " A very nice girl, Charlotte," observed the King — " a 
 very nice girl — but rather too timid." 
 
 In which opinion the Queen coincided. 
 
 While this was passing the Duke of York commanded 
 a gavotte, and, changing partners with Prince William, they 
 both resumed their places on the stage. Several young 
 nobles joined them, and the music striking up, the sprightly 
 dance commenced. 
 
 At the same time dancing began in the body of the hall, 
 and w^as carried on as well as circumstances would permit, 
 the crowd being too great to allow much room for display 
 on the part of the performers. As soon as the gavotte was 
 over, a rigadoon followed, then another minuet, and next a 
 jig — all these succeeded each other so rapidly as to task the 
 powers both of dancers and musicians. 
 
 Amongst those engaged in the jig were Herbert and 
 Alice Walworth, and overheated and somewhat fatigued by 
 their exertions, they quitted the crowded hall and repaired 
 to an inner room, where they were informed by an attendant 
 they would find refreshments. The room was rather full, 
 and amongst the company were Tradescant, with Wilkes, 
 Tom Potter, and some others of young Lorimer's fashion- 
 able acquaintances. These gay personages were drinking 
 champagne, laughing, and making somewhat impertinent 
 observations on those around them. Not caring to approach 
 such a rakish set, Herbert led his partner to the farther end 
 of the table, where they obtained ices and fruit. However, 
 they did not escape observation, for Wilkes, chancing to 
 espy Herbert, said to Tradescant, " Yonder is your new- 
 found cousin, I perceive. A devilish pretty girl he has got 
 with him. Who is she ? " 
 
 " The daughter of a rich old hosier named Walworth, 
 who dwells in St Mary-axe," replied Tradescant ;" vulgar 
 people with whom one don't care to associate, though my 
 father chooses to notice them. The girl, however, is well 
 enough, and is accounted a belle at the Mall in Moorfielda 
 —ha ! ha ! " 
 
 " She is uncommonly pretty," cried Tom Potter. " In- 
 troduce me to her, Lorimer. I'll ask her to dance." 
 
 " Nay, I claim the right of being first introduced to the 
 little beauty," cried Wilkes. " I discovered her." 
 
 "Don't fight about her, pray! " rejoined Tradescant, 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 131 
 
 laughing. "I'll introduce both of you, and then she can 
 take her choice." 
 
 " That will be the best plan," said Tom Potter, " for 
 then I am sure to be victorious." 
 
 " Don't be too confident, Tom," cried "Wilkes. " Ten 
 to one she gives me the preference." 
 
 " Done ! " rejoined Potter. " G-uineas. Now for it, 
 Lorimer ! " 
 
 With this the whole party, greatly diverted by the wager, 
 proceeded to that part of the table where Herbert and Alice 
 w^ere standing. Making a low bow to the young lady, 
 Tradescant begged permission to introduce his friends to 
 her. 
 
 " Both are eager to dance with you. Miss Walworth," 
 he said, " and neither will resign in favour of the other, so 
 you must be pleased to make your own choice." 
 
 As Alice returned the salutations of the two gentlemen, 
 she could scarcely help laughing at Wilkes's droll expres- 
 sion of countenance. 
 
 " Miss Walwortb can't hesitate," said Tom Potter. 
 
 " She won't, I'm quite sure," rejoined "Wilkes. "You 
 rely on your good looks ; I rely on my ugliness. She has 
 just danced with a very handsome young fellow, so she will 
 be glad to take me for a change. 'Twill be something to 
 say you have had the ugliest man in town for a partner, 
 Miss Walworth, so pray decide." 
 
 "Yes, yes, decide ! " cried Tom Potter. 
 
 " Then I shall be very happy to dance with you, Mr 
 "Wilkes," said Alice, giving him her hand. 
 
 " Bravo ! " cried the ill-favoured wit, triumphantly. "I 
 knew I should win. I betted ten to one that you had as 
 much discernment as beauty, Miss "Walworth, and you have 
 proved me to be right. You owe me a guinea, Mr Potter. 
 Aliens, mademoiselle, let us join the country-dance." 
 
 And he led her out of the room amid the laughter of 
 his companions. 
 
132 THE LOED MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 XYII 
 
 HOW HERBERT LEARNT THAT TRADESCANT HAD GOT INTO 
 THE HANDS OF SHARPERS ; AND HOW MR CANDISH AGAIN 
 APPEARED ON THE SCENE. 
 
 Annoyed by his cousin's supercilious manner towards 
 him, and half disposed to resent it, Herbert made a stiff 
 bow to the party, who replied to it with mock politeness, 
 and was proceeding along the passage leading to the great 
 hall, when he heard quick steps behind him, and, turning, 
 perceived Tradescant. 
 
 " Stop a minute, sir," cried the latter ; " I have a word 
 to say to you." 
 
 " As many as 5''ou please," replied Herbert, halting. 
 
 " You cannot be unaware, sir, that your intrusion into 
 our house this morning was exceedingly disagreeable to all 
 the family, with the exception of my father and my youngest 
 sister, and you will feel, therefore, that it is impossible there 
 can be any intimacy with us. Excuse the hint I am com- 
 pelled to give you, and be good enough to desist from 
 further visits." 
 
 " If I consulted my own feelings, sir, you may rest as- 
 sured I would never voluntarily expose myself to the repe- 
 tition of such treatment as I experienced this morning from 
 yourself and other members of your family," rejoined Her- 
 bert, coldly ; " but I cannot act contrary to my uncle's in- 
 junctions, and since he has ordered me to come to him, I 
 shall obey, however severely my patience may be tried." 
 
 " Oh ! do as you please ! I have cautioned you ; and if 
 you find the place too hot for you, don't blame me. I 
 fancied, from your former tone, that you set up for a man 
 of spirit, but you now appear tame enough." 
 
 " You shall not provoke me, cousin," said Herbert, with 
 difficulty restraining himself. " I can have no quarrel with 
 you." 
 
 "Make an end of this, sir," cried Tradescant, fiercely. 
 " I forbid you to call me cousin. I disclaim all relationship 
 with you." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 133 
 
 " So long as your worthy father is good enough to ac- 
 knowledge me as his nephew, I shall not heed being dis- 
 owned by you," rejoined Herbert. 
 
 " I was right, I find, in setting you down as a mean- 
 spirited fellow," said Tradescant. " 1 must try other means 
 of rousing you." 
 
 " For your own sake forbear," cried Herbert, his eyes 
 flashing as he caught Tradescant's uplifted hand. " This 
 is no place for a brawl. Eemember whose son you are, if 
 you are determined to forget that I am your kinsman. If 
 you continue in the same mood to-morrow I won't balk 
 you." 
 
 " There is little likelihood of change on my part," re- 
 joined Tradescant. " I give you credit for more prudence 
 than I possess. Adieu, sir." 
 
 And he marched off, leaving Herbert, who had had 
 enough to do to control himself, exceedingly chafed- 
 
 " I must calm myself," thought the young man. " If I 
 join the assembly in my present state I shall be sure to 
 quarrel with some one." 
 
 Descrying a chair placed amid some flowering shrubs, 
 arranged in a recess on one side of the passage, he went in 
 and took possession of the seat. He had not occupied it 
 many minutes when he heard voices and laughter, and pre- 
 sently afterwards some gaily-attired young men, who were 
 coming loiteringly along the passage, halted near the recess. 
 Herbert instantly recognized them as Tradescant's fashion- 
 able friends, whom he had just seen in the refreshment- 
 room ; but they did not perceive him, as he was partially 
 screened by the exotics. Wot desiring to overhear their dis- 
 course, he would have coughed to make his presence known, 
 if an allusion to his cousin had not caught his attention. 
 
 "Tradescant's ruin is certain," observed one of the 
 speakers — it was Tom Potter ; " he has got among a set of 
 sharpers, who will fleece him of every shilling he possesses. 
 I warned him against those two notorious rooks, G-leek and 
 Bragge, but might have spared myself the trouble, for any 
 good I could do. The pigeon tvill be plucked. How much 
 does he owe you, Dashwood ? " 
 
 "A few hundreds — I forget how much," replied Sir 
 Francis. 
 
 "He owes me a thousand" observed Potior — '^and 
 
lS4i THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Willtes nearly as mucli. I doubt whether we shall get the 
 money. Tom Chatteris tells me his father-in-law is difficult 
 to manage. Tom hopes, however, that the Lady Mayoress 
 will be able to wheedle her spouse out of the money. Chat- 
 teris, as you know, is desperately in debt. Between son and 
 son-in-law, the Lord Mayor will be pretty well drained." 
 
 " Tradeseant will drain him dry without any other assist- 
 ance," remarked Sir "William Stanhope. " "Who would have 
 thought such a steady-going citizen would have a thorough- 
 paced gamester for a son ! If Tradeseant, as you say, has 
 got into the clutches of those arrant cheats Grieek and 
 Bragge, his fate is sealed. But it will be a grievous blow 
 to his father." 
 
 " Poh ! what does that matter ? " laughed Tom Potter. 
 " If the Lord Mayor has to come down pretty handsomely 
 for his son's imprudences, it needn't give us any concern." 
 
 And the party moved on, leaving Herbert aghast at the 
 revelations they had unconsciously made to him. 
 
 "What was to be done ? In the present confusion of his 
 mind he could not tell. All the speakers, who seemed to 
 be perfectly acquainted with Tradescant's character, agreed 
 that his ruin was inevitable. But might it not be averted ? 
 "Was it too late to rescue him from the sharpers into whose 
 hands he had fallen ? These were questions Herbert could 
 not, of course, answer. But he determined to make the 
 attempt; and he also determined that, so far as he could 
 prevent it, his uncle should not suffer from Tradescant's 
 indiscretions. 
 
 Eull of these laudable resolves, he emerged from the 
 recess, and scarcely heeding where he was going, proceeded 
 towards the inner courts instead of to the hall. He had not 
 gone very far when a side-door opened, and a little old man, 
 in a shabby suit of black, whom Herbert took for an attend- 
 ant, came forth. This personage, on seeing Herbert, stared 
 very hard at him, and at last said : 
 
 " May I make so bold as to ask your name, sir ? ** 
 
 Herbert told him how he was called. 
 
 " Is it possible ? " exclaimed the other. " Then you 
 must be the Lord Mayor's nephew — the son of his elder 
 brother, Godfrey." 
 
 " You are right,'* rejoined Herbert, staring at his inter- 
 rogntor in his turn. " But how do you know that ? " 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON". 135 
 
 " You are very like your father, young man," rejoined the 
 other, without heeding the question ; " so like, that I knew 
 you at once. I think I have heard that Godfrey Lorimer is 
 no more ? " 
 
 " Alas ! it is so," replied Herbert. " But you seem to 
 take a strange interest in me. Whence does it arise ? " 
 
 "I take great interest in all that concerns the Lord 
 Mayor," rejoined the old man. "I knew him as a boy, and 
 I knew Godfrey at the same time. Don't be angry with me 
 if I say that Gresham — the Lord Mayor, I mean — was the 
 better of the two." 
 
 " Having proved the more successful in life, it may be 
 inferred that his lordship has some good qualities that were 
 wanting in my father," rejoined Herbert. " But there was 
 another brother, Lawrence, whom perhaps you likewise 
 knew." 
 
 '•• Tes, yes, I knew him," answered the old man, in a 
 husky voice ; " but he was a graceless fellow, not worth re- 
 membering. He ought not to be mentioned in the same 
 breath as Gresham — I mean, the Lord Mayor." 
 
 " Perhaps you may be doing him an injustice," said Her- 
 bert. " But since you seem to possess so much information, 
 about my family, you can tell me in all probability if my 
 uncle Lawrence is still alive, and where he may be met 
 with?" 
 
 " I can't tell you anything about him," replied the old 
 man, hurriedly. " When I last heard of him, he was in very 
 bad circumstances, and shunned by all who had known him 
 in better days." 
 
 " The very reason I must find him out. Where was lie 
 when you heard of him last ? " 
 
 " I don't recollect." 
 
 "Try," cried Herbert, eagerly. "You seem to have 
 some dislike to my poor uncle. You know more about him, 
 I am convinced, than you choose to tell." 
 
 " I ! " exclaimed the old man, uneasily. " Isn't it enough 
 that I have told you he ia miserably poor ? What more 
 would you have ? " 
 
 " You shan't go till you have answered my inquiries," 
 rejoined Herbert, catching hold of him. 
 
 " I can't answer them, I tell you," exclaimed the old 
 man, trying to break away. "Ah! there's the beadle," he 
 
136 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 added, with a look of affright, as Staveley was seen ap- 
 proaching them. 
 
 " Don't let him go, sir — don't let him go ! " cried Stave- 
 ley, hurrying forward. " The Lord Mayor wants him. You 
 escaped me this morning, Mr Candish, but you won't get off 
 again in a hurry, I can promise you." 
 
 " What has he been doing ? " demanded Herbert. 
 
 " "Why, his first offence was getting drunk, and boasting 
 of being the Lord Mayor's brother," replied Staveley. 
 " His second offence was running away, and getting me into 
 trouble." 
 
 "You've no right to detain me," cried Candish, almost 
 fiercely, and struggling ineffectually to get free. " I've done 
 nothing to deserve this treatment. I'll complain to the 
 Lord Mayor." 
 
 "Just what I advise you to do," rejoined the beadle. 
 " Why, I'm obeying his lordship's orders in detaining you. 
 Behave yourself like a gen'l'man, and I'll treat you as such. 
 You're the most wrong-headed, obstinate old man I ever 
 had the misfortune to meet with. Keep quiet, will you ? " 
 
 A light seemed suddenly to break upon Herbert, and he 
 mentally ejaculated, " Is it possible this miserable creature 
 can be my uncle Lawrence ? Everything seems to lead to 
 such a conclusion, and yet — " 
 
 "Listen to me, Herbert Lorimer," said the old man, in 
 a totally different tone from that he had hitherto assumed. 
 "You will understand, without necessity for further ex- 
 planation on my part, why it is desirable the Lord Mayor 
 should not see me again. It was highly imprudent in me to 
 return, but an uncontrollable impulse dragged me here. I 
 wished to have one more look at — at the Lord Mayor. It 
 would have been my last." 
 
 There was something so strangely significant in the tone 
 in which the latter words'were uttered, that both his hearers 
 were impressed with the notion that the old man meditated 
 some desperate act. 
 
 " The old fellow looks as if he meant to make away with 
 hisself," whispered the beadle to Herbert. "It wouldn't 
 be safe to let him go." 
 
 " I am quite of your opinion," replied Herbert. " Take 
 care of him, but on no account treat him harshly, while I 
 ascertain the Lord Mayor's wishes respecting him." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 137 
 
 " Oh ! Herbert, what folly are you about to commit ! " 
 exclaimed Candish. " If you have any feeling for the Lord 
 Mayor, for me, for yourself, you will cause my immediate 
 liberation." 
 
 " But he can't do it, I tell you," rejoined the beadle. 
 "I don't mean to let you go without tlie Lord Mayor's 
 orders. Your obstinacy is enough to provoke a saint. Keep 
 quiet, I say." 
 
 "You shall learn his lordship's wishes directly," cried 
 Herbert, hurrying away. 
 
 XYIII. 
 
 HOW CANDISH WAS BROUGHT BEFORE THE KINO. 
 
 Almost at the precise juncture that the foregoing inci- 
 dent occurred, the King had been made acquainted with the 
 strange meeting that took place earlier in the day between 
 the Lord Mayor and his supposed brother. Some particu- 
 lars of the occurrence had reached the ears of Sir Felix 
 Bland, who could not help repeating them to Lord Melcomb, 
 and he, in his turn, delighted at an opportunity of mortify- 
 ing the Lord Mayor, lost no time in communicating them to 
 the King. 
 
 " A singular circumstance occurred here this morning, 
 sir," observed his lordship. " It may amuse your Majesty 
 to hear it. A man was locked up in the Little Ease — a 
 cell adjacent to the chamberlain's court, in which refrac- 
 tory apprentices are sometimes confined — but when the 
 matter came to the Lord Mayor's ears, with his usual 
 goodness he immediately ordered the poor fellow's release. 
 Imagine, however, his lordship's surprise — his utter amaze- 
 ment — when in the unfortunate prisoner he recognized 
 — a long-lost brother. Yes, sir, a brother! His lordship 
 will correct me if I am wrong, but this is what I have 
 heard." 
 
 " Eh ? what ? " cried the King. " The Lord Mayor's 
 brother a prisoner in the Little Ease ? " 
 
138 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Permit me to explain the matter, sir," said Sir Grea- 
 ham, stepping forward. 
 
 " I hope I have not mentioned anything in the slightest 
 degree disagreeable to your lordship," said Lord Melcomb, 
 with a hypocritical look. 
 
 " I quite appreciate your lordship's motives," replied 
 Sir Gresham. " I have no wish to conceal anything iVom 
 your Majesty," he pursued. " I do not blush to avow that 
 I spring from a very humble origin. I by no means under- 
 value good birth, but I think good conduct ennobles a man 
 quite as much as a good pedigree. Lord Melcomb, I am 
 persuaded, will agree with me." This covert allusion to 
 his want of birth made the Carlisle apothecary's son be- 
 come redder than before. Without pausing, however, the 
 Lord Mayor went on : " My father, an obscure tradesman 
 — strictly honest — but unfortunate, had three sons, whom, 
 he brought up as well as his limited means would allow. 
 The course of my brothers was different from mine, and led 
 them into other paths. When I commenced life, and be- 
 came actively engaged in business, they both quitted Lon- 
 don, and I saw nothing more of them — neither did I hear 
 from them. No misunderstanding having occurred be- 
 tween us, I could only account for their long-continued 
 silence by the supposition that both must be dead. More 
 than forty years elapsed without my learning aught about 
 either of them until to-day." 
 
 " Ah ! now we have it," cried Lord Melcomb. 
 
 The Lady Mayoress, who was in an agony at this 
 narration, darted an imploring look at her husband, but 
 without eifect. He went on : 
 
 " This morning, sir, two young persons presented them- 
 selves at my house, and claimed relationship with me as 
 children of my elder brother. I bade them heartily wel- 
 come, and am glad to have a nephew and niece here to- 
 night whom I did not expect." 
 
 "Did your amiable relatives bring their father with 
 them ? " inquired Lord Melcomb. 
 
 " Their father is dead," replied the Lord Mayor, " and 
 on me devolves their future care." 
 
 "Then this occurrence has nothing to do with the 
 prisoner in the Little Ease ? " said Lord Melcomb. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 139 
 
 " If your lordship will permit me to proceed, you will 
 learn. The incident you have detailed to his Majesty is 
 subsfcantially correct. I accidentally discovered that a man 
 was shut up in that cell, and ordered his immediate release. 
 To my infinite surprise and concern I found — " 
 
 "For Heaven's sake say no more," implored the Lady 
 Mayoress, who had drawn near to him. " Eespect my 
 feelings, if you have no respect for yourself." 
 
 "Well! well!" cried the King, quickly. "What did 
 you find, eh?" 
 
 " In the unfortunate individual who stood before me, I 
 recognized my second brother, Lawrence, sir," replied the 
 Lord Mayor. " It was a great shock to me at first, but I 
 soon got over it, and oflfered him my hand. But from a 
 feeling for which I can easily account, the poor fellow could 
 not be brought to admit his relationship to me." 
 
 " Not admit it, eh ? " exclaimed the King. " Then 
 perhaps you may have been mistaken in him after all." 
 
 " I do not think so, sir," said the Lord Mayor. "How- 
 ever, it is curious that my poor brother — if it was he — 
 should be lost again almost as soon as found, for though I 
 left him here with every] recommendation for his comfort, 
 expecting to find him on my return from Westminster, he 
 has disappeared, and what is more provoking, I have no 
 clue to his abode." 
 
 " A. good riddance ! " muttered the Lady Mayoress. 
 
 "Tour lordship may make yourself perfectly easy on 
 that score," said the officious Sir Eelix Bland, stepping 
 forward. " Your nephew has just begged me to acquaint 
 you that the individual about whom your lordship was 
 inquiring on your return from Westminster has been found. 
 Staveley has detained him, and awaits your lordship's in- 
 structions respecting him." 
 
 ." What, is the man here ? " cried the King. " I should 
 like to see him." 
 
 "jS'othing more easy, sir," replied Sir Felix, bowing. 
 '* Will it please your Majesty to have him brought before 
 you ? " 
 
 " How say you, my lord r " cried the King to the Lord 
 Mayor. " Have you any objection ? " 
 
 "Not for worlds! " exclaimed the Lady Mayoress, in a 
 
140 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 whisper to her husband. "Make any excuse rather than 
 submit to this indignity. I shall die if the wretch ia 
 brought in." 
 
 " My proposal, I see, is not agreeable to . the Lady 
 Mayoress," observed the King, " so I won't urge it. Still 
 I should like to see the man, and question him. You have 
 raised my curiosity." 
 
 " Your Majesty has only to signify your pleasure to be 
 obeyed," said Sir G-resham. 
 
 The King hesitated for a moment, but, casting a glance 
 at the Lady Mayoress, her agonized looks moved his com- 
 passion, and he had not the heart to persist. 
 
 " There will be a scene if I have him here,'* he mentally 
 ejaculated. " I'll see him in private," he added, rising. 
 " Let him be brought to the room where we took tea. I'll 
 go there with the Lord Mayor." 
 
 " Your Majesty's injunctions shall be obeyed," replied 
 Sir Pelix. And with a lowly obeisance he hastened away. 
 
 " I trust I may be permitted to attend your Majesty," 
 observed Lord Melcomb. " I should like to hear the de- 
 nouement of this strange adventure." 
 
 "Ask the Lord Mayor," rejoined the King. "If he 
 allows it, you may come." 
 
 " I should be truly sorry Lord Melcomb should not be 
 present, sir, since his lordship has taken such an obliging 
 interest in the affair," observed Sir Gresham. 
 
 Attended only by the Lord Mayor and Lord Melcomb, 
 his Majesty quitted the platform, and proceeded to the 
 council-chamber. On entering the room Sir Gresham gave 
 directions to the ushers stationed at the door that no one 
 except Sir Felix Bland and the persons with him should be 
 admitted. 
 
 His Majesty had scarcely taken his seat when the little 
 alderman made his appearance, followed by Herbert and 
 Candish. The old man trembled in every limb, and clung 
 to his companion's arm for support. 
 
 " Take care what you are about, my dear sir," whispered 
 Sir Eelix. " You are in the King's presence. Make an 
 obeisance, my dear sir, as low as you can." 
 
 " Oh, Heavens 1 Am I in a dream ? " cried Candish. 
 " My head swims, my senses desert me ! Sustain me, Her- 
 bert, or I shall drop." ^ 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 141 
 
 " Don't be afraid, brother," said the Lord !Mayor, in an 
 encouraging toQe. " His Majesty has heard what took 
 place tliis morning, and has graciously expressed a desire to 
 see you." 
 
 "His Majesty is all goodness, and neglects not the 
 meanest of his subjects — of that I am aware," rejoined 
 Candish. " But, sensible as I am of his beneficence and 
 condescension, I do not deserve that he should take any 
 interest in me." 
 
 " Listen to me, Lawrence," said the Lord Mayor. 
 " The singular circumstances of our meeting this morning 
 have excited his Majesty's curiosity about you. Answer 
 any questions he may deign to put frankly, and without 
 reserve. Keep back nothing on my account, I beg of 
 you." 
 
 " I am ready to answer his Majesty's interrogations,'* 
 replied Candish ; " but I think my wits must be clean 
 gone, for I can scarce recollect what occurred this morn- 
 ing, except that your lordship mistook me for a long-lost 
 brother." 
 
 " Then you maintain that you are not the Lord Mayor's 
 brother ? " said the King. 
 
 " Heaven save your Majesty — not I ! " exclaimed Can- 
 dish. " It would be a disgrace to his lordship to be con- 
 nected with one like me." 
 
 " A truce to this, Lawrence," said Sir Gresham, angrily. 
 " Speak the truth, man." 
 
 " What account do you give of yourself ? " cried the 
 King. " Who are you, eh ? " 
 
 " I am named Hugh Candish, please your Majesty, and 
 in the course of a long, and I may add, miserable life, have 
 followed many occupations, but in none have I been success- 
 ful. Misfortune has always tracked me, and if prosperity 
 has smiled on me for a short time, it was sure to be followed 
 by heavier calamity. How different has my career been 
 from that of the Lord Mayor. We were boys together, and 
 at that time my prospects were quite as good as his own, if 
 not better. In him your Majesty beholds the result of in- 
 dustry, perseverance, and integrity. In me, the lamentable 
 consequences of want of steadiness, though not want of 
 probity, for throughout all my struggles I have maintained 
 an unblemished character." 
 
142 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " I am glad to hear it," replied the King. " But where 
 has your life been passed — in London, eh ? " 
 
 "JSTo, sir, in difterent places," replied Candish. "I have 
 been abroad for several years, and have dwelt in many cities 
 — Paris, Eome, Naples, Madrid. On my return to ray own 
 country, I dwelt for some time at Bristol, and have only 
 returned to London within these few months." 
 
 " What occupation do you follow, eh ? " demanded the 
 King. 
 
 " I blush to own it, sir, but I was last engaged at Shuter's 
 booth in Bartholomew Fair." 
 
 " Not as a jack-pudding, or a droll, I should imagine ? " 
 observed Lord Melcomb. 
 
 " It matters little what I played," replied Candish. " I 
 felt degraded, but I had no alternative except starvation." 
 
 " Wliy did you not apply to me ? " said the Lord Mayor, 
 in a tone of reproach. " But never mind. The worst is 
 past, Lawrence. The rest of your days shall be spent in 
 comfort." 
 
 " Again I thank your lordship from the bottom of my 
 heart for your benevolent intentions towards me," replied 
 the old man ; "but I cannot accept them." 
 
 "Not accept them! eh! — why not?" cried the King. 
 " Are you too proud to be indebted to your own brother ? " 
 
 " Pride has long been a stranger to my breast, sir," re- 
 plied Candish with an expression of deep humility ; "' but 
 I cannot allow the Lord Mayor to be misled by his feel- 
 
 " Then you mean to persist in your disclaimer of rela- 
 tionship to him, eh ? " said the King. 
 
 " I am obliged to do, sir." 
 
 " And you, my lord, what say you ? Have you altered 
 your opinion, eh ? " 
 
 " No, sir, not in the least," replied the Lord Mayor. " I 
 am convinced that he is my brother Lawrence. He partly 
 admitted the fact himself. He said he knew me as a boy, 
 yet I remember no person named Candish." 
 
 " My name may have slipped from your lordship's me- 
 mory. Very like. Yet still I was your playmate and 
 friend, and could mention many little circumstances which 
 would bring me to your recollection." 
 
 " Not as Hugh Candish, but as Lorry Lorimer." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 143 
 
 " Well, if your lordship will have it so, I must yield," 
 replied the old man ; " but I protest against the inference 
 you draw." 
 
 " Have I leave to speak, my lord ? '* interposed Herhert ; 
 and obtaining the Lord Mayor's assent, he went on. " When 
 Mr Candish, as he chooses to call himself, first addressed 
 me, he said he recognized me from the likeness to my father, 
 while other observations which he let fall brought me to the 
 same conclusion as your lordship — namely, that he is my 
 uncle Lawrence." 
 
 "Is this your nephew?" inquired the King of Sir 
 Gresham ; and receiving an answer in the affirmative, he 
 added, " A fine young man. I like his looks." 
 
 " I think your Majesty will only waste time in pursuing 
 this inquiry further," observed Lord Melcomb. " Ap- 
 parently, no pressing will induce this Bartholomew Fair 
 actor to make a confession. It is very droll, certainly. If 
 the Lord Mayor had disclaimed the connexion it would not 
 have been surprising, but that the other should do so is ex- 
 traordinary." 
 
 " I agree with your lordship," said the King. " It would 
 be idle to pursue the inquiry further now. When you 
 have fully investigated the matter," he added to the Lord 
 Mayor, " and satisfied yourself one way or the other, let me 
 know the result: though I have little doubt in my own 
 mind that you are in the right." 
 
 " To-morrow I shall be able to unravel the mystery," 
 replied Sir Gresham, " and will not fail to communicate the 
 solution to your Majesty. Do me the favour. Sir Felix, to 
 cause Mr Candish to be taken to my house in Cheapside — 
 but mind ! he must not be lost sight of" 
 
 " Tour lordship need be under no apprehension," said 
 Candish. " I shall not attempt to escape again." 
 
 "You are not to be trusted, brother," rejoined the Lord 
 Mayor, with a pitying smile, " and must forgive me if I am 
 compelled to put some little constraint upon your move- 
 ments. We will talk the matter over quietly to-morrow, 
 and then I feel sure we shall come to a right understand- 
 ing." 
 
 " Unless your brother — if brother he be — has taken leave 
 of his senses, you cannot fail to do so," rejoined the King, 
 ** He can have no possible motive for further concealment. 
 
Hii THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Not one man in a thousand, I verily believe, would have 
 acted as your lordship has done. Your conduct is noble." 
 
 On this his Majesty quitted the council-chamber, and 
 attended by the Lord Mayor and Lord Melcomb, returned to' 
 the hustings, and resuming his seat beside the Queen, re- 
 counted to her all that had occurred during his absence. The 
 tone in which he spoke was so loud, that the Lady Mayoress, 
 who was standing near, lost not a syllable he uttered, and 
 resolved, in the bitterness of her heart, that her first busi- 
 ness should be to turn the old Bartholomew Fair actor out 
 of the house. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 OF THE MTSTEETOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE 
 WALWORTH FROM THE BALL. 
 
 Anxious to see the Lord Mayor's directions respecting 
 Candish fully carried out, Herbert did not lose sight of the 
 latter until he had been taken oiF to Cheapside in charge of 
 Staveley. This done, the young man felt himself at liberty 
 to follow his own devices, and his first impulse was to look 
 for Alice Walworth. His quest, however, was vain. The 
 crowd was still as great as ever in the hall, and it was next to 
 impossible to discover any particular person amidst such a 
 throng. So at last he gave up the attempt, and stationed 
 himself near the steps leading to the inner court, thinking 
 it possible he might catch a glimpse of her. But though he 
 remained there nearly an hour, during which time a multi- 
 tude of charming-looking girls, attended by their partners, 
 passed and repassed, Alice was not among them. His pa- 
 tience at last becoming exhausted, he moved off towards the 
 refreshment-room, and had nearly reached it, when he heard 
 himself called, and turning, perceived Mr and Mrs "Wal- 
 worth. To his great disappointment, however, their daughter 
 was not with them. 
 
 " Oh, Mr Herbert, we're so glad to see you ! " cried 
 Mrs Walworth, coming up. " We've been looking for you 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 145 
 
 everywhere. But Avhere's Alice? "What Lave you done 
 with her ? " 
 
 " Hasn't she been with you, madam r " exclaimed Her- 
 bert, surprised. " I've not seen her since she went to dance 
 with Mr Wilkes — but that is nearly two hours ago. I con- 
 cluded she would go back to you." 
 
 " We have seen nothing of her at all, and should have 
 been extremely uneasy, of course, if we hadn't made sure 
 she was with you, Mr Herbert," rejoined the lady. " Where 
 can she be ? " 
 
 " Nay, I'm sure I can't pretend to tell, my dear," re- 
 sponded Mr AValworth. " As well look for a needle in a 
 bottle of hay as attempt to find her amongst the crowd in 
 the great hall. Plngue take the girl ! w^hat a deal of trouble 
 she does give one! " 
 
 " But she must be found, Mr "Walworth, she must be 
 found," 
 
 " Certainly, my dear, she sTiall be found. But be good 
 enough to explain liow it is to be done. Perhaps Mr Her- 
 bert will help us ? " 
 
 " Oh, do, there's a dear, kind creature," cried Mrs Wal- 
 worth. " I'm getting so miserably anxious." 
 
 " I'll do my best, madam," Herbert replied ; "but don't 
 make yourself uneasy. No doubt she'll appear presently." 
 
 " No doubt she will," replied Mr Walworth. " Let us 
 sit down in the refreshment-room and wait for her there. 
 She'll find us out, I promise you." 
 
 "I wonder you can take it so easily, Mr Walworth. 
 Something has happened to her, I'm convinced." 
 
 " How needlessly you distress yourself, my love. "What 
 can have happened to her ? " 
 
 "I can't tell, I'm sure, but I'm growing terribly alarmed.'* 
 
 " Ah ! here comes Mr AVilkes," cried Herbert, perceiv- 
 ing the personage in question coming along the passage 
 with several of his gay companions, " he may be able to 
 give us some information respecting her. I'll see." 
 
 And hurrying towards "Wilkes, he addressed his inquiries 
 to him. 
 
 " "What ! is Miss Walworth lost ? " cried Wilkes, laugh- 
 ing. " You don't suppose she has eloped, eh ? " 
 
 " I cannot allow any jesting at the young lady's expense, 
 sir," rejoined Herbert. " Where is she ? She was com- 
 
 10 
 
14(5 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 mitted to your care, and you are, therefore, responsible for 
 her." 
 
 " The deuce I am ! " cried "Wilkes. " I would have you 
 to know, sir, that I hold myself responsible for no woman, 
 young or old. A good joke it would be if a man must an- 
 swer for his partner in a dance, as if she were his partner 
 for life. You have chosen to question me so impertinently 
 that I feel disinclined to reply to you at all, but in com- 
 passion for your ignorance, I will say that I know nothing 
 about Miss Walworth. When she had done with me, she 
 engaged herself to dance with some one else." 
 
 " Who was it, sir ? I insist upon knowing. Come with 
 me, and point him out." 
 
 " And do you really imagine, my agreeable young friend, 
 that I shall accompany you on such an errand ? " returned 
 Wilkes, with a sneer. 
 
 " I have not the least doubt of it, sir," rejoined Herbert, 
 in a stern tone. 
 
 " Aha ! " cried Wilkes. " You will have something to 
 amuse you presently, gentlemen," he added, turning to his 
 companions. 
 
 Happily, however, the dispute was cut short by Mrs 
 Walworth, who rushed up, imploring Wilkes to tell her 
 wrhat had become of her daughter. 
 
 " Eeally, madam,! am very sorry," he replied ; " I can only 
 tell you, as I have just told this impetuous young man, that 
 your daughter left me to dance with some one else, with 
 whom I was totally unacquainted, and whom I should not 
 know again were I to meet him. That is the sum of my 
 information, madam. I must beg of you to excuse me. If Mr 
 Herbert Lorimer has any further communication to make to 
 me he will easily learn where I am to be found." So saying, 
 he made her a low bow, and marched off with his companions. 
 
 After this, Herbert instituted another search in the hall, 
 but with no better success than before. He then mounted 
 to the galleries and looked down amongst the crowd, but 
 failed to discern Alice. As time wore on, Mrs Walworth's 
 uneasiness increased, and even the old hosier became alarm- 
 ed. Sir Eelix Bland, with some of the committee of alder- 
 men, aided in the search, and it soon became apparent that 
 Alice was gone. But where, or how, no one could tell. 
 Wilkes was again sought for, but by this time he had gone 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDOJ*. 147 
 
 too. After a long and fruitless search, Mr and Mrs Wal- 
 worth were obliged to give up the matter in despair, and 
 went home in a state bordering on distraction. 
 
 Long before this, the King, who always kept early hours, 
 had departed. Their Majesties were ceremoniously ushered 
 to their carriage by the Lord Mayor, with the sword of 
 state borne before him, by the sheriffs, and the aldermen 
 composing the committee. On taking leave, the King 
 warmly expressed his acknowledgments to Sir Gresham, 
 adding emphatically, "I shall never forget your generous 
 conduct to your poor brother." 
 
 Guildhall-yard was one blaze of light, all the lamps with 
 which the surrounding buildings were covered being illu- 
 minated. Loud cheers were raised as the royal carriage 
 drove away, escorted by a troop of Horse Guards. 
 
 The whole of the houses in JSTew King-street and Cheap- 
 side were brilliantly illuminated — as indeed were those in 
 every street through which the royal party had to pass on 
 their return to St James's. On many of the habitations 
 were displayed large transparencies and loyal devices. 
 
 In consequence of these illuminations, which were ex- 
 ceedingly beautiful, especially in the City — and seen to 
 great advantage, the night being singularly calm and fine — 
 the streets were almost as crowded as during the day ; and 
 though no doubt there were a good many persons who could 
 not be complimented upon their sobriety, the behaviour of 
 the majority of the concourse was orderly, and nothing oc- 
 curred to dissatisfy their Majesties with their visit to the 
 City. The trainbands still lined the streets as far as Tem- 
 ple-bar, though many of them, owing to the plentiful liba- 
 tions in which they had indulged, could scarcely preserve 
 their equilibrium, and reeled off as soon as the royal car- 
 riage had passed by. 
 
 Shortly after their Majesties' departure the rest of the 
 royal family quitted Guildhall — though some little delay was 
 experienced in getting up their carriages. On parting with 
 her, the Duke of York said many gallant things to Lady 
 Dawes, and carried off her fan as a souvenir, leaving her 
 perfectly enchanted by his attentions. 
 
 Determined not to expose himself to a repetition of the 
 annoyances he had undergone. Lord Bute returned in a 
 sedan-chair, and luckily escaped discovery, or he might have 
 
148 THE LOED MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 fared still worse than in the morning. Lord Melcomb adopt- 
 ed a similar mode of conveyance. 
 
 Mr Pitt went back with Lord Temple, and hoped to 
 escape detection, but being speedily recognized, the crowd 
 surrounded his carriage as before, and shouted so vocifer- 
 ously that they roused many decent citizens from their slum- 
 bers ; and these worthy folk, on ascertaining the cause of 
 the uproar, threw open their windows, and waving their 
 long cotton nightcaps, cheered lustily in concert with the 
 throng below. 
 
 Thus was the Grreat Commoner's return as triumphant 
 as his entry into the City, 
 
 The festivities in Gruildhall were kept up for several 
 hours longer, and it was past four o'clock before the enter- 
 tainment was brought to a close. Sir G-resham, however, 
 did not see it out. After the departure of Mr Pitt and Lord 
 Temple he retired with the Lady Mayoress, and having 
 ascertained that his supposed brother was safe and well 
 cared for, sought repose after the fatigues and excitement 
 of his first day of mayoralty. 
 
 (gnlr 0f t|e imi '§mh 
 
BOOK II. 
 THE CITY MALL, 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 151 
 
 h 
 
 Just as Bow Church clock struck nine on the morning 
 after Lord Mayor's Day, an elderly personage, wrapped in 
 a dark-brown cloak, which had evidently seen loug service, 
 and with mouth and throat protected by a shawl, entered 
 the large draper's shop which called Sir Gresham Lorimer 
 master, and pausing for a moment to cleanse his shoes on 
 a mat near the door, cast an inquisitive glance around. 
 Owing to the careful manner in which they were muffled up, 
 little of the features of this individual could be discerned, 
 except a prominent nose and eyes provided with spectacles, 
 bi't the shopmen and apprentices had no difficulty in recog- 
 nizing him, even as he passed the shop window, and calling 
 out to each other that " Old Bow Bells was coming," in- 
 stantly ceased laughing and chatting, and some of the 
 younger of them, vaulting over the counter, put on a very 
 demure and business-like expression of countenance. 
 
 The person of whom these gentry stood so much in awe 
 was Sir Gresham's manager, Tobias Crutchet — an old and 
 much-trusted servant, who had lived in the establishment — 
 in one capacity or other — for nearly fifty years. He had 
 acquired the nickname just applied to him by the shopmen 
 in consequence of making it a boast that he had never 
 been, and never desired to be, beyond the sound of Bow 
 Bells. The designation stuck ; and Mr Crutchet was known 
 throughout Cheapside, on 'Change, at Lloyd's, and Garra- 
 way's, and at the quiet tavern where he smoked a pipe and 
 drank a single glass of punch at night, as " Old Bow 
 Bells." 
 
 A few words must be devoted to this worthy fellow's 
 history. At the time that our Lord Mayor was apprenticed 
 
152 THE LORD MAYOK OF LONDON. 
 
 to his future father-in-law, Mr Tradescant, Tobias Crutchet 
 was a porter in the house, and though a very young man 
 then, was capable of giving advice and setting a good exam- 
 ple to those about him, and Sir Gresham always declared 
 that he mainly owed his rise to honest Toby Crutchet's 
 precepts. As young Lorimer got on, we may be sure liis 
 humble friend was not neglected. Toby Crutchet very soon 
 had a place behind the counter, and was gradually promoted 
 — with a constantly increasing salary — until he became 
 foreman and manager. In fact, Sir G-resham would have 
 taken him into partnership, but Crutchet gratefully de- 
 clined the offer, being perfectly content with his position, 
 which was far better than in former days he could have 
 hoped to obtain. Moreover, he was unmarried, and had no 
 relatives to provide for. Bound as he was by ties of strong- 
 est gratitude to his master, old Crutchet was equally at- 
 tached to the rest of the family. He had known the Lady 
 Mayoress, now expanded into a dame of such goodly pro- 
 portions, as a pretty, lightsome girl, and had often borne 
 her in his arms to church on a wet Sunday, and brought 
 her home in the same way from a neighbour's house. Na- 
 turally, little Celia Tradescant was very fond of Toby Crut- 
 chet^ for the obliging fellow did whatever she asked him. 
 But when, some years afterwards, a certain marriage took 
 place, Crutchet was nearly as proud and happy as the bride- 
 groom himself It was positive rapture to him to behold 
 the young couple standing before the altar at Bow Church, 
 and to see Mr Tradescant give away his daughter. His 
 next gratification was the christening of Olivia, :at whose 
 marriage with Sir John Dawes he assisted, some five-and- 
 twenty years later. All his master's children were dear to 
 him as his own offspring could have been, but his favourite 
 was decidedly Tradescant. Though the boy was a sad 
 pickle, Toby Crutchet was ever ready to overlook his faults, 
 and if possible screen him from blame or punishment, fondly 
 persuading himself he would grow steadier in time, and be- 
 come an exemplary character like his father. Even when 
 Tradescant began to plunge into dissipation and extrava- 
 gance, the old man, who was more fully aware of the extent 
 of the youth's follies than Sir Gresham himself, Avould not 
 give him up. Actuated by the same mistaken feelings that 
 had influenced his conduct towards his favourite in earlier 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 153 
 
 days, lie now strove to conceal Traclescant's proceedings 
 from his father. Whenever the young prodigal was in diffi- 
 culties he applied to Crutchet for assistance, and never in 
 vain. The old man's savings were as freely lent as unscru- 
 pulously borrowed. 
 
 Unaccustomed to refusal, and regarding Crutchet as an 
 inexhaustible source of supply, Tradescant was surprised 
 and provoked when the old man^ — only a few days before 
 the commencement of our story — for the first time declined 
 to let him have the considerable sum he required, or any 
 part of it. The only reason he assigned for the refusal was 
 one which Tradescant did not credit — namely, that it was 
 not in his power to make further advances. So the young 
 spendthrift railed at him very heartily, calling him a stingy 
 old curmudgeon and a skiniflint, and went away in a tre- 
 mendous huif. The denial effaced all sense of gratitude for 
 former favours from Tradescant's breast — if, indeed he had 
 ever felt grateful — and he now only regarded his assistant 
 as an avaricious old hunks. 
 
 But Crutchet was deeply grieved — not by the abuse 
 heaped upon him — for this he cared little — but by the utter 
 recklessness exhibited by the young man. Yet while re- 
 proaching himself that he had not long ago acquainted Sir 
 Gresham with his son's misconduct, he could not even now 
 make up his mind to open his master's eyes. 
 
 Methodical in all his habits, Crutchet always entered 
 the shop as Bow Church clock struck nine, and had not 
 been known to vary for years. Originally a tall and strongly 
 built man, he was now somewhat shrunk and bent, as might 
 well be, seeing he was upwards of threescore and ten, but 
 he still looked robust, and might hope to hear the chimes of 
 his darling bells for several years to come. When he took 
 off his shawl and cloak he exhibited rather a gaunt person, 
 arrayed in an old-fashioned snuff-coloured coat, with im- 
 mense pockets and plated buttons, waistcoat and breeches 
 of the same material, buckles at the knees, brown woollen 
 hose, and square-toed shoes, with high quarters and large 
 silver buckles. He was a dark-complexioned man, and 
 wore his own iron-grey hair combed back from the forehead 
 and tied behind in a queue. Spectacles, a hat shaped like a 
 tin flour-scale, and a long cravat dangling down in front, 
 completed his costume. 
 
154 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 After glancing round the shop to see that all was in its 
 place, and asking a few questions of the shopmen, Crutchet 
 marched into the counting-house, and gravely saluting the 
 book-keepers, seated himself on a high stool, and opened a 
 ledger. 
 
 While he was thus occupied, a note was brought him 
 from the private part of the house by Tradescant's valet. It 
 merely contained the words, " I must see you immediately." 
 Crutchet heaved a sigh as he read the message, feeling that 
 some fresh trouble was impending. 
 
 " Is your master up yet, Tiplady ? *' he inquired of the 
 valet. 
 
 " No, sir ; his honour is still a-bed," replied the man — 
 almost as much of a coxcomb as his master — " but he begs 
 you will come to him as soon as you can." 
 
 " I will wait on him immediately," replied Crutchet. 
 
 On this Tiplady departed, strutting consequentially 
 through the shop, and winking to some of the apprentices, 
 who made comical gestures to bim in reply. Crutchet re- 
 mained for a few minutes in deep thought, debating within 
 himself what he ought to do, but unable to arrive at any 
 positive conclusion. He then closed the ledger, and un- 
 locked a door at the back of the room, which admitted him 
 into the private house. Avoiding the principal passage, 
 which was environed by a multitude of the Lord Mayor's 
 servants, he mounted a back staircase, and soon reached 
 the second-floor, where Tradescant's room was situated. 
 Tiplady was standing at the door, and at once admitted 
 him. 
 
 II. 
 
 A MATEIMONIAL PEOJECT. 
 
 Tradescant's chamber was spacious, luxuriously fitted 
 up, and so arranged as to serve the purposes both of bed- 
 room and morning-room. At the farther end, on a superb 
 French bed, with a rose-coloured canopy and curtains, and 
 supported by large downy pillows edged with lace, lay the 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 155 
 
 young prodigal. Near the couch stood a large Japan 
 screen. But notwithstanding the richness of the furniture 
 and decorations, great disorder reigned within the room. 
 Thus a pink silk domino and mask, tossed upon a sofa by 
 their wearer on his return from a masquerade, had not been 
 since removed. Articles of attire in velvet and silk of the 
 gayest colours were lying scattered about near the open 
 wardrobes, and so were rich Mechlin shirts and cravats. 
 Half a dozen perukes appeared to have been tried, and for 
 some fault or other cast aside. In one corner was a collec- 
 tion of gold-headed canes and walking-sticks ; in another a 
 pile of swords, several of them with handsome handles. 
 Here there was a dressing-table, with all its appliances in 
 crystal and chased silver. Beside it was a large cheval- 
 glass, wherein our young beau could survey his fine figure 
 from head to foot. On the chimney-piece was a magnificent 
 Louis Quinze clock, and on the other side of it stood some 
 exquisite specimens of Sevres china, while on the right and 
 left of the hearth were two great green porcelain jars. The 
 walls were covered with portraits of popular actresses — Mrs 
 Yates, Mrs Clive, Mrs Bellamy, Mrs Abegg, and Miss 
 Macklin — intermingled -with pictures of opera figurantes, 
 prize-fighters, cock-fights, and famous race-horses. 
 
 " Good morning. Bow Bells," Tradescant cried, as the 
 old man entered the room. " Glad to see you. Bring a 
 chair this way, and sit down." 
 
 Crutchet complied, and, gazing earnestly at the young 
 prodigal, said, 
 
 . " 1 am here at your bidding, Mr Tradescant. But I 
 hope, sir, you haven't sent for me in the expectation of get- 
 ting money." 
 
 " Indeed but I have, Bow Bells. "Without a good round 
 sum I shan't be able to get on, and I don't know who else 
 to apply to but you. Cash I must have, but I would rather 
 not apply to the Jews." 
 
 " Oh no, sir ! That mustn't be thought of," cried 
 Crutchet, shaking his head. 
 
 " I've been devilish unlucky of late," pursued Trades- 
 cant. " Cards and dice have been always against me. Since 
 I spoke to you last, I haven't won a guinea." 
 
 " But how many have you lost, sir ? May I venture to 
 ask that ? " 
 
156 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Here, take this, and you'll see," rejoined Tradescant, 
 tossing his tablets to him. " Look at the last page." 
 
 Orutchet turned to the page intimated, and was so hor- 
 rified by what he saw that he could not repress a groan. 
 
 " Heaven preserve us ! " he ejaculated. " Here's a total 
 of five thousand pounds and upwards." 
 
 "Ay,, that's about it, Bow Bells," rejoined the young 
 man. " Don't look so confounded glum ; that won't mend 
 the matter. You must get me out of this scrape, as you've 
 done out of others before it. If I don't pay my debts of 
 honour I shall be scouted — that you know as well as I do. 
 Fortune has frowned upon me of late, but I am certain my 
 luck will change to-day, and that I shall win." 
 
 " Oh, don't go on in this way, my dear young gentleman ; 
 for your good father's sake — for your own sake — don't ! " 
 
 " But I must retrieve my losses," rejoined Tradescant, 
 wholly unmoved by the appeal. " To-day I am sure to win, 
 I tell you, and then I'll repay you all you've lent me, worthy 
 Bow Bells — principal and interest." 
 
 " I want neither principal nor interest, sir. But oh ! 
 let me entreat you, as you value your reputation, to forswear 
 cards and dice in future." 
 
 " I'll never leave ofi'a loser. Bow Bells," replied Trades- 
 cant. 
 
 " But if you never win, sir — how then ? " 
 
 " I tell you I shall win. So cease preaching, and come 
 to the point. Will you let me have the money ? I know 
 you can." 
 
 " Indeed, sir, I have not the power." 
 
 " Poh ! this is a mere idle excuse, and won't pass with 
 me. Say you ivon't, and then I'll believe you." 
 
 " There is no lack of inclination on my part, I assure you, 
 sir. All I ever possessed I owe to your good father. My 
 poor services have been far overpaid by him. Therefore 
 you have been welcome — heartily welcome — to all my sav- 
 ings. If I had aught left you should have it for the asking, 
 though I deeply regret to see money so misapplied. But I 
 have nothing — literally and truly nothing." 
 
 " Zounds ! you don't mean to say this is really the case, 
 Bow Bells ? " cried the young man, looking fixedly at him. 
 
 •"Alas! sir, it is too true. But in telling you this, I do 
 not mean to convey any reproach. I am compelled to state 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 157 
 
 the fact in order to prove my inability to help you. But 
 oh ! Mr Tradescant, give ear, I beseech you, to the counsels 
 of an old man who loves you dearly as a son, and would 
 make any sacrifice for you. You are blest with one of the 
 best and kindest of fathers. Pause in your fatal career. Do 
 not bring shame and sorrow upon him — do not — do not ! " 
 
 " Did I not know you mean well I should be very 
 angry with you, Mr Crutchet," rejoined Tradescant, 
 haughtily. " But in consideration of your motives, I for- 
 give you. No more sermonizing, however. I haven't 
 patience for it. 
 
 " I trust you will never wring your father's heart as you 
 do mine, sir," groaned the old man. 
 
 " Why, what the deuce would you have me do, you 
 stupid old Bow Bells? I can't stop now if I would. I 
 must pay my debts, I suppose. How much do I owe you ? '* 
 
 " Never mind me, sir — never mind me." 
 
 " "Well, you can wait, certainly. But the others won't. 
 So the rhino must be had somehov/. Harkye, Bow Bells ! 
 will you borrow the money for me from Shadrach, of the 
 Old Jewry ? " 
 
 " What ! I go near the old Israelitish money-lender — 
 not for the world, sir ! No, Mr Tradescant, there's only one 
 course open to you, and that's the straightforward one. Con- 
 fess your errors to your father — fully, freely. 'Twill be a 
 great pang to him, but he will forgive you — I am sure he 
 will." 
 
 " I don't know that, Crutchet. My dad can be very ob- 
 durate if he pleases. When I last applied to him he was 
 in a towering passion, and swore he would never help me 
 again. And then, to mend matters, Captain Chatteris is 
 hard up too, and means to ask for aid to-day." 
 
 " Lord bless us ! and the captain has had his debts paid 
 twice already ! What will the world come to ! We shall all 
 be brought to rack and ruin by these young spendthrifts." 
 
 " Not so bad as that, Bow Bells," rejoined Tradescant, 
 laughing. " Make yourself easy about me. I shall soon be 
 all right. I've got a rich wife in view. Who do you think 
 she is ? You know her — or, at least, you know her father." 
 
 " Nay, I can't guess, sir. But I entirely approve your 
 resolution. 'Tis the best thing you can do. Bat who may 
 the young lady be, for I presume she is young ? " 
 
158 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Young and handsome, Bow Bells. She has only one 
 drawback, namely, a vulgar old dad — but, to make amends 
 for his vulgarity, he is astoundingly rich. Do you know old 
 "VYalworth, the hosier, of St Mary-axe ? " 
 
 "Is it Mr "Walworth's daughter you have fallen in love 
 with, sir ? Oh ! she'll do— she'll do.*" 
 
 " Yes, yes, I think she will do. Bow Bells. I abominate 
 the notion of matrimony, but apparently there's no avoiding 
 it. I've often seen Alice AYalworth before, and thought her 
 a fine girl, but the idea of marrying her never entered my 
 head till last night, when I met her at Guildhall. I don't 
 think it would have occurred to me then had I not been 
 piqued." 
 
 " AYell, sir, you can't do better, that's all I can say ; and 
 I'm of opinion the match will be agreeable to Sir Grresham. 
 But what about the young lady, sir ? Is she favourably in- 
 clined towards you ? " 
 
 " She has more than half consented, Bow Bells. You 
 shall hear how the thing was managed. Yesterday was a 
 day of adventures to the W«i]worths. A young fellow who 
 pretends to be a nephew ol 3ay father, suddenly turned up, 
 and during the procession on the Thames to Westminster, 
 managed to rescue Alice Walworth and her mother from 
 drowning — their boat having been upset in the Thames. 
 Such a daring feat was enough to give him a wonderful in- 
 terest in a romantic girl's eyes, and I must do the young 
 fellow the justice to say ne is by no mcLMS ill-looking. 
 Habited as he was last night in one of my best suits — con- 
 found his impudence in taking it ! he cut rather a fine 
 figure, and it was quite evident had began to make an im- 
 pression upon Alice's somewhat susceptible breast — " 
 
 "Indeed, sir," interrupted Crutchet, "that doesn'fc 
 augur well for you." 
 
 " Wait a moment and you shall hear. Enraged at the 
 assurance of this pretender, I had some words with him 
 near the refreshment-room, and, on quitting him, was deter- 
 mined to thwart his love projects. At that time Alice was 
 dancing with a friend of mine, Mr Wilkes, so I immediately 
 went and engaged her for the next dance, and the moment 
 she was surrendered to me by Wilkes, I laid desperate siege 
 to her, vowing I had long adored her, and acted my part so 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 159 
 
 briskly that I soon found I was getting ahead of my cousin. 
 However, not to give him a chance, I resolved Alice should 
 not dance with him again, and by good management con- 
 trived to keep her out of his way during the rest of the 
 evening — making the most of my time all the while. He 
 could not learn that Alice was dancing with me, as I had 
 cautioned Wilkes on that head. Time flew by — so quickly 
 that it was four o'clock in the morning before Alice recol- 
 lected that she ought to look out for papa and mamma — 
 and as I now felt pretty secure, I had no objection to her 
 doing so. Accordingly, we went in search of them, when 
 who should we stumble on but Sir J'elix Bland, who quite 
 started at the sight of Miss Walworth, and told her her 
 distracted parents had been looking for her everywhere, and 
 had just gone home in despair, ' They couldn't have used 
 their eyes to much purpose,' I said, ' or they must have 
 seen her, for she has been dancing with me the whole even- 
 ing.' ' Oh ! that's it ! ' cried Sir Felix, with a knowing 
 smile. ' However, Miss Walworth must go home directly.' 
 * I'll take her at once,' I said. ' No, that won't do,' he 
 replied. ' I'll take her in my chariot — but you may go with 
 us if you like, to explain matters.' This being settled, the 
 good-natured alderman drove us to St Mary-axe, and you 
 may imagine the scene that ensued when Alice was deli- 
 vered to her disconsolate parents — ha ! ha ! ha ! " And he 
 threw himself back on his pillow to indulge his laughter 
 unrestrained. 
 
 "And was Mr Walworth quite satisfied with the explan- 
 ation, sir ? " inquired Crutchet. 
 
 " He was too glad to have his daughter back again to 
 ask any questions. As to Mrs Walworth, Sir Felix Bland, 
 who I must say is the most obliging person in existence, 
 soon set matters right with her. He told her I was quite 
 smitten by Alice's charms, and insinuating that I meant to 
 propose in form, appointed a meeting in the City Mall at 
 half-past four o'clock to-day." 
 
 " I hope you won't disappoint them, sir. Ah, if you 
 could but comprehend how much more respectable — how 
 much happier you would be as a decorous domestic character 
 than as a jaded votary of pleasure, thinking only of carding, 
 dicing, racing, cock-fighting, operas, festinos, masquerades, 
 
160 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 and ballet-dancers, you wouldn't hesitate a moment. It 
 was once my cherished hope that you would take the man- 
 agement of the concern down- stairs " 
 
 " What ! I become a dra])er ! JSTever, Bow Eells, never ! 
 I would as soon turn hosier like my respected father-in-law 
 — that is to be — old AValworth. But, talking of the shop, 
 Crutchet, I forgot to tell you you are likely to have a new 
 master, in the person of the young gentleman who pretends 
 to be my cousin, and calls himself Herbert Lorimer. My 
 dad declared yesterday, before a large assemblage, that he 
 meant to place him in the establishment." 
 
 " Lord bless us ! this is startling news indeed ! " 
 
 " But it mustn't be. Bow Bells. Make it your business 
 to dissuade Sir Grresham from so foolish a step. He'll 
 listen to you." 
 
 " Oh, sir, I couldn't venture to oppose my opinion to 
 my master's. T^o doubt he has excellent reasons for this 
 determination. Mr Herbert Lorimer — " 
 
 " — shan't have a share in the concern, if I can prevent 
 it. I'd sooner take the place myself." 
 
 " Ah, that would be something like, sir. There I would 
 support you," cried Crutchet, brightening up. 
 
 " JSTay, I was but jesting. Business would never suit 
 me. Bow Bells ; I'm not made for it. No, I must amuse 
 myself. I can't lead a dull, humdrum, plodding life. I 
 have no interest in City affairs and City folk like Sir Gres- 
 ham. I must mix with the beau-monde, haunt the coffee- 
 houses and the theatres, excite myself with a race, or at the 
 cock-pit, or the Groom-Porters', or seek an adventure at 
 E-anelagh or the masquerades. I should have found the 
 ball at Guildhall horridly tame last night but for my love 
 affair with Alice Walworth — ha ! ha ! " 
 
 " Ah, sir, I don't see much chance of your settling down 
 into a steady character," sighed Crutchet. " If you have 
 no further commands for me, I'll take my leave." 
 
 " Stay, Bow Bells, I haven't half done with you yet. I 
 can't get a wife unless I have money, and I can't become 
 steady unless I have a wife." 
 
 " Then follow the advice which I ventured to give you 
 at first, and apply to Sir Gresham." 
 
 " Have you seen my father, Crutchet ? " 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 161 
 
 " 'No, sir, he hasn't sent for me. But he is sure to do 
 so before he goes to the Mansion House." 
 
 " I tell you what I'll do, Bow Bells — I'll get my mother 
 to break the matter to him. Push that table towards me ; 
 it has pen, ink, and paper upon it. I'll write her a few 
 lines." And as Crutchet complied, he set to work, and the 
 note being written, he rang a handbell which was set upon 
 the table, and the summons was immediately answered by 
 Tiplady. " Take this to her ladyship. Tip," he added, giving 
 him the note. As soon as the valet was gone, he continued, 
 " I hope this will do the trick, Bow Bells ; but if it fails, 
 we must have recourse to Shadrach." 
 
 " I hope it will never come to that ! " exclaimed Crut- 
 chet, with a shudder. 
 
 III. 
 
 TWO NOTES. 
 
 "While the interview detailed in the foregoing chapter 
 took place, the Lord Mayor was breakfasting in a lower 
 room with the Lady Mayoress. His lordship was wrapped 
 in a magnificent brocade dressing-gown, and looked little 
 the worse for the fatigue he had gone through on the pre- 
 ceding day. Neither did his appetite seem impaired, for he 
 had consumed the best part of a broiled fowl, and was 
 helping himself to some potted meat, when his two elder 
 daughters entered the room. 
 
 " Grood morning to you both, my dears," he said, as they 
 each kissed his cheek. " Delighted to see you. But how 
 is it you are out so early ? " 
 
 " "We came early in order to see you before you go to 
 the Mansion House, papa," said Lady Dawes. " We have 
 something to say to you." 
 
 " "Well, sit down and take some chocolate." 
 
 Sir G-resham soon perceived, from the looks and whispers 
 exchanged between the Lady Mayoress and her daughters, 
 
 " 11 
 
162 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 that an attack was about to be made upon him. Nor was 
 it long in coming. The Lady Mayoress opened the fire 
 thus: 
 
 " In spite of their fatigues of last night, dearest Livy 
 and dearest Chloris have ventured out, in order to tell you, 
 Sir Gresham, how dreadfully shocked they are by what oc- 
 curred at Guildhall, when that pitiful old wretch, whom 
 you persist in calling your brother, was brought before his 
 Majesty." 
 
 " Yes, papa," interrupted Lady Dawes, " I really couldn't 
 sleep for thinking of it. But for this disagreeable incident, 
 everything would have gone off most charmingly. "What 
 could induce you to acknowledge such a creature as I am 
 told this wretched old man is ? " 
 
 " It is perfectly unaccountable, papa," chimed in Mrs 
 Chatteris, " and wholly inconsistent with your usual good 
 sense and discrimination. Why, you'll make yourself the 
 laughing-stock of the City." 
 
 " And then to complete the measure of his folly, your 
 papa must needs send the old wretch here ! " cried the Lady 
 Mayoress. " But I'll pack him about his business pretty 
 quickly." 
 
 " Hardly so, I think, my dear,'* observed the Lord 
 Mayor, continuing his breakfast unconcernedly, " when you 
 learn it is my pleasure he should stay." 
 
 " I think mamma quite right, I must own," remarked 
 Lady Dawes ; " and certainly, if I were in her place, I 
 wouldn't submit to such an intolerable nuisance as this old 
 man must prove. Tou can't be surprised^ if she should 
 proceed to extremities with him." 
 
 " Indeed but I shall — very much surprised," rejoined 
 the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " Surely, papa, you won't distress us all, and disgrace 
 the family, by bringing this miserable creature among us ? " 
 cried Mrs Chatteris. " I would never have believed it of 
 jou! Now, do be persuaded by me," she added, in a coax- 
 ing tone. " Let me give the necessary directions for his 
 dismissal to Tomline." 
 
 " Hear me, Chloris. By this time all the City knows 
 that this unfortunate man is my brother, and were I to cast 
 him off as you recommend, disgrace would not only attach 
 to me, but to you all." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 163 
 
 On this a general sigh was heaved by the ladies. 
 
 " And pray what do you propose doing with your so- 
 called nephew and niece, Sir Gresham ? " inquired the 
 Lady Mayoress, glancing at her daughters. 
 
 "My niece will remain here for the present," he re- 
 turned ; " and as to my nephew, he will he placed in the 
 shop to-day. Crutchet will take charge of him, and if the 
 young man goes on w^ell, he will jBU the position Tradescant 
 ought to occupy." 
 
 " That is your intention. Sir Greshami ? " said the Lady 
 Mayoress, bitterly. 
 
 " That is my intention, madam," he repeated.^ " Oblige 
 me with another cup of chocolate. If you Avould have 
 allowed your son to be placed under Crutchet' s care it would 
 have been all the better for him." 
 
 " And why should Tradescant trouble himself about 
 business, Sir Oresham ? "With his prospects — " 
 
 " Ay, there it is," cried the Lord Mayor, sharply. " It 
 is owing to your perpetually prating to the lad about ' his 
 prospects,' and putting [ridiculous notions into his head, 
 that he has become the idle fop he is. You will be respon- 
 sible, madam, for any ill that may befall him." 
 
 "La! Sir Gresham, you quite frighten me," she ex- 
 claimed. 
 
 At this moment Tomline entered the room with a note, 
 which he presented to Mrs Chatteris on a silver plate. 
 
 " Erom the captain, madam," he said. " He wished it 
 to be delivered to you immediately." 
 
 " From my husband ! " she exclaimed, taking the billet. 
 " What can he want ? Pray excuse me, papa.'* 
 
 Opening the letter, she read as follows : 
 
 " Dearest Chloets, — I must have £1000 to-day — to 
 discharge a debt of honour. Wheedle your papa out of the 
 money. Exert all your arts, for if you fail I am done for. 
 I have just been to your room, but find you are gone to 
 Cheapside in your chair. Mind, nothing less than a thou- 
 sand will do, and I must have it to-day. 
 
 " Tour perplexed 
 
 " Tom." 
 
 "What's the matter, my dear child?" cried the Lady 
 
164 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Mayoress. " Tou seem agitated. Take some eau-de-luce,'* 
 handing her a flacon. " IS^o bad news, I hope ? " 
 
 " Not very good," replied Mrs Chatteris, with an hyste- 
 rical sob. " Dearest, dearest papa ! " she exclaimed, rush- 
 ing towards Sir Grresham, " I'm sure you will save him." 
 
 " Save him ! Save whom ? " cried the Lord Mayor, lay- 
 ing down his knife and fork, and staring at her. 
 
 " My husband — your son-in-law — Tom Chatteris. Save 
 him from ruin — utter ruin ! " 
 
 " "Whew ! Is it come to this ? " cried the Lord Mayor. 
 " Why, I paid his debts only a few months ago, and he then 
 solemnly protested _he would never get into the like scrape 
 again." 
 
 " But this is a debt of honour, papa ! '* 
 
 " So mucli the worse. These so-called debts of honour 
 are the most dishonourable debts a man can incur. An 
 honest creditor is put off without hesitation, but a knavish 
 gamester must be paid, because, forsooth, his is a debt of 
 honour. What does your husband want, madam ? " 
 
 " I'm almost afraid to tell you, papa. He'll never trou- 
 ble you again. He won't, indeed ! He wants — that is, he 
 hopes you'll let him have — a thousand pounds." 
 
 " A thousand devils ! " exclaimed the Lord Mayor. " He 
 shan't have it." 
 
 " Oh, don't say so, dearest papa ! You wouldn't see as 
 ruined. Join your entreaties to mine, dearest mamma ! " 
 
 " It will be in vain," rejoined Sir Gresham. " I won't 
 listen to either of you. Captain Chatteris deserves to pay 
 for his folly, and he sliall pay for it." 
 
 Here Tiplady entered the room, and presented a note 
 to the Lady Mayoress. 
 
 " From my master, your ladyship," said the valet. 
 
 " Oh, lud ! my heart misgives me ! " cried the Lady 
 Mayoress, taking the letter. 
 
 " Why does your master write, puppy ? — why not come 
 here, if he has anything to say ? " demanded the Lord 
 Mayor. 
 
 " His honour is not yet up, my lord," replied Tiplady. 
 " He wrote the note in bed, and desired it might be given 
 instantly to her ladyship." And, with an affected bow, he 
 withdrew. 
 
 " I'll warrant it's to the same tune as t'other," muttered 
 
• 
 
 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 165 
 
 Sir Gresham, noticing his wife's changing countenance as 
 she perused the billet. 
 It was to this effect : 
 
 " If you have any love for me, mother, you will save me 
 from dishonour and despair. I have been frightfully un- 
 lucky of late, and have lost more than I dare confess ; but 
 help me out of my present scrape, and I will abjure cards 
 and dice iu future. I will, upon my soul. Coax my father 
 out of £5000. It's not all I want, but it will help me 
 through the day. If you find him amiably disposed, ask 
 for £10,000. I depend upon your getting the first-men- 
 tioned sum. Crutchet is now with me. He won't let me 
 have a farthing more. Tom Chatteris is desperately hard 
 up, and means to ask for money to-day, so it will be well 
 to be beforehand with him. 
 
 " Your afi*ectioDate son, 
 
 " TfiADESCANT.** 
 
 " "What's the matter ? " demanded the Lord Mayor. 
 " Nothing wrong, I hope ? " 
 
 "Oh no — nothing wrong," she replied ; " that is — 
 there's no use concealing it — the fact is, Tradescant wants 
 money, Sir Gresham." 
 
 " I knew that was the burthen of his song," he replied. 
 " Nothing less urgent would have caused him to write." 
 
 "Then I hope you have made up your mind to grant 
 his request ? " 
 
 " Hum ! I can't say. How much does he want ? " 
 
 "Well, Sir Gresham, he has been rather imprudent — 
 but youDg men, you know, will be young men — he wants — 
 but pray don't look so cross, or I shall never be able to tell 
 you." 
 
 " Give me the letter, and let me see ? " 
 
 " No, I can't do that. Since it must out, he wants ten 
 — that is, five thousand pounds— and I hope you'll let him 
 have it, Sir Gresham." 
 
 " Five thousand pounds ! — why, it's a fortune ! " cried 
 the Lord Mayor, starting to his feet. " How can he have 
 squandered away such a sum ? He has been gaming — bet- 
 ting, dicing — but I'll know the truth." 
 
i6G THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 "I won't attempt to defend him, Sir Gresham. Oveiv 
 look his faults this once. He won't err again." 
 
 " I have overlooked his faults too often, madam," re- 
 joined the Lord Mayor, sternly. " But .a stop must now 
 be put to his folly and extravagance. You are to blame 
 for it." 
 
 " Oh ! blame me as mueli as you please, Sir Gresham. 
 I will bear all your reproaches without a murmnr — but do 
 let Tradescant have the money. I'll answer tor his good 
 conduct in future." 
 
 " And don't forget poor dear Tom, papa ? " implored 
 Mrs Chatteris. " He'll be ruined if you don't help him," 
 
 " I shall be ruined if I have to answer such demands as 
 these upon me ! " exclaimed the Lord Mayor. " Why, 
 you ask me for six thousand pounds as if it was nothing. 
 I can't do it, and won't. If these spendthrifts will go 
 headlong to ruin, I can't help it. They must reap the 
 fruit of their folly, and go to gaol." 
 
 " "What ! the Lord Mayor's son and son-in-law go to 
 gaol ! " exclaimed the Lady Mayoress, lifting up her hands. 
 *' You can't be serious. Sir Gresham." 
 
 "Zounds! this is enough to make me serious," he re- 
 plied. " A pleasant commencement this to my mayoralty, 
 truly ! Just when I want to settle my spirits and get into 
 a proper frame of mind for business, I must be ruffled in 
 this manner. Do you know what I have to do, madam? 
 I'll tell you. Pirst of all, I'm going to the Mansion House, 
 where I shall be engaged till twelve in giving audiences to 
 I know not how many applications. Then I shall enter the 
 justice-room, and shan't leave it till four o'clock. Then I 
 dine at Merchant Tailors' Hall. This is what I have to do 
 to-day, madam. I can't do it unless my mind is tranquil." 
 
 " Then pray tranquillize your mind, and tranquillize ours 
 at the same time. Sir Gresham! " cried the Lady Mayoress. 
 
 " That is easily said, madam ; but not so easily done. 
 Large as are the sums you ask for, I would pay them with- 
 out hesitation if I felt the slightest security that they 
 would be the last required. Eut I have no such belief. 
 On the contrary, were I to accede to this request, it would 
 be followed by yet heavier demands. All Captain Chat- 
 teris's promises of amendment have been broken." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 167 
 
 "But indeed, papa, he will reform," cried Mrs Chatteris. 
 
 "And Tradescant is just as little to be relied on." 
 
 "You can't tell that. Sir Gresham," cried the Lady 
 Mayoress. " At least, give him a trial." 
 
 '• I have tried him, and found him wanting. The thing 
 must come to a stop. As well now, as later." 
 
 " Oh dear, Sir Gresham ! " exclaimed the Lady Mayor- 
 ess, applying her handkerchief to her eyes. " How contra- 
 dictory you are ! You are Hberal to all the world except 
 your own family." 
 
 " My poor dear Tom will be ruined — and then what 
 •will become of me ? " cried Mrs Chatteris, sobbing like her 
 mother. 
 
 ""Well, I can't stand this any longer," said the Lord 
 Mayor. "You'll drive me distracted. I'll go to Trades- 
 cant at once, and give him a little of my mind." And he 
 dashed out of the room. 
 
 lY. 
 
 IN WHICH PRUE DEFENDS TBADESCANT. 
 
 About the same time, in a room in the upper part of 
 the house, formerly used as a nursery, Millicent and Prue 
 were seated at breakfast, talking over the various occur- 
 rences of the ball on the previous night, and while they 
 were thus engaged, Herbert entered the room, habited in 
 the plain attire in which he first appeared before his uncle. 
 
 "I am glad to see you looking so well, cousin Milli- 
 cent," he said, saluting her and his sister. " I feared you 
 might suffer — as I confess I do — from last night's dissipa- 
 tion. But it was a magnificent sight, and we must all 
 rejoice we had an opportunity of witnessing it." 
 
 " Indeed it was ! " exclaimed Prue ; " and only think of 
 Milly being so much noticed by their Majesties ! " 
 
 "The King was, indeed, very gracious," replied Milly, 
 " and gave me some advice by wlaich I shall strive to profit. 
 And the Queen was charming. What a delightful smile 
 
168 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 she lias ! But we saw very little of you, Herbert. I ought 
 to scold you for not asking me to dance ; but I suppose 
 you found so many agreeable partners that you never 
 thought of me." 
 
 " He is dreadfully ungallant, I must say," observed 
 Prue ; " but I trust he has some good excuse to make for 
 his conduct." 
 
 " I had but one partner, and she was lost in a very 
 extraordinary manner," replied Herbert. 
 
 And he proceeded to recount the mysterious disappear- 
 ance of Alice Walworth. 
 
 " Mercy on us ! — how strange ! What can have hap- 
 pened to her ? " exclaimed Millicent. " Have you made 
 any inquiries this morning ? " 
 
 " JSTot yet," he replied. " But I want to speak to you 
 on another subject, Milly. I hope you believe how grate- 
 ful Prue and myself feel for my good uncle's and your 
 kindness to us. So deeply sensible am I of it, that I do 
 not intend to notice certain very galling remarks made to 
 me at the ball last night by your brother, and I trust the 
 altercation may proceed no further. My position here, 
 however, might be made so painful, that I could not re- 
 main — " 
 
 " I trust this may not be so, Herbert," interrupted 
 Milly. " It would distress papa very much, and me too, 
 if you and Prue were to leave us. You mustn't mind 
 what Tradescant says. He is very hasty, but has a good 
 heart." 
 
 " I'm very glad to hear you say so, Milly," he rejoined, 
 " for then I shall have some hopes of succeeding in a scheme 
 I have formed. I will venture to speak to you, because I 
 know you must entertain the same feelings as myself in 
 the matter, and will be able to advise me. If I pain you, 
 therefore, in what I am about to say, forgive me, and attri- 
 bute it to the right motive. Your brother is in a very 
 perilous position." 
 
 " You alarm me very much, Herbert," replied Milly, 
 looking anxiously and inquiringly at him. 
 
 "I trust you are mistaken, brother," said Prue, who 
 had become deathly pale. " What is the nature of Trades- 
 cant's peril ? Eelieve our anxiety, I beg of you." 
 
 " I grieve to say he has got into the hands of sharpers,'* 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 169 
 
 replied her brother, " and can only be saved from certaia 
 ruin by prompt and direct interference." 
 
 "Then why don't yon interfere promptly and direct- 
 ly ? " cried his sister. " If the persons into whose hands 
 he has got are really sharpers and cheats, why don't you 
 expose them ? J would do so, were I you." 
 
 " Upon my word, you display a vast deal of spirit, 
 Prue," replied Herbert, " and Tradescant has found a warm 
 advocate in you." 
 
 "I have more faith in him than you appear to have," 
 she replied, slightly blushing. " I can never believe that 
 one endowed with such noble qualities as my cousin, can 
 be so weak and unprincipled as you represent him. He 
 may be a victim to the resistless passion of gaming, but ere 
 long, I am persuaded, he will recover his judgment, and 
 become ashamed of his follies." 
 
 " I wish you could accomplish his reform, Prue," ob- 
 served Milly. " That would be doing him, and all of us, 
 incalculable service." 
 
 " I will do my best, if I have the opportunity," rejoined 
 Prue, blushing. 
 
 " Before you proceed further, Herbert," said Milly, " I 
 would recommend you to take counsel of papa's manager, 
 Mr Crutchet. He knows Tradescant's affairs better than 
 any one else, and will be able to advise you. You will find 
 him in the counting-house." 
 
 " I will go to him at once," replied Herbert. 
 
 And he left the room. 
 
 " Oh, Milly ! " exclaimed Prue, as they were left alone 
 together, "this is a sad state of things. But I do not 
 despair of Tradescant's reform. Perhaps its accomplishment 
 may be reserved for me." 
 
 " If you should accomplish it, you'll deserve — I won't 
 saj what," rejoined Milly. 
 
170 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 V. 
 
 "WHAT PASSED BETWEEN THE LOED MATOE AND HIS SON. 
 
 Pkoceeding to liis son's room, the Lord Mayor threw 
 open the door without allowing Tiplady to announce him. 
 Crutchet was still there, and immediately arose on Sir 
 Gresham's appearance. 
 
 " Good morning, sir," cried Tradescant, forcing a laugh. 
 " I didn't expect this early visit, or I would have prepared 
 for you. Ten thousand pardons. Let me call Tip, and I'll 
 be ready for you in a twinkling." 
 
 And, without waiting for his father's consent, he rang 
 the bell violently, and the summons being instantly answered 
 by the valet, he ordered him to draw the screen before the 
 bed, and, springing out as soon as this was done, proceeded 
 with Tiplady' s aid to attire himself with all possible de- 
 spatch. Meanwhile, the Lord Mayor, who could scarcely 
 control his anger, continued to pace to and fro within the 
 room, occasionally kicking some obstruction out of the way, 
 and casting an angry glance at Crutchet, who looked be- 
 seechingly at him. At length, having completed his toilette, 
 Tradescant stepped from behind the screen, and tried to put 
 on an easy air. 
 
 " Once more, good morning, respected sir," he said. 
 
 " Leave the room, puppy," said the Lord Mayor to Tip- 
 lady. And as soon as the valet was gone, and the door 
 closed, he continued : 
 
 " You must have plenty of effrontery to be able to look 
 me in the face, sirrah, after what I have just heard from 
 your mother. So you have been gambling, eh ? Harkye, 
 Tradescant, if there is one fashionable vice that I abhor and 
 dread more than another, it is gaming. And that a son of 
 mine should be a slave to such a vile passion, gives me inex- 
 pressible pain." 
 
 " But, Sir Gresham, your son has just promised me — ** 
 
 "Don't talk to me about his promises, Crutchet. A 
 gamester's promises are never to be relied on. All sense 
 of honour, all right feeling is lost, when once that fatal 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 171 
 
 passion has taken possession of the breast. There is but 
 one way of curing him, and that I shall not hesitate to 
 adopt." 
 
 " And pray what may that be, sir ? " inquired Trades- 
 cant. 
 
 " Leaving you to get out of your difficulties as you can.'* 
 
 " But, sir, consider, these are debts of honour." 
 
 " The very last debts I should be inclined to pay. Debts 
 of honour ! And to whom are they incurred ? — a pack of 
 cheats and sharpers. Possibly, they may be titled cheats 
 and sharpers, but they are just as great rogues as those of 
 lower station. I'll pay none of them." 
 
 " What, sir, would you have me forfeit my position in 
 society ? " 
 
 " You deserve to forfeit it for your scandalous conduct. 
 But you should have thought of this before. You have 
 gone too far, sir. I know you would laugh at any counsel 
 I gave you — " 
 
 " On my soul, sir, you wrong me. I see my fault, and 
 will amend." 
 
 " I won't trust you, Tradescant. You are a gamester. 
 Such a one is no longer his own master, but is slave to an 
 evil spirit who tyrannizes over him inexorably. But I'll try 
 to exorcise the demon. You have got a plague-spot upon 
 you, and actual cautery alone will cure it. You may wince 
 during the operation, but if it proves effectual it matters 
 not." 
 
 " Why, sir, I shall have nothing for it but the road. I 
 must ride out to Hounslow and Bagshot and take a purse ; 
 and then you may have the satisfaction of committing me 
 to Newgate, trying me at the Old Bailey, and consigning 
 me to Jack Ketch. How well it will read in the news- 
 papers : ' The Lord Mayor's only son was turned off yes- 
 terday at Tyburn, and made a very fine ending.' " 
 
 " You won't drive him to such dire extremities, surely, 
 Sir Gresham ? " put in Crutchet. 
 
 " He may be hanged for aught I care," rejoined the 
 Lord Mayor. " Harkye, Crutchet, I know your weakness 
 for this young scapegrace. I forbid you to lend him money 
 — peremptorily forbid you." 
 
 " When your lordship is a little calmer, perhaps you'll 
 listen to reason," said Tradescant. "I take Mr Crutchet 
 
172 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 to witness that just as you entered tlie room I was discussing 
 my future plans with him. I had expressed a lively sense 
 of my past follies, and a firm resolution to reform. As an 
 earnest of my intention, I design, with your permission, to 
 marry." 
 
 " Yes, my lord, to'marry ! " cried Crutchet. " And the 
 young lady Mr Tradescant has selected is one I feel certain 
 your lordship will approve." 
 
 " Well, who is she ? " demanded the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " The daughter of Mr Walworth, the hosier, of St 
 Mary-axe," replied Tradescant ; " a very charming young 
 person, with the additional recommendation of a large 
 fortune." 
 
 " I believe you have more regard for the young lady's 
 fortune than for herself, sir," rejoined the Lord Mayor. 
 *' But what sudden whim is this ? Why, you and Tom 
 Chatteris turned away from the Walworths in my presence 
 last night, and now you tell me you intend to marry Alice. 
 Like all the young coxcombs of the day, you think you 
 have only to ask to be accepted." 
 
 " I'm pretty certain I shan't encounter a refusal on 
 Alice's part," rejoined Tradescant. 
 
 " You surprise me. I own I thought she favoured your 
 cousin Herbert, as was not unnatural after the very im- 
 portant service he rendered her and her mother yesterday.'* 
 
 " Whatever her feelings may have been towards Herbert 
 at the commencement of the evening, sir, they were changed 
 before the close." 
 
 " Well, that doesn't say much for her constancy. Such 
 a volatile creature as you describe is likely enough to change 
 again before noon." 
 
 " I flatter myself not, sir," rejoined Tradescant, with a 
 self-complacent look. "But do you approve my choice? 
 Do you consent ? " 
 
 " If I withhold my consent, I will give you my reasons 
 for doing so," replied the Lord Mayor. " In the first place, 
 you know nothing of the girl, and cannot tell whether she 
 would suit you, while your own description of her is far 
 from being calculated to prepossess me in her favour. It 
 is, evidently, mere caprice on your part, and probably the 
 same on hers. A poor foundation this for an engagement 
 for life. You must see more of her." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 173 
 
 " But I can't afford to wait," cried his son. " The 
 marriage must take place speedily, if at all." 
 
 " I understand," observed the Lord Mayor, coldly. 
 " This young woman is to be sacrificed to pay your debts. 
 Such an act, however unworthy, reflects no discredit on a 
 modern fine gentleman. A broken fortune is thus easily 
 repaired. But I will be no party to any such dishonourable 
 scheme, sir. Neither will I allow this thoughtless girl to 
 be duped. If this affair proceeds further, and Mr Wal- 
 worth confers with me upon it, I will hide nothing from 
 him. I will give him the result of my own experience, for, 
 unfortunately, I know what it is to have a daughter married 
 to a gamester. I shall ever reproach myself that I yielded 
 to your mother's entreaties, and consigned your sister Chloris 
 to Captain Chatteris. When you can convince me that 
 you have abandoned play, I may consent to your marriage ; 
 but not till then." 
 
 "But you shut every door against me, sir," rejoined 
 Tradescant, sullenly. " You will neither aid me, nor allow 
 me to aid myself. How the deuce am I to get out of my 
 difficulties ? " 
 
 "That you must find out for yourself, sir, since you 
 have been foolish enough to run into them," said his 
 father. 
 
 " I ask your pardon, sir," said Crutchet, imploringly ; 
 " but I think, with all submission, that you are rather hard 
 upon your son." 
 
 '• I am determined to read him a lesson," rejoined the 
 Lord Mayor. " He will thank me for it hereafter. I have 
 now done, sir," he added, sternly, to Tradescant, " and leave 
 you to your reflections. Come with me to my study, Crut- 
 chet. I have something to say to you before I go to the 
 Mansion House." 
 
 " I come, my lord," replied the old man. But he lin- 
 gered, as the Lord Mayor quitted the room. 
 
 " Oh, Mr Tradescant ! " he groaned, " that ever I should 
 live to see this day. I never remember Sir Gresham in 
 such a way before. What will be the end of it ? " 
 
 " Deuce knows ! " rejoined the reckless young man, with 
 a laugh. " He'll calm down by-and-by." 
 
 " I don't think so, Mr Tradescant — I don't think so. 
 It'll break my heart if anything happens to you." 
 
174 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Poh ! don't be discouraged, Bow Bells. I shall get 
 through it without damage." 
 
 " Dear ! dear ! what wonderful spirits you have to be 
 sure. You can stare ^ruin in the face without blinking." 
 
 " Euin ! Who's thinking of ruin ? It's all very well for 
 old dad to grumble and lecture, but he'll never let me go to 
 the wall — not he ! He makes a pretence of buttoning up his 
 breeches-pockets tightly, but he'll be obliged to fork out 
 pretty handsomely by-and-by. He deserves to smart for 
 his obstinacy. Whether I like it or not, he forces me to 
 raise money. Nothing now but Shadrach and twenty per 
 cent. You must go with me to the old usurer this after- 
 noon, Bow Bells." 
 
 " It goes against my conscience, but I can't bear to see 
 you harassed, Mr Tradescant." 
 
 " You're right. Bow Bells. I am confoundedly harassed 
 —improperly harassed, I may say." 
 
 " Well, well. I won't exactly promise to accompany 
 you ; but, if I do go, it'll only be to keep you out of harm. 
 But I must follow your father. He'll think I'm plotting 
 against him if I stay longer. How will it all end ? " 
 
 And with the slow, vacillating footstep denoting a heavy 
 heart, he quitted the room, casting a compassionate look at 
 Tradescant ere he closed the door. 
 
 As soon as he w^as alone, the young man threw himself 
 upon a sofa, and indulged in the following self-communion. 
 " I was a fool to make my old dad acquainted with my em- 
 barrassments, but I fancied I was all safe with my mother. 
 She seems to have lost her influence over him. However, 
 since he throws me on my own resources, he can't blame me 
 for any steps I may take. And as to letting me go down 
 for a paltry five thousand pounds, he won't do that. His 
 own credit is at stake. The Lord Mayor of London must 
 sustain his son — so I may make myself perfectly easy. The 
 main point is to raise the money to-day. I must pay 
 Wilkes and the others, and have my revenge from Grleek 
 and Bragge. How cursedly spiteful old dad is in regard to 
 my matrimonial project. But he shan't frustrate the scheme. 
 Opposition only makes me determined to marry the girl. 
 I'll have her — with or without old Walworth's consent. 
 But I must proceed to make my toilette, for I've plenty to 
 do to-day. Here, Tip," he added, as the valet appeared in 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 175 
 
 answer to his bell, " send Le Gros to dress my peruke, and 
 if Mr Wilkes or any other of my friends should call, show 
 them up-stairs." 
 
 " What will your honour please to take for breakfast ? ** 
 inquired Tiplady. 
 
 " A grilled chicken, an omelette aux fines herbes, and a 
 bottle of Bordeaux," replied Tradescant. "En attendant, 
 Tip, a thimbleful of usquebaugh to steady my nerves. They 
 have been confoundedly shaken." 
 
 An hour or so elapsed, and during this interval Trades- 
 cant had completed his toilette to his entire satisfaction. 
 His flaxen peruke had been dressed and carefully adjusted 
 by Le Gros, and he was discussing the grilled chicken and 
 claret, when Captain Chatteris burst into the room. The 
 captain had just been informed by his wife of the ill-success 
 of her application on his behalf to Sir Gresham, and he came 
 to Tradescant to complain of the shabby treatment he had 
 experienced, and to concert measures with him for obtaining 
 a supply. 
 
 Tradescant told him he was in the same predicament 
 himself, and recommended him to accompany him to the 
 Jew money-lender's, where possibly they might both be ac- 
 commodated, and to this proposition Chatteris unhesitatingly 
 assented. Tradescant then proceeded to acquaint his bro- 
 ther-in-law with his newly-fledged matrimonial scheme, at 
 which the captain laughed heartily. 
 
 "I'll go with you to the City *Mall at half-past four," he 
 said, " to see how the affair comes off. But, meantime, we 
 must look up Shadrach. It is highly important to take Old 
 Bow Bells with us. The very sight of him will induce 
 Shadrach to lend the money." 
 
 As soon as Tradescant had finished breakfast, the two 
 young men went down-stairs, and knocking at the door of 
 communication between the house and the shop, were in- 
 •tantly admitted to the counting-house by Crutchet. 
 
176 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 VI. 
 
 IN "WHICH ME CANDISH APPEARS IN A NEW CHARACTER. 
 
 On quitting Tradescant Crutcliet descended to the first 
 floor, and proceeded to the Lord Mayor's study, which was 
 situated at the end of the gallery, and looked towards the 
 back of the house. It was small, plainly furnished, and con- 
 tained a bookcase, a table provided with writing materials, 
 and a few chairs. Over the chimney-piece was a portrait of 
 the founder of the house, Mr Tradescant, a handsome, portly 
 man, attired in a dress of the early part of the century — 
 square-cut maroon-coloured coat, with gold-edged button- 
 holes, flowered silk waistcoat, formally-curled peruke, and 
 cravat fringed with lace. On entering the study, Crutchet 
 found the Lord Mayor standing with his back to the fire, 
 evidently expecting him with impatience. 
 
 "What! more last words with that graceless boy, 
 Crutchet ? " he cried. 
 
 " I know he has been very foolish, and I'm not surprised 
 you are very angry with him, sir. Still, I wish you would 
 view his conduct a little more leniently." 
 
 " I've made up my mind, Crutchet, and all your persua- 
 sions won't change me. Nothing, indeed, but your blind 
 partiality would induce you to attempt his defence." 
 
 " I do dote upon him. Sir Gresham. When I consider 
 whose son he is, and Avhose grandson," he added, glancing 
 at the portrait over the fireplace, " I can't and won't despair 
 of him." 
 
 " Well, I trust you may prove to be right, and I wrong, 
 Crutchet. But I must once more caution you against lend- 
 ing him money." 
 
 " Your caution comes too late, my lord." 
 
 "Why, you stupid old dotard — you deserve — I don't 
 know what. 'Sdeath! I never thought to be really angry 
 with you, Crutchet, but I am now. How dared you lend 
 my son money, sir, without consulting me ? You have en- 
 couraged him in his profligate ways — undermined my author- 
 ity — betrayed my confidence — deceived me, sir." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 177 
 
 "How so, Sir G-resham? Surely I have a right to do 
 what I please with ray own ? — to give my money to whom I 
 choose — to throw it away, if I think proper ! " 
 
 " You have no right to corrupt my son, sir. How much 
 have you lent him ? Tell me at once, that the debt may be 
 discharged." 
 
 " I can't tell you, Sir Gresham. I have kept no memor- 
 anda." 
 
 " No memoranda ! Impossible, sir. This is the way I 
 am to be treated. My commands set at naught — " 
 
 "I have never disobeyed you. Sir Grresham. I have 
 been a faithful servant to you, as I was to my honoured 
 master, Mr Tradescant, and I can give a good account of my 
 stewardship." 
 
 "Forgive me, my good friend," said the Lord Mayor, 
 grasping his hand warmly. " I was too hasty." 
 
 " I know I have been to blame in this matter," replied 
 Crutchet, much moved, " and can only say in excuse — that 
 I couldn't help it." 
 
 " The young rascal knows his power over you, and abuses 
 it. 'Tis well I am made of sterner stuff. However, though 
 this concerns me much, it is not what I want to speak to 
 you about. Have you any recollection of my brothers, 
 especially of the elder of them, Lawrence ? " 
 
 "To be sure I have, Sir G-resham. I knew them both 
 when you lived in Bucklersbury. But they wanted your 
 steadiness. Neither of them would work. Lawrence was 
 fond of plays, and Godfrey idled his time in the streets." 
 
 " Should you know Lawrence, think you, were you to see 
 him again?" 
 
 " No doubt — but I fear I shan't behold him again in this 
 world." 
 
 " Don't be too sure of that," replied Sir Gresham, ring- 
 ing a bell. And he added to Tomline, who answered it, 
 "Kequest Mr Candish to come to me." 
 
 "If I am not misinformed, lay lord, you had a visit 
 yesterday from some relations you never saw before?" re- 
 marked Crutchet. 
 
 " True ! — a nephew and niece, children of my poor bro- 
 ther Godfrey, who, it appears, died some years ago at York. 
 I was going to tell you about them. My niece, Prue, is a 
 very amiable, pretty young woman — all I could desire, ia 
 
 12 
 
178 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 short — but her brother, Herbert, pleases me best — a fine, 
 spirited young fellow. Would Tradescaut were like him." 
 
 " I'm sure your son has spirit enough, my lord. Ah ! 
 you'll live to be proud of him yet." 
 
 " But with all his spirit, Herbert has no distaste to busi- 
 ness — quite the contrary — so it's my intention to place him 
 in my own concern, and, if he turns out well, to make him a 
 partner. Tou must take him in hand, Crutchet. I'it him 
 for the post." 
 
 " I'll do my best, my lord," returned the old man, with 
 a sigh, feeling that Tradescant would be entirely super- 
 seded. 
 
 " Engrossed as my time will necessarily be by the im- 
 portant duties of my office," pursued the Lord Mayor, " I 
 shan't be able to attend to my nephew, and must leave his 
 instruction to you. You shall see him presently. But what 
 keeps Mr Candish ? I thought he would have been here be- 
 fore this." 
 
 " Pray who is Mr Candish, my lord ? " asked Crutchet. 
 
 "You'll see," replied the Lord Mayor. "I'll try 
 whether he knows him," he added to himself. 
 
 With this he sat down at the table, with his back to the 
 door, pretending to busy himself with some papers, leaving 
 Crutchet standing near the fire. 
 
 Shortly afterwards the door was opened, and some one 
 entered the room. Sir Grresham had no doubt it was Can- 
 dish, but he did not turn round to look, wishing to ascertain 
 what effect his brother's appearance would produce upon 
 Crutchet. 
 
 In no way prepared for the new comer, Crutchet was 
 not surprised, as he might have been, if he had heard a de- 
 scription of him. He beheld a little old man, dressed in a 
 peach-coloured velvet coat very much faded, a tarnished 
 laced waistcoat, and tawny velvet breeches just as much 
 worn as the coat, pink silk stockings hanging loosely on his 
 shrunken calves, and shoes with paste buckles. His costume 
 was completed by a well-powdered wig with a high foretop, 
 ailes de pigeon, and a prodigiously long queue. A touch of 
 rouge on the sunken cheeks, together with a couple of 
 mouchets artistically placed, and a little darkening of the 
 eyebrows, gave an entirely different expression to the old 
 man's face. His dress, looks, and manner were those of a 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 179 
 
 superannuated beau. He carried a tbree-cornered hat under 
 his arm, and a cane in hand. On entering the room, he made 
 a very ceremonious bow to Mr Crutchet, who returned it, 
 and said, 
 
 " His lordship is occupied for the moment, sir." 
 
 " Oh ! don't disturb his lordship for the world." replied 
 Candish, in accents totally unlike those of the day before, 
 being high and affected — " I can wait. Allow me to oti'er 
 you a pinch of snuff, sir." 
 
 "Eh day! what's this?" thought the Lord Mayor. 
 " That doesn't sound like Lawrence's voice. — Give Mr Can- 
 dish a chair, Crutchet. I shall have done in a moment. 
 Talk away. Tou wont't disturb me." 
 
 " A thousand thanks, my good sir," said Candish, de- 
 clining the chair. " Mr I didn't quite catch the 
 
 name." 
 
 " Tobias Crutchet, at your service, sir." 
 
 " Do you recollect the name, Mr Candish ? " asked Sir 
 Gresham, without looking up. 
 
 " Not in the least, my lord," replied the individual ap- 
 pealed to. 
 
 " Come here, Crutchet," cried the Lord Mayor ; adding, 
 in a low tone, as the other drew near, " Well, who is it ? " 
 
 "I don't understand your lordship," replied Crutchet. 
 " I've never seen the gentleman before." 
 
 " Look again ! Observe him narrowly ! '* 
 
 "I'm quite at fault, my lord." 
 
 " Why, you're blind and stupid ! Don't you recognize — 
 ha!" 
 
 The latter exclamation was uttered as the Lord Mayor 
 turned round and perceived the extraordinary transforma- 
 tion that had taken place in Candish. So totally changed 
 was he that Sir Gresham himself did not know him again. 
 
 "Zounds!" he exclaimed, "I can scarcely believe my 
 eyes. Are you the individual I saw yesterday ? " 
 
 " The identical person, my lord," replied the other, with 
 a profound bow. " A good night's rest and a good break- 
 fast have wonderfully improved me ; while by yo^r kindness, 
 and the attention of your coiffeur, M. le Gros, I have been 
 provided with these habiliments." 
 
 " Well, I was about to acquaint Mr Crutchet with some 
 circumstances connected with your history, but I shall now 
 
180 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 defer them to anotber opportunity. Mr Candisli is an old 
 friend of mine — a very old friend, Crutchet, and I fancied 
 he had been an acquaintance of yours. He will remain with 
 me for the present — perhaps altogether — and I wish him to 
 be treated like one of the family." 
 
 " He shall have nothing to complain of as far as I am 
 concerned," said Crutchet, greatly surprised. 
 
 " Your lordship is a great deal too good," cried Candish. 
 
 At this moment the door was again opened to admit 
 Herbert. 
 
 " Grood m.orrow, nephew ! " cried the Lord Mayor. 
 " Glad to see you. I have just been speaking of you to Mr 
 Crutchet — telling him that I design to place you in my 
 establishment, and recommending you to his best atten- 
 tions." 
 
 " Mr Herbert Lorimer has only to command me," re- 
 plied Crutchet, bowing to the young man. " He will find 
 me in the counting-house whenever he wants me, and I 
 shall always be at his service. Your lordship, I presume, 
 does not require me further ? " And, with a general bow 
 to the company, he departed. 
 
 " Have you forgotten Mr Candish, Herbert ? " said the 
 Lord Mayor. 
 
 " What ! is this he ? On my soul ! I didn't know him. 
 Excuse me, uncle — you are so changed." 
 
 " Prithee, young gentleman, do not address me by that 
 title again. I am no more your uncle than I am the Lord 
 Mayor's brother." 
 
 "Well, let him have his way," rejoined Sir Grresham. 
 " But notwithstanding his denial, it is my intention to treat 
 him as a brother, and to unbosom myself to him, as well as 
 to you, nephew. I grieve to say, then, that my son. Trades- 
 cant, has acquired a taste for play, which, if not checked, 
 may lead to lamentable consequences." 
 
 " Your lordship, I fear, is hardly aware of the full ex- 
 tent of your son's danger," observed Herbert. "It is right 
 you should know the worst, that you may guard against it. 
 I heard enough last night to convince me that my cousin 
 Tradescant is in the hands of sharpers." 
 
 " Sharpers ! Then indeed he is lost ! " exclaimed Sir 
 Gresham. " Oh ! my unhappy boy I " 
 
 " Why did you tell him this ? " whispered Candish. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 181 
 
 « I did it for the best," replied Herbert. " But I fear 
 I was too abrupt." 
 
 "I thank you for your sincerity, Herbert," said Sir 
 Gresham, recovering himself. "It is best to know the 
 truth, however painful it may be. But oh ! to think he 
 should have come to this ! " 
 
 " Who are the sharpers with whom Tradescant has been 
 playing ? — are they notorious cheats ? " demanded Candish. 
 
 " It would seem so from what I heard. They are named 
 Gleek and Bragge." 
 
 " Two arrant knaves as any that infest the gaming-tables, 
 and as little likely to abandon their prey as any of their ra- 
 pacious tribe," rejoined Candish. " Nevertheless, my lord, 
 I do not despair of rescuing your son from them. But I 
 must have a little money for the purpose. My pockets, I 
 need scarcely say, are quite empty." 
 
 " Take what you please," cried Sir Gresham, producing 
 a pocket-book, and offering him notes — " a hundred — two 
 hundred — " 
 
 " A hundred will suffice for the present," rejoined Can- 
 dish. " If I want more I will ask for it." 
 
 " Can I be of use in the plan ? " said Herbert. 
 
 " I count upon you," rejoined Candish. " If possible, 
 my lord, I will extricate your son from the peril in which 
 he is involved, and without making the affair a public scan- 
 dal, which, for his sake, and for your sake, too, ought to be 
 avoided." 
 
 " It 7nust be avoided — at any sacrifice on my part. There 
 must be no public scandal. I should never hold up my head 
 again, if such a disgraceful afiair as this should take wind." 
 
 " Have no fear, my lord. It shall not do so," rejoined 
 Candish." 
 
 " Let me give you both a caution," said Sir Gresham. 
 "Whatever your plan may be, do not confide it to Mr Crutchet, 
 or the object may be defeated. Though one of the trustiest 
 persons breathing, he cannot keep a secret from Tradescant. 
 You must therefore be upon your guard with him." 
 
 " It was well your lordship cautioned me, for I was 
 about to consult him on the subject," observed Herbert. 
 
 At this moment Tomline entered to say that his lord- 
 ship's chariot was waiting to take him to the Mansion 
 House. 
 
182 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " I'll come directly," replied Sir G-resham. 
 
 " You must excuse me, Lawrence," he added, as soon as 
 the man was gone ; " and as I may not see you again until 
 late in the day, let me beg of you to make yourself perfectly 
 at home here. Consider this room as your own. Order 
 what you please, and do what you please. I will give direc- 
 tions to the servants to attend to you. It will be your 
 own fault if you are not comfortable. As to you, Herbert, 
 Mr Crutchet will be glad to see you in the counting-house." 
 And with a kindly look at both he quitted the room. 
 
 Proceeding to his dressing-room to make some needful 
 change in his attire, he then entered his chariot, and drove 
 to the Mansion House. 
 
 Acting on his uncle's suggestion, Herbert went down 
 to the counting-house, and while employed there made a 
 discovery, which he thought it necessary to impart without 
 dela}^' to Candish. 
 
 VII. 
 
 THE LOWEE WALKS IN MOOEriELBS. 
 
 A LONG- discussion had taken place in the counting-house 
 between Crutchet, Chatteris, and Tradescant, and this dis- 
 cussion Herbert overheard. As Crutchet positively refused 
 to enter Shadrach's dwelling, it became necessary to make 
 an appointment with the money-lender elsewhere. Accord- 
 ingly a note was despatched by Tradescant to Green Dra- 
 gon-court, Old Jewry, where Shadrach dwelt, desiring him 
 to be at a particular part of the Lower "Walks in Moorfields 
 at four o'clock, to meet some gentlemen, who would not 
 care to be seen at his house. The hour and place were 
 fixed to suit Tradescant's engagements with the Walworths 
 in the City Mall. Half an hour would suffice for the trans- 
 action with the Jew. An answer was brought back by the 
 porter to the effect that Mr Shadrach would not fail to at- 
 tend to the appointment. It may be proper to mention 
 that a handsome fee to the messenger had procured the 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 183 
 
 ■wily Jew full information as to whom the note came from. 
 It was then agreed between Crutchet and the others that 
 they should find their way separately to Moorfields, and 
 meet, as if casually, at the place of rendezvous. 
 
 Accustomed to dine at an eating-house at two o'clock, 
 Crutchet did not return to Cheapside after his meal, but, 
 the afternoon being fine, proceeded along Coleman-street, 
 in the direction of Moorgate, unconscious that he was fol- 
 lowed by an elderly individual wrapped in a roquelaure, 
 who had dined at the same eating-house as himself, and had 
 quitted it the moment after him. Contrary to his custom, 
 which was to walk briskly, Crutchet proceeded very leisure- 
 ly. The Cambridge coach first attracted his attention ; then 
 some waggons drawn up near the Bell Inn; and lastly, 
 Moorgate itself; for though he had pressed through the 
 gateway many a hundred times before without bestowing 
 much regard upon it, he now paused to contemplate it with 
 a melancholy kind of interest. 
 
 This gate, which could not boast much antiquity, having 
 only been erected some eighty or ninety years previously 
 on the site of a much older structure, was accounted the 
 most magnificent in the City, and consisted of a lofty arch, 
 which could be closed if required, with a postern on either 
 side of it. The upper part of the fabric, comprising two 
 storeys, and forming a commodious dwelling-house, was or- 
 namented with Corinthian pilasters, above which was a 
 round pediment displaying the City arms. The arch was 
 unusually lofty, being so built, it was said, to enable the 
 train-bands to carry their pikes erect while marching 
 through it. The rooms over the gateway were assigned to 
 Mr Towse, the Lord Mayor's chief carver. Though the 
 edifice was in very good preservation, and justly admired 
 for its beauty, it was found inconvenient, owing to the in- 
 creasing traffic in that part of the City, and its removal had 
 been decided upon. Aware it was doomed, Crutchet, who 
 had known it ever since he was a boy, now contemplated it 
 with regret. At last he moved on, passed through the right- 
 hand postern, and found himself in Moorfields. 
 
 This extensive piece of ground, which would now-a-days 
 be termed a "park," was very charmingly laid out in four 
 large grass-plots, or " quarters," as they were called, inter- 
 sected by broad gravel- walks, and was much frequented by 
 
184 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 the citizens for purposes of exercise and recreation. The 
 mid-walk, which was of considerable length, with a row of 
 well-grown elm-trees on either side, and seats for the con- 
 venience of promenaders, was designated — owing to its be- 
 ing the resort of all the persons of fashion to be met with 
 at the eastern end of the metropolis — the City Mall. And 
 if the smartness of the company who frequented it was to 
 count for anything, it might be fairly said to rival the Mall 
 in St James's Park. On Sundays and holidays the City 
 Mall was thronged • but even on ordinary occasions it was 
 greatly frequented, and exhibited much more variety of cha- 
 racter than could be found at the "West-end. Here might 
 be seen the citizens' wives and daughters flaunting in all 
 their finery, and displaying their charms to the Moorfields 
 maccaronis, whose hats were cocked diagonally over the 
 right or left eye, and who gave themselves quite as many 
 airs as the coxcombs of St James's. But the City Mall was 
 really very lively and amusing, and had something of a con- 
 tinental air. Booths and small shops, where fans, toys, 
 trinkets, confectionery, and other light matters, could be 
 purchased, were arranged under the trees, and there was 
 generally some show or mountebank diversion to be wit- 
 nessed on the " quarters." The central walk could be 
 lighted up at dusk by lamps swung from ropes attached to 
 the trees on either side. A grand termination to the vista 
 on the south was offered by Bethlehem Hospital, which, 
 with its noble fa9ade upwards of five hundred feet in length, 
 its three pavilions, high roof, and handsome stone balus- 
 trades, looked like a palace, and indeed had been built on 
 the model of the Tuileries, to the infinite annoyance of 
 Louis XIV. 
 
 Taking his way along the high wall, built of brick and 
 stone, which enclosed the spacious gardens laid out for the 
 recreation of the unfortunate inmates of the asylum, 
 Crutchet walked on until he came to a grand semicircular 
 sweep, in the centre of which was a pair of magnificent iron, 
 gates, forming the principal entrance to the hospital. On 
 the piers to which these gates were hung were placed the 
 two life-like statues, representing raving madness and me- 
 lancholy madness, executed by the elder Cibber, and alluded 
 to in the Dunciad : 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 185 
 
 "Where, o'er the gates, by his famed father's hand, 
 Great Gibber's brazen, brainless brothers stand. 
 
 Having spent a few minutes in surveying this stately edifice 
 and its gardens, Crutchet turned in the opposite direction, 
 and looked down the City Mall. The promenade was now 
 thronged by gaily-dressed folk, but being in no mood to 
 join them, Crutchet kept close by the hospital wall until he 
 reached the east side of Moorfields, where there w^as a long 
 range of stalls belonging to second-hand booksellers, and 
 dealers in second-hand goods of all sorts. While he was 
 examining the volumes on one of these stalls, the individual 
 who had followed him so pertinaciously came up, and em- 
 ployed himself in a similar manner. A quarter of an hour 
 passed in this way, when glancing at the large clock placed 
 in the central pavilion of the hospital, and finding it only 
 wanted a few minutes to four, Crutchet proceeded to the 
 place of rendezvous, and, just as he reached it, Tradescant, 
 looking the very pink of fashion, got out of a sedan-chair, 
 and joined him. In another moment Captain Chatteris 
 made his appearance from another chair, and shortly after- 
 wards a little old man, dressed in black, and wearing a dark 
 hair-cap, surmounted by a large three-cornered hat, and 
 having unmistakably Jewish features, approached them. 
 This was Shadrach, the money-lender. After the needful 
 introductions had taken place, the whole party left the walk, 
 and repaired to an unoccupied bench near a large tree on the 
 west side of the " quarter." They had not long seated 
 themselves on this bench, when the person who had been 
 watching Crutchet came cautiously up, and planted himself 
 on the other side of the tree, the trunk of which was quite 
 large enough to screen him from observation. 
 
 "Well, Shadrach," commenced Captain Chatteris, "you 
 can guess what we want with you." 
 
 "Yes, yes, I understand, captain," replied the Jew; 
 " but you couldn't have come to me at a worse time. Mo- 
 ney's very scarce — the market's exceedingly tight, as Mr 
 Crutchet will tell you. However, I'm always happy to 
 accommodate my friends, if I can. How much do you want, 
 captain ? " 
 
 " Only a thousand pounds," replied Chatteris. 
 
 " Only a thousand, eh ! A mere trifle ! why I shall 
 
186 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 have to borrow it mj^self at fifty per cent., so I must charge 
 you seventy-five, my dear." 
 
 " Seventy five per cent. ! " exclaimed Crutchet. " Have 
 you no conscience, Mr Shadrach ? " 
 
 " Consider the scarcity of money and the risk I run, Mr 
 Crutchet," replied the Jew. "But I must have good se- 
 curity, captain. — What can I do for you, sir ? " he added, 
 turning to Tradescant. 
 
 " I want a much larger sum than Captain Chatteris," 
 replied the other. " Nothing short of five thousand pounds 
 •will serve my turn." 
 
 " Bless my soul ! that is a large sum. I haven't got 
 half the amount, and how am I to procure the remain- 
 der?" 
 
 " That you know best, Shadrach. But I want it with- 
 out delay." 
 
 " But it's not to be got in an instant, my dear; and if I 
 lend you the whole sum, I can't oblige the captain." 
 
 " Well, never mind me," observed Chatteris. " Give 
 Mr Lorimer the preference." 
 
 " But I can't do it for seventy-five per cent. I must 
 have a hundred." , 
 
 "Well, well — a hundred be it," rejoined Tradescant. 
 " Only let me have the money speedily." 
 
 "Hold, sir!" exclaimed Crutchet. "You must not 
 yield to such infamous extortion." 
 
 "As Mr Lorimer pleases," rejoined Shadrach, with af- 
 fected indifi'erence. " I shall make no abatement. I can't 
 afford to do it under." 
 
 " I agree, I tell you," observed Tradescant. 
 
 " But five thousand is a serious sum, sir," and if I lend 
 it I must have good security. I have every reliance upon 
 you as the Lord Mayor's son, but the debt may be disputed. 
 You must give me your bond, my dear, and Mr Crutchet 
 must join you in it. Without this, I won't do it." 
 
 " Well, there will be no difficulty in that, Shadrach. 
 You are willing to join in the bond, eh, Crutchet ? " 
 
 " I don't like it, and I'm sure you'll repent the trans- 
 action, sir." 
 
 " Nonsense ! — the matter may be considered settled, 
 Shadrach. But I must have the money to-day." 
 
 " Well, if you can manage to be at Moss and Levy's 
 
^■^^ .~^ ' 
 
 a. 
 
 -^^^< - 
 
 / 'r , >j 
 
 \ ;^^^"^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 Shadrach and Mk. Candish. 
 
 V 187. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 187 
 
 offices in the Barbican, at seven o'clock this evening, you 
 may, perhaps, be accommodated." 
 
 " This is a bad business, sir," groaned Crutchet, " and I 
 wish I could dissuade you from going on with it." 
 
 " Have done with this croaking," cried Tradescant, rising 
 from the seat. " "We will be with you at Moss and Levy's 
 punctually at seven, Shadrach." 
 
 " Mr Crutchet must come with you, my dear," said the 
 Jew. 
 
 " Oh yes, I'll bring him,'* replied Tradescant. 
 
 " Have you done with me now, sir ? " inquired Crutchet. 
 And receiving an answer in the affirmative, he bowed stiffly 
 to Shadrach, and quitting Moorfields, hastened back to 
 Cheapside. Tradescant and Chatteris remained for a few 
 moments talking to the Jew, and then proceeded towards 
 the Mall, very well satisfied with the result of the negoti- 
 ation. 
 
 Shadrach remained where he was, watching them, with 
 his arms folded upon his breast, and a contemptuous grin 
 playing upon his sallow countenance. All at once, a slight 
 noise aroused him, and he perceived an old gentleman, wear- 
 ing a roquelaure, standing on his right. 
 
 " Your servant, Mr Shadrach," said this personage, bow- 
 ing politely. 
 
 "Sir, your humble," replied the money-lender, raising 
 his hat. 
 
 " Don't let me disturb you, sir, I beg," said the stranger. 
 "I'll take a seat beside you. Will a pinch of snuff be 
 agreeable ? " offering him a box. " You sometimes lend 
 money, I believe, Mr Shadrach ? " 
 
 " Sometimes," replied the Jew, wondering whether the 
 old gentleman wanted to borrow ; " but only on good se- 
 curity, sir." 
 
 " Oh ! that's understood," rejoined the other. " Large in- 
 terest and no risk ; that's your maxim — eh, Mr Shadrach ? '* 
 
 " Not exactly my maxim, sir. But it's not a bad one — 
 ha! ha!" 
 
 " You may be surprised at the interest I take in you, 
 Mr Shadrach, but you'll find out ray motive presently. 
 Excuse me for putting the question, but I hope you're 
 not going to lend money to the two sparks who have just 
 left you?" 
 
188 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " I must decline to answer that question, sir.'* 
 
 " As you please. My desire is to serve you. I should 
 be sorry you lost your money." 
 
 " Lose my money ! " echoed the Jew, tapping his nose. 
 " There ain't much chance of my doing that, Mr "What's- 
 your-name." 
 
 " Candish is my name, Mr Shadrach. I've given you a 
 friendly hint. You'll do well not to neglect it." 
 
 " And pray, Mr Candish, do you. know the two young 
 gentlemen whose credit you're trying to shake ? " 
 
 " Perfectly well, sir. One is the Lord Mayor's son, Mr 
 Tradescant Lorimer : the other, the Lord Mayor's son-in- 
 law. Captain Chatteris. Both extravagant, both in debt, 
 and consequently both obliged to have recourse to you." 
 
 " Well, sir, your description, I own, is tolerably accurate ; 
 but I see nothing very alarming in it. If they can't pay, 
 some one else can; and that's all one to me." 
 
 " Perhaps you calculcate upon the Lord Mayor, Mr 
 Shadrach ? You think he will come down, eh ? If so, allow 
 me to set you right. His lordship won't pay one farthing. 
 Nay, more, he'll take every possible means of punishing 
 you. The prodigality and vices of these young men have 
 exasperated him beyond endurance, and be the consequences 
 what they may, he is resolved to make them feel the effects 
 of their folly. I will confess that I played the eavesdropper 
 just now, and overheard your bargain with the young prodi- 
 gals. But I am persuaded, when you consider the risk you 
 will inevitably run, coupled with the certainty of obtaining 
 merely lawful interest — if that — you will hesitate in carry- 
 ing it out." 
 
 " Oh no, sir, I shan't. Your arguments are very plaus- 
 ible, but they don't weigh with me. I'm content to run all 
 risks. Besides, I've a better opinion of the Lord Mayor 
 than you have, Mr Candish. He's not half so bad as you 
 represent him. He won't let his son go to the wall, or his 
 son-in-law either. No — no ; I know better than that. But 
 even if his lordship should disappoint me, I shall have Mr 
 Crutchet to look to, so I shall be quite safe." 
 
 " You're wrong, Shadrach. You'll get into trouble, and 
 lose your money into the bargain." 
 
 " I must take my chance," replied the Jew curtly. "I 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 189 
 
 wisli you a very good morning, Mr Candish. My respect- 
 ful compliments to the Lord Mayor." And with a cunning 
 leer, he bowed and departed. 
 
 "The crafty old rascal won't take fright," muttered 
 Candish. " The profit is too great. What's to be done ? 
 Crutchet mustn't go to Moss and Levy's. But how to pre- 
 vent him ? — I'll turn it over as I go along," 
 
 Thus ruminating he shaped his course slowly towards 
 Moorgate. 
 
 "When Tradescant and Captain Chatteris gained the 
 Mall, it was exceedingly crowded, and by rather a miscellane- 
 ous set — wealthy-looking merchants and bankers, sharp stock- 
 brokers, tradesmen of every variety, apprentices, ladies, City 
 beaux, City militiamen, footmen, nursemaids, and children. 
 Through this concourse our young sparks made their way, 
 but for some time they could discern nothing of the "Wal- 
 worths- At last, as they had got nearly to the farther end 
 of the Mall, where it was less crowded, they perceived the 
 objects of their quest. There undoubtedly were Alice and 
 her mother: the young lady in an adorable rose-coloured 
 satin sacque and fly-cap, and the elder in a sky-blue silk 
 neglige and Eanelagh mob. Both wore a good deal of lace, 
 and carried fans. Behind them strutted a little African 
 page, leading a snowy Erench barbette by a ribbon. This 
 sable attendant, whose hideous face glistened like polished 
 ebony, and who answered to the name of Pompey, was at- 
 tired in a semi- Oriental garb, his head being crowned by a 
 muslin turban, with a few parti-coloured feathers stuck in 
 it. The ladies were escorted by Mr "Walworth and Sir 
 Telix Bland. 
 
 In another moment the parties met, and all the 
 customary greetings were gone through. Alice blushed 
 on beholding Tradescant, cast down her eyes, and then 
 raised them again to allow them to dwell fondly upon 
 him. It was quite evident, from the manner in which 
 young Lorimer was welcomed by Mr and Mrs Walworth, 
 that he only had to ask and have ; but not to leave him 
 in any doubt on the subject, the ever-obliging Sir Felix 
 Bland contrived to whisper in his ear, while shaking hands 
 with him, 
 
 " It's all right, my dear boy. They're both mightily 
 
190 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 pleased with you — the mother especially so. Old Walworth 
 means to come down handsomely, so the sooner you talk to 
 him the better." 
 
 Acting upon this friendly hint, Tradescant, after a little 
 tender discourse with Alice, begged a word with her father, 
 and allowing the others to pass on a little in advance, at once 
 opened the matter, and, with a preliminary flourish descrip- 
 tive of the violent passion he had conceived for Alice — a 
 passion which he declared he had every reason to believe 
 was shared by the young lady herself — he concluded by ask- 
 ing the old hosier's consent. 
 
 " Well, Mr Lorimer," old Walworth replied, " I won't 
 pretend to deny that this proposal is agreeable to me, and 
 that I shall be very glad indeed to have you for a son-in-law, 
 and very proud to be connected with your worthy father, the 
 Lord Mayor, but, before we go any further, let me inquire 
 whether you have asked his lordship's consent ? " 
 
 "I have not thought it necessary as yet, sir, because 
 I feel certain he will at once accord it," replied Trades- 
 cant. " When he finds my affections are fixed on so charm- 
 ing a person as Miss Walworth, he will offer no bar to my 
 happiness." 
 
 " I trust it may be so, sir. To-morrow I shall wait upon 
 him, and state my intentions in regard to my daughter. 
 You shall have no reason to complain of me, Mr Lorimer. 
 You won't take a beggar to your arms, sir." 
 
 " Oh ! sir, you are too good. But Alice would be 
 wealthy with no other dowry than her beauty." 
 
 At this moment. Sir Felix Bland, who had been casting 
 an occasionalbackwardglance towards them, received a look 
 from Tradescant which caused him to loiter till they 
 came ,up. 
 
 " Well, my dear Mr Walworth," said the little alderman, 
 "I hope I may congratulate my young friend. All ia 
 settled, eh?" 
 
 " All is settled, so far as my consent is concerned, Sir 
 Felix. But Sir Gresham has to be consulted." 
 
 " No opposition, I fancy, need be apprehended in that 
 quarter, my dear Mr Walworth," replied Sir Felix. "I 
 may venture, I think, to answer for my friend the Lord 
 Mayor." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 191 
 
 •* That's very well, Sir Felix. But no positive engage- 
 ment can be made till his lordship's sanction is obtaine'd. 
 May I ask you to accompany me to him to-morrow ? " 
 
 "Anything I can do to serve you, my dear Mr 
 "Walworth, you may command. But this will be a positive 
 pleasure." 
 
 '" Sir, you are extremely obliging. I*m a plain man, Sir 
 Pelix, but I've saved a little money — " 
 
 " I know it, sir. "We are all aware that Mr Walworth 
 is rich — immensely rich — " 
 
 "No, not immensely rich — well off. I don't like to 
 boast, Sir Eelix, but I can give my daughter a plum, and I 
 mean to give it her if I am satisfied." 
 
 " Upon my word, my dear Mr Walworth, you are ex- 
 ceedingly generous, and surpass the expectations I had 
 formed, of you. D'ye hear that ? " he whispered to Trades- 
 cant. " A plum ! You're a lucky dog." 
 
 " I've the highest opinion of the Lord Mayor," pursued 
 "Walworth, " and I shall esteem it an honour to be connected 
 ■with him." 
 
 " Cheap at a hundred thousand pounds — cheap, I should 
 say, my dear Mr "Walworth." 
 
 " In confiding my daughter to the son of Sir Gresham 
 Lorimer, I feel secure. The father is a guarantee for the 
 son's good conduct." 
 
 " Very true, my dear sir — the father is a guarantee," re- 
 plied Sir Pelix, nodding. 
 
 " Some young men of the present day are sad rakes 
 and gamblers. Now, such a son-in-law wouldn't suit me 
 at all." 
 
 " What the deuce is he driving at ? " muttered Trades- 
 cant to Sir Felix. " I hope he doesn't suspect me." 
 
 "I approve of your caution, my dear Mr Wal- 
 worth," said the little alderman. "But Mr Lorimer in- 
 herits all his father's good qualities — an excellent young 
 mau, sir." 
 
 "You will have no reason to regret bestowing your 
 daughter upon me, Mr Walworth," said Tradescant. 
 
 " That Mr Walworth feels, my dear young friend. Sir 
 Gresham's consent has only to be obtained, and the wedding- 
 day may be fixed as soon as you please, eh, Mr Walworth ? " 
 
192 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Just so, Sir Felix," replied the old hosier. " This 
 being understood, Mr Lorimer, you can join my daughter, 
 who, I make no doubt, thinks I have detained you long 
 enough." 
 
 " When my obstinate old dad learns she is to have a 
 plum, he won't refuse his consent," thought Tradescant as 
 be returned to Alice. 
 
 So elated was he by the notion of the large fortune he 
 was likely to obtain, he had now no difficulty in playing the 
 ardent lover. They had taken a few turns in the Mall, 
 when they met Lady Dawes and Mrs Chatteris, attended by 
 Wilkes and Tom Potter, and followed by a couple of laced 
 and powdered footmen. Fearing his sisters might say or do 
 something to mar his project, Tradescant got Captain Chat- 
 teris to explain matters to them, on which they became all 
 smiles and civility to the Walworths, and professed to be 
 charmed with Alice. Wilkes and Tom Potter, as maybe sup- 
 posed, did not fail to rally their friend on the expedition he 
 had shown in running his head into a noose, and Tradescant 
 was on thorns lest some of their jests should reach the ear of 
 his future father-in-law. However, all went on pretty smooth- 
 ly, and the whole party were moving along the Mall, laugh- 
 ing and chatting gaily, when they perceived Herbert coming 
 towards them. The appearance of the young man at this 
 juncture was agreeable neither to the Walworths nor to 
 Tradescant, but Wilkes was secretly delighted, inasmuch as 
 he anticipated amusement. 
 
 " Ha ! here comes your cousin Lorimer," he cried. 
 
 " I must beg you not to apply that term to him again," 
 cried Tradescant. " I disclaim all relationship with him." 
 
 " So do we all," exclaimed Lady Dawes and Mrs Chat- 
 teris together. 
 
 " Oblige me by not noticing the young man, Alice," 
 said Tradescant. " He is personally disagreeable to me." 
 
 " Since you desire it, certainly," she replied ; " but he 
 will think me shockingly ungrateful." 
 
 " Never mind what he thinks. Look another way." 
 
 By this time Herbert had come up, and bowing to the 
 party, was about to address himself to the Walworths, but, 
 struck by the altered manner of Alice and her mother, and 
 repelled by the haughty looks of Tradescant, and the dis- 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 193 
 
 dainful glances of Lady Dawes and Mrs Chatteris, he drew 
 aside, and the party, with the exception of Wilkes, Sir Fe- 
 lix Bland, and Mr Walworth, passed on. Pained that the 
 young man should be thus treated, Mr Walworth stam- 
 mered out some apologies, but they were very coldly re- 
 ceived. 
 
 " I have just called at your house in St Mary-axe, Mr 
 Walworth," said Herbert, in a sarcastic tone, " to inquire 
 after your daughter, and was glad to learn that she was 
 brought back safely last night." 
 
 " Safe and sound, sir," rejoined the old hosier. " All's 
 well that ends well, Mr Herbert." 
 
 " Tou did me the honour to make me accountable for 
 Miss Walw'orth, Mr Herbert Lorimer," observed Wilkes, 
 in a sneering tone ; " but you will now perceive you might 
 have spared yourself the trouble. She was in excellent 
 hands." 
 
 " So it seems, sir," rejoined Herbert ; " and I ought to 
 have been quite sure that no credit was to be attached to 
 your assertion that you had consigned her to some one with 
 whom you were unacquainted." 
 
 "Ha! ha!" laughed Wilkes. "You have found that 
 out, eh ? A mere quibble, which I am sure Mr Walworth 
 will now readily pardon." 
 
 " Don't say a word more about it, my dear sir," rejoined 
 the old hosier. 
 
 "Tou may call it a quibble, sir," observed Herbert 
 sternly, " but I should use a shorter and stronger word." 
 
 " Hold, hold! Mr Herbert," cried Sir Felix. 
 
 " What's that you say, sir ? " demanded Wilkes, be- 
 coming very pale. 
 
 " If I have not made myself sufficiently intelligible, I 
 will be yet more explicit," rejoined Herbert. 
 
 "Nay, it will do," cried Wilkes. " Tour object is evi- 
 dently to provoke me. I might w^ell refuse to go out with 
 you, but your impertinence deserves chastisement. Tou 
 shall hear from me, sir." 
 
 " Sir Felix," said Herbert, " as I am almost a stranger 
 in town, and have few friends, may I venture to ask your 
 aid in this matter ? " 
 
 " Mine ! my dear sir. I avoid duels, whether as prin- 
 13 
 
194 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 cipal or second. However, to oblige you, I will break 
 through my rule in this instance." 
 
 " You make me for ever your debtor, sir," replied the 
 young man. And, raising his hat, he strode haughtily 
 away. 
 
 €«ir ]tf i\t ^mm §0fli 
 
r . 
 
 BOOK III. 
 
 TEADESCANT. 
 
THK LORB MAYOK OF LONDON. 197 
 
 L 
 MOSS AND levy's. 
 
 At seven o'clock Tradescant and Chatteris were at 
 Moss and Levy's in the Barbican. 
 
 Though the office was old and frouzy, a good deal of 
 business of a certain kind was transacted within it. In the 
 ante-room, boxes, apparently containing deeds and papers, 
 were piled up to the very ceiling against the walls, and plans 
 of estates and bills of auctions were stuck against the rails 
 of the desks at which the clerks were seated. In this dirty 
 and imperfectly-lighted ante-room the two young men were 
 detained for a few minutes, much to their disgust. Trades- 
 cant had made sure of finding Crutchet there, but the old 
 man had not yet arrived. 
 
 At length an inner door was opened by Shadrach, who 
 begged them to step in, adding, as they complied, "All's ready, 
 gentlemen. I've got the money, and the bond is prepared — 
 but where's Mr Crutchet ? We can do nothing without him." 
 
 " Oh ! he'll be here presently," rejoined Tradescant, with 
 affected indifference, but some internal misgiving. 
 
 At an office-table covered with papers, and lighted by a 
 couple of flaring tallow candles, sat a sharp-looking, Jewish- 
 featured man, dressed in black, who rose as the others 
 entered the room, and was introduced by Shadrach as Mr 
 Moss. 
 
 " Pray be seated, gentlemen," said the scrivener, motion- 
 ing them to a chair. " Are we ready, Mr Shadrach ? " 
 
 " No, sir," replied the money-lender. " We want Mr 
 Crutchet." 
 
 " I can't think what has detained him," observed Trades- 
 cant, with increasing uneasiness. " However, he's sure to 
 come." 
 
198 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Oh ! quite sure," added Chatteris. 
 
 Five minutes more elapsed, and still Crutchet did not 
 appear. 
 
 Mr Moss took out his watch — a very handsome Tompion, 
 with a gold chain and large bunch of seals attached to it — 
 and held it to one of the candles. 
 
 "Quarter-past seven, gentlemen," he remarked. "I 
 fear the business must be postponed." 
 
 " I hope not," cried Tradescant. 
 
 At this moment a clerk entered to say there was a 
 person without who brought a message from Mr Crutchet. 
 
 " Show him in! " cried Shadrach, and the next moment 
 Candish made his appearance. 
 
 " You here, sir ! " exclaimed Shadrach, distrustfully. 
 
 " Mr Crutchet has sent me to make his excuses and ex- 
 press his regrets, sir," replied Candish, bowing. 
 
 " Excuses and regrets ! " cried Tradescant, furiously. 
 " I didn't think him capable of playing me such a shabby 
 trick. He boasts that his word is as good as his bond, and 
 he promised faithfully to be here." 
 
 " Perhaps Mr Shadrach will take his word instead of 
 his bond," rejoined Candish, smiling. 
 
 " 'No, that I won't," cried the Jew. " But what prevents 
 him from coming ? Does he desire to make another appoint- 
 ment?" 
 
 " Here is a letter from him, which will explain all," 
 replied Candish, handing a note to Tradescant. 
 
 " "Why not give it me at first ? " cried the latter, tearing 
 it open. " You shall hear what he says." 
 
 And holding it towards the light, he read as follows : 
 
 " ' HoKouEED AND DEAE SiE, — Contrary to my better 
 judgment, I consented this morning to become your security 
 to Samuel Shadrach for the repayment of the sum of £5000, 
 to be lent you by said Shadrach, and to give him my bond, 
 lleflection has since convinced me that this is a most iniquit- 
 ous transaction, and that so far from serving you, honoured 
 and dear sir, by enabling you to procure such a loan, I 
 should be doing you a great and permanent injury, and, at 
 the same time, should be wronging my respected em- 
 ployer.' 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 199 
 
 "Hang him for an old hypocrite!" exclaimed Trades- 
 cant. " Why didn't he think of this before ? " 
 
 " Proceed, sir," said Shadrach. Let's have the end on't ! " 
 
 "The latter part doesn't seem over-complimentary to 
 
 you, Mr Shadrach. However, since you wish it, I'll go on : 
 
 " * At the hazard of incurring your displeasure, I must, 
 therefore, decline to have anything to do with the matter. 
 I will neither enter that old extortioner's den, nor have any 
 further communication with him. 
 
 " ' Your faithful, humble servant, 
 
 " ' Tobias Cetjtchet.' '* 
 
 " ' Old extortioner ! ' He calls me an * old extortioner,* 
 Moss," cried Shadrach. " That's libellous. I'll bring an 
 action against him." 
 
 " I shouldn't be sorry, after his shameful conduct, if he 
 had to pay heavy damages," cried Tradescant. "But can't 
 you dispense with him, Shadrach ? If I give you my bond, 
 won't that suffice ? " 
 
 " I'm afraid not, sir," replied the Jew. " But I'll just 
 say a word to Mr Moss." 
 
 And sitting down by the scrivener, they conferred to- 
 gether for a few minutes in an under-tone. 
 
 "It's all up," whispered Tradescant to his brother-in- 
 law. " I can tell from Moss's looks what the decision will 
 be." 
 
 " I'm afraid you're right," replied Chatteris. 
 
 Their apprehensions were justified, for immediately after- 
 wards Moss thus addressed them : 
 
 " In the absence of the proposed security, gentlemen, I 
 cannot advise my client to lend the money. The sum is 
 large, and the risk great. Unless you have other security 
 to offer, there must be an end of the transaction." 
 
 " I've been put to a vast deal of trouble," grumbled 
 Shadrach, " and apparently to no purpose." 
 
 " I'm the person most aggrieved," cried Tradescant. " I 
 can't conceive what has caused Crutchet to change his 
 mind so suddenly." 
 
 " But I can," replied Shadrach. "It's your doing, sir," 
 he added to Candish. 
 
200 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " I won't deny it, Mr Shadrach," returned the other, 
 coolly ; " but, so far from being angry, you ought to be very 
 naueh obliged to me." 
 
 " Obliged ! for what ?— for losing—" 
 
 " Cent, per cent, on five thousand pounds — that's what 
 you counted on — but you would never have got it. I would 
 have taken good care of that. Your intended contract, as 
 Mr Moss very well knows, was unlawful, and would have 
 been utterly void, while you yourself would have forfeited 
 thrice the amount borrowed, a larger sum than you would 
 like to lose, I fancy. Tour scrivener himself would not 
 have come off scot-free. In addition to a penalty, he would 
 have got half a year's imprisonment, if he had been brought 
 before the Lord Mayor. Therefore, I repeat, you ought to 
 feel much obliged by my interference." 
 
 During this speech Shadrach and Moss exchanged un- 
 easy looks, and the scrivener whispered to his client, 
 
 " Ton had better get rid of the matter. This person is 
 evidently the Lord Mayor's agent." 
 
 " You are right, sir," replied Shadrach. " Grentlemen," 
 he added to Tradescant and Chatteris, " I thought I was 
 dealing with men of honour — " 
 
 "Why, so you are," cried both young men together. 
 " "We have nothing whatever to do with this person." 
 
 " I don't doubt it," replied Shadrach ; " but sufficient 
 ■care has not been taken to keep the aifair private. Instead 
 of appointing a public place like Moorfields for the nego- 
 tiation, you should have come to my house. You would 
 then have been safe from spies — yes, spies," he repeated, 
 looking hard at Candish. " As it is, the arrangement was 
 overheard — and you see the result. I'm sorry I can't ac- 
 commodate you." 
 
 "I'm half inclined to cut this meddling old rascal's 
 throat," cried Tradescant. 
 
 " Not here, sir, if you please," said Shadrach. " Inflict 
 any punishment you choose upon him in the street, but not 
 here." 
 
 " When you learn my reasons for what I've done, you'll 
 be more inclined to thank me than harm me," observed 
 Candish. " I'll wait for you outside. Mr Shadrach, your 
 servant." And with a polite bow he left the room. 
 
 He was followed in a few moments by the two young 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 201 
 
 men, who found liim standing in the passage connected with 
 the office. 
 
 " I hope you'll excuse me, gentlemen," he said, in an 
 apologetic tone. " I have simply acted under orders. Can 
 I be of any service to you ? " 
 
 " A cool fellow this, upon my soul ! " cried Tradescant. 
 " He spoils our game, and asks if he can serve us. Harkye, 
 sir, can you lend us a few thousand pounds ? " 
 
 "Thousands are far beyond me, sir," replied Candish ; 
 " but if a trifle like twenty guineas would be of any use I 
 can accommodate you." 
 
 " Well, that will be better than nothing," rejoined 
 Tradescant. " It will pay our supper at Pontac's and 
 enable us to try our luck at basset. Let us have the 
 twenty guineas. I'll repay you to-morrow morning — per- 
 haps to-night, if you come to Picard's ordinary, near 
 Queenhithe Dock, before midnight." 
 
 " I won't fail to be there," said Candish ; *' but you can 
 repay me, or not, at your convenience. You will find 
 twenty guineas in this purse," he added, handing it to him. 
 " I wish you good luck, sir." 
 
 " Harkye, sir," cried Tradescant. " I should like to 
 have some explanation — " 
 
 " As much as you please to-morrow, sir," interrupted 
 Candish. "But not this evening. You will see me at 
 Picard's, where I may, perhaps, be of some further use to 
 you. I think hazard is played there as well as basset ? " 
 
 " Hazard, passage, inn-and-inn — what you please. And 
 at cards, besides basset, you may play piquet, ombre, Eng- 
 lish and Prench ruff, five cards, costly colours, bone-ace, 
 and put." 
 
 " Picard's tables are the best in the City," observed 
 Chatteris. " As large sums are staked there as at the 
 Groom-Porters', or Speering's ordinary in Bell-yard." 
 
 " So I've heard," replied Candish. " Is there likely to 
 be deep play to-night ? " 
 
 " There might have been," rejoined Tradescant, signifi- 
 cantly. "I wanted to settle accounts with Gleek and 
 Bragge, but that can't be done now, unless some great 
 stake should turn up at basset." 
 
 " Can you inform me, sir, whether the two individuals 
 you have just mentioned— Messrs Gleek and Bragge— will 
 
202 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 be there ? " inquired Candish. " I sliould lil^e to have an 
 opportunity of witnessing their play." 
 
 " Then you may enjoy that pleasure to-night, for they 
 are certain to be at Picard's. They expect to be paid, I 
 tell you. However, I must find some means of pacifying 
 them." 
 
 " Oh, yeSj we'll manage it, never fear," rejoined Chat- 
 teris. " Since nothing else is to be done, let us go at once 
 to Pontac's. I have asked Sir Theodosius TurnbuU to sup 
 there with us." 
 
 " "With all my heart," replied Tradescant. 
 
 On this, they got into their respective chairs, bidding 
 the men take them to Abchurch-lane, where the noted 
 cofiee-house in question was situated, while Candish re- 
 turned to the Lord Mayor's house in Cheapside, where he 
 found Herbert, with whom he concocted a plan to be put 
 into execution that night. 
 
 n. 
 
 picabd's. 
 
 Picard's ordinary — a notorious gaming-house, where 
 all the rooks and sharpers to be met with in the City 
 flocked to prey upon the dissolute sons of wealthy mer- 
 chants and traders — stood on the east side of Queenhithe 
 Dock, close to the stairs. It had a large balcony on the 
 first floor, overlooking the river, where it was pleasant to 
 sit in the cool of a summer's evening, and watch the various 
 barks float by. But it was not to indulge in such harm- 
 less recreation as this that the majority of Picard's cus- 
 tomers went thither. Their object was play; and they 
 found what they sought. The house possessed a basset- 
 table with a well-supplied bank, and smaller tables for 
 piquet, whist, and ombre. An inner room was reserved for 
 games without the tables, and here could be heard the 
 rattling of dice, the shouts of the casters, the exulting 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 203 
 
 laughter of the winners, or the yells and fearful impreca- 
 tions of the losers. 
 
 It wanted about a quarter to eleven when Candish and 
 Herbert entered this den of iniquity. The old man had 
 again altered his attire, and appeared in black,' with a bag- 
 wig and ruffles. Moreover, he had taken the precaution to 
 provide himself with a sword, and Herbert was similarly 
 armed. 
 
 The lower room was full of guests, carousing and 
 smoking, but a glance around it satisfied Candish that those 
 he sought were not there, so he and his companion went 
 up-stairs to the principal play-room, which was of consider- 
 able size, and provided with card-tables, and a large oval 
 table, set in the centre of the apartment, covered with green 
 cloth, and designed for basset. A strong light was cast 
 upon the tapis by a lamp furnished with reflectors, placed 
 at either end. The table was large enough to accommodate 
 twenty players, and about half that number were now seat- 
 ed around it. At one side of the room burnt a cheerful fire 
 protected by a wire-guard, and on the other there were 
 three French windows, opening upon the balcony, already 
 described as overlooking the river. 
 
 Seated at the table with a pile of rouleaux of gold and a 
 glittering heap of crown pieces before him, constituting the 
 bank, was the tailleur, or dealer — a young man, rather 
 showily dressed, with a perfectly impassive countenance. 
 No turn of fortune, it was evident, was likely to move him. 
 On his right stood the croupier, likewise a young man, but 
 apparently of a very different temperament from his phlegm- 
 atic companion, his eyes being bright and quick, and hia 
 features extremely mobile. For the convenience of the 
 punters, a little book containing thirteen cards was placed 
 on the table opposite each chair. Besides those engaged in 
 play, there were several other persons, whose features and 
 manner proclaimed their dissolute character, collected in 
 little knots in different parts of the room. They were bet- 
 ting together, making matches for Epsom and Newmarket, 
 or disputing about the merits of different cock-feeders and 
 trainers. Amongst these groups, the gayest-looking and 
 most noticeable comprised Tradescant and Chatteris, with 
 their fashionable friends, Wilkes, Tom Potter, Sir Francisi 
 
204i THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Dashwood, and Sir "William Stanhope. "With them also 
 was Sir Theodosius Turnbiill, a Leicestershire baronet, who 
 had been a great foxhunter till he grew too fat and heavy 
 for the saddle. He was now in pretty good cue, having 
 drunk three bottles of the delicious Haut Brion, for which 
 Pontac's was renowned. These personages were talking 
 and betting much in the same style as the rest of the 
 company. 
 
 "I'll lay six to four — sixty guineas to forty, if you 
 like," cried Tradescant, "that Drew Barantine's great 
 ginger-hackle beats any cock Tom Trattles can produce." 
 
 " Done ! guineas," cried Tom Potter. " Tom Trattles 
 is the best cock-master going. "When shall the main be 
 fought ? " 
 
 " This day week," replied Tradescant. " Stay ! that 
 won't do. Por aught I know that may be my wedding- 
 day." 
 
 " So you really are going to marry the hosier's daughter, 
 Lorimer ? " said Tom Potter. 
 
 " I suppose so," replied Tradescant. 
 
 " I don't believe the match will take place," cried 
 "Wilkes. " The girl will jilt you, as she jilted your fire- 
 eating cousin. Come, I'll bet you a hundred the marriage 
 doesn't come off." 
 
 " Done ! " cried Tradescant, "and I half hope I may be 
 obliged to pay the wager." 
 
 " Ha ! ha ! ha ! " laughed his companions. 
 
 " I'll bet you another hundred, Lorimer, that she marries 
 your cousin," said Tom Potter. 
 
 " Take him," whispered "Wilkes, " for I mean to cut the 
 impertinent puppy's throat." 
 
 " Don't call him my cousin, I beg, Mr Potter," cried 
 Tradescant, offended. 
 
 "Do you mean to run Eegulus at Newmarket next 
 spring, Lorimer r " inquired Dashwood. 
 
 " Assuredly, and I mean to win the Suffolk stakes.'* 
 
 " I'll take the field against you for fifty," said Dash- 
 wood. 
 
 " Done ! " cried Tradescant. 
 
 "Don't book that!" cried "Wilkes. "If you marry 
 Alice "Walworth you must sell Begulus. I heard old "Wal- 
 worth declare he didn't like gaming and racing — ha ! ha ! " 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 205 
 
 "That shan't hinder me from making the bet, Dash- 
 wood," rejoined Tradescant. " Marry or not, I don't sell 
 Eegulus." 
 
 " I applaud your resolution, Lorimer," said Stanhope. 
 
 " Well, I only wish I had your chance, Lorimer," re- 
 marked Wilkes. " Alice Walworth is a devilish fine girl. 
 Por her sake, I could be content to dwell in St Mary-axe, 
 and even turn hosier, if my father-in-law made a point of it." 
 
 " No jokes at old Walworth's expense, if you please, 
 Mr Wilkes," said Tradescant. " He's as rich as a nabob, 
 and means to give his daughter a plum," 
 
 "A plum!" exclaimed Wilkes. "Egad, hosiery must 
 be a better business than I thought. But I have no faith 
 in these splendid offers. I'll take odds you don't get ten 
 thousand with her." 
 
 " Two to one I do," cried Tradescant. 
 
 " Done ! " rejoined Wilkes. " If the marriage fails, you 
 pay." 
 
 " Pshaw ! I'm sure to win. But between ourselves, I 
 would rather have ten thousand without the wife, than a 
 plum with her." 
 
 " Bravo ! " exclaimed Tom Potter. " That's what I call 
 a frank confession. I hope it won't reach the young lady's 
 ears, or you are likely to get neither one nor the other." 
 
 " I'll lay odds the Lord Mayor doesn't consent to the 
 match," said Stanhope. 
 
 " What makes you think that ? " cried Tradescant, sur- 
 prised. 
 
 " Never mind. Will you bet ? " 
 
 " No ; but I'll take odds I marry her without his lord- 
 ship's consent." 
 
 "Then you won't get the sugar-plum," cried Wilkes. 
 " If the Lord Mayor runs rusty — as you seem to fear he 
 will — old Walworth will run rusty too, and decline the 
 honour of the alliance. Of course the girl has nothing of 
 her own, so it would be useless to run away with her. Make 
 sure of your honoured sire, Lorimer, or the thing's up." 
 
 " But how the deuce am I to make sure of him ? " re- 
 joined Tradescant. 
 
 " If you've any misgivings, don't let old Walworth see 
 him till the marriage contract is signed. Sir Pelix Bland 
 will manage that for you." 
 
206 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Seventy to fifty old "Walworth finds you out, Lorimer, 
 and turns the tables upon you," said Stanhope. 
 
 "Done! — guineas," cried Tradescant. "I'll book all 
 these bets, and then we'll sit down to basset." 
 
 The foregoing conversation had been conducted in so 
 loud a key, that the greater part of it reached the ears both 
 of Candish and Herbert, whose presence, however, was un- 
 noticed by the speakers. As Tradescant took his place at 
 the table, Candish stepped quickly forward, and stationed 
 himself behind the young man. 
 
 As soon as they^were all seated, the punters took up 
 their thirteen cards, and selecting one or more, according 
 to fancy, laid them on the table, placing a couch, or stake, 
 on each. 
 
 Taking a pack of cards, the tailleur then turned it up so 
 as to display the bottom card, which, in the language of the 
 game, is termed thefasse, and which proving to be the eight 
 of diamonds, all the cards of the same suit laid on the table 
 paid to the bank a moiety of the stakes set upon them by 
 the punters. 
 
 The tailleur next began to deal, calling out, "Ace of 
 hearts wins — five of clubs loses — knave of diamonds wins — 
 seven loses," and so forth — every other card alternately 
 winning and losing until he came to the last, on which, by 
 the rule of the game, although it had been just turned up, 
 and was consequently known by the punters, some of whom 
 had staked upon it, he paid nothing. 
 
 The game v^ent on with varying .consequences, but, as 
 may be imagined, the greater part of the stakes speedily 
 found their way to the bank. Tradescant had laid three 
 cards on the tapis, putting ten pounds on each, but the 
 money — all he possessed — was swept away before the second 
 pack was dealt out. But the young man could not bear to 
 stop. Yet how go on ? He had not even a crown in his 
 pocket. He glanced at Chatteris, but the latter shook his 
 head. In this dilemma, Candish came to his aid, and taking 
 a fifty-pound note from a pocket-book, offered it to him. 
 Tradescant took it without a moment's hesitation, promising 
 to return the amount at once if he was lucky. He was 
 about to get the note changed at the bank, when Candish 
 stopped him, and said, in a whisper, " Put down the whole 
 sum on that ace of hearts, and try for the grand chance." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 207 
 
 ^ I may try," replied Tradescant, laughing, " but I shan't 
 get it. I never saw the sixty-seven won yet." 
 
 " Make the attempt now," rejoined Candish. 
 
 Tradescant complied, laid the note on the ace, and was 
 shortly afterwards gladdened by the tailleur's cry of " Ace 
 wins — tray loses." 
 
 " "Well begun ! " whispered Candish. 
 
 " Paroli ! " cried Tradescant, bending down a corner of 
 his card. 
 
 The tailleur dealt on, and the welcome words, " Ace 
 wins," were repeated. 
 
 Candish made no remark, but gave the young man an 
 encouraging look. 
 
 " Sept et le va ! " cried Tradescant, bending down a 
 second corner of his card. 
 
 "What are you about?" cried Chatteris. "You've 
 thrown away your second chance — £350." 
 
 " IS'ever mind him," urged Candish. " You're in a run 
 of luck." 
 
 " On my soul I think so," replied the young man, laugh- 
 ing. " But I owe it to you." 
 
 Meanwhile, the tailleur dealt on, and once more, to 
 Tradescant's infinite delight, called out, " Ace wins." 
 
 " Quinze et le va ! " exclaimed Tradescant, turning 
 down the third corner of his card. 
 
 " Seven hundred and fifty ! — you won't tempt fortune 
 further ? " cried Chatteris. 
 
 Tradescant paid no attention to the remark. A. look 
 from Candish urged him on. 
 
 Again the tailleur dealt, and again were heard the cheer- 
 ing words, "Ace wins." 
 
 " Trente et le va ! " exclaimed Tradescant, bending the 
 fourth corner of his card. 
 
 " Sixteen hundred and fifty ! — you had better take it,'* 
 cried Chatteris. 
 
 The tailleur looked at him, something more than ordin- 
 ary interest appearing on his immovable countenance. 
 
 Tradescant seemed undecided. Certain of .a large sum, 
 he did not like to lose it. But Candish whispered, " Cour- 
 age ! Push your fortune to its height." 
 
 By this time all the interest of the game was centred in 
 Tradescant. His uninterrupted run of luck had surprised 
 
208 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 all the other players, and they wondered whether the fickle 
 goddess would desert him at the last. 
 
 " Will you have your money, Mr Lorimer ? " inquired 
 the tailleur. 
 
 " No," returned Tradescant. " I'll try the last chance. 
 Soixante et le va ! " 
 
 The tailleur made no remark, but carefully shuffling the 
 cards, began to deal them again, but much more deliberately 
 than before. 
 
 "Ten to five — a thousand to five hundred — your card 
 don't turn up," cried Tom Potter. 
 
 " Take him," whispered Candish. 
 
 "Done!" cried Tradescant. "I'll make the same bet 
 with any one else." 
 
 " I take you — I take you," cried Wilkes and Dashwood 
 together. 
 
 Scarcely were the words uttered, when the point was 
 decided. The lucky card was again turned up, and Trades- 
 cant declared a winner of sixty-seven times the amount of 
 his original stake — or £3350. Besides this, the bets he had 
 won amounted to £3000 more. He could scarcely credit 
 his good fortune. 
 
 "I owe all this to you," he said to Candish; "but you 
 must share my winnings." 
 
 " You are very generous, sir," replied the old man ; 
 *' but it must not be. I can only take back the sum I've 
 lent you. But don't trouble yourself about me. Secure 
 your money from the bank." 
 
 The caution did not appear altogether needless, for the 
 tailleur and croupier, looking perfectly confounded by the 
 unexpected stroke of fortune, made no attempt at settle- 
 ment. 
 
 "The money, gentlemen, if you please," said Trades- 
 cant. 
 
 " Tou shall have three thousand pounds, Mr Lorimer," 
 replied the tailleur, "and then the bank wiU be broken. 
 "We must owe you the remainder." 
 
 " Very good," replied Tradescant. " We are now quits," 
 he added to Wilkes and Dashwood. "As to you. Sir Wil-* 
 liam," he said to Stanhope, " instead of having to pay you 
 four hundred pounds, you will owe me six." 
 
 "Exactly, my dear fellow," r^ijjlied Sir William Stan- 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 209 
 
 hope, " and I congratulate you most sincerely on your good 
 luck. Fortune for once has befriended you, but I advise 
 you not to tempt her smiles again." 
 
 "You're afraid of me, I see. Sir William," cried Trades- 
 cant, intoxicated by his success. 
 
 " Count your money, if you please, sir," cried the crou- 
 pier, pushing a roll of bank-notes, a pile of rouleaux, and a 
 heap of crown pieces towards him. 
 
 " Shall I help you to count it, Tradescant ? " said Chat- 
 teris, coming up. 
 
 "Ay, do, Tom," replied the young man. "And help 
 yourself at the same time to a thousand. I little thought I 
 should be able to accommodate you." 
 
 Chatteris did not manifest any scruples, but counting 
 the bank-notes, and finding they made exactly the sum in 
 question, he put the roll into his pocket. 
 
 "What the deuce shall I do with all these crown, 
 pieces? " observed Tradescant, laughing. 
 
 " I'll tell you what you shall do with them, my dear — 
 you shall give them to me," said Shadrach, stepping forward 
 from a corner where he had remained perdue. " Bless my 
 heart ! what luck you've had ! I never saw such a thing 
 done before, upon my soul." 
 
 " "What ! is that you, old cent, per cent. ? " said Trades- 
 cant. " I didn't know you were in the room." 
 
 " Oh yes, Mr Lorimer, I've been here all the time. I've 
 been sitting in yonder corner. I watched the game, my 
 dear, and you played beautifully — beautifully indeed. What 
 luck ! bless my heart, what luck — ha ! ha ! ha ! When I 
 saw you win, I said to myself, ' Now's your time, Shadrach. 
 You've only to put Mr Lorimer in mind of his note, and 
 he'll pay it.' " 
 
 " What note ? you usurious old rascal ! I never gave you 
 any," cried Tradescant. 
 
 " True," replied Shadrach, " but you gave a promissory 
 note for two thousand to Messrs Grleek and Bragge, and 
 they transferred it to me. Here it is. All regular, you 
 ^e, and the note's due. I wouldn't press for payment, but 
 as you're in cash, it can't be inconvenient." 
 
 "Well, I suppose I must pay," rejoined Tradescant. 
 ** Take your money," he added, snatching the note, and 
 tearing it in pieces. 
 
210 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " I've a little matter to settle with you, captain," said 
 tlie Jew, addressing Chatteris. 
 
 " "With me ? " exclaimed the captain, turning pale. " I 
 hope my note for a thousand pounds to Major Pepper hasn't 
 found its way to your hands ? " 
 
 " Indeed but it has, captain," replied Shadrach. " I 
 won't hurt your feelings by mentioning what I gave for it, 
 but I shall be happy to exchange it for the bank-notes you've 
 just put into your pocket." 
 
 " Zounds ! won't you allow me a few hours' enjoyment 
 of them, Shadrach ? Present the note to-morrow, and I'll 
 honour it." 
 
 " No time like the present, captain. To-morrow mightn't 
 be convenient — so, if you please, we'll settle at once." 
 
 " Why, you're a footpad, Shadrach — only you use a bill 
 instead of a pistol. Here's the money, and be hanged to 
 you." 
 
 And he handed him the notes in exchange for the bill. 
 
 As soon as he had counted the money the Jew departed, 
 with an exulting grin upon his sallow features. And the 
 bank being broken, and play consequently at an end, most 
 of the company quitted the room at the same time. 
 
 III. 
 
 THE BOOKS. 
 
 " Come," cried "Wilkes, " we've had enough here. I 
 move an adjournment to the Dilettanti Club." 
 
 " I'm with you," replied Tom Potter. " "Won't you come, 
 too, Lorimer ? " 
 
 " I'll join you there in an hour," rejoined Tradescant. " I 
 mean to try my luck at hazard. I feel sure of winning." 
 
 " You wonH win if you play with Gleek and Eragge," 
 said Tom Potter ; " and I see they've just come in. I'ye 
 already cautioned you against those two rooks, and I warn 
 you against them once more." 
 
 " Oh ! I've no reason to doubt them ! " exclaimed 
 Tradescant. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 211 
 
 . As they were talking, the two individuals alluded to by- 
 Potter approached. Both were showily dressed in laced 
 coats and flowered silk waistcoats, and wore Eamilies peri- 
 wigs, deep laced rujffles, and swords with silver hilts. But 
 in spite of their gay attire there was something equivocal 
 in their looks and manner that would not allow them to 
 pass for gentlemen. Gleek was the younger of the two, 
 and had a slight figure and pale features, lit up by quick, 
 restless black eyes, and hands delicately white as those of 
 a woman. Bragge was larger and coarser-looking, with 
 blubber lips, an ace of club nose, and a copper colour. 
 They were received with great haughtiness by all the party 
 except Tradescant ; and when Gleek addressed Sir "William 
 Stanhope, the latter turned contemptuously upon his 
 heel. 
 
 " Don't presume to address me, sir," said Tom Potter to 
 Bragge. " I have no acquaintance with you." 
 
 The bully was about to make an angry reply, but the 
 resolute expression of the other's countenance checked him. 
 
 " If you won't come with us, Lorimer," pursued Potter, 
 " don't neglect my caution." And he glanced so signifi- 
 cantly at Bragge, that the latter exclaimed, 
 
 " Had that remark any reference to me, sir ? " 
 
 " Apply it if you please, sir," replied Potter. 
 
 And with a contemptuous look he quitted the room with 
 his friends. Captain Chatteris and the fat Leicestershire 
 baronet, however, remained with Tradescant. 
 
 " He shall pay for this insolence," cried Bragge. " I'll 
 cane him publicly in the Mall to-morrow." 
 
 " Soh, Mr Lorimer," cried Gleek, " I hear you've had 
 rare luck at basset — broken the bank, eh ? You'll empty 
 our pockets next." 
 
 " I'll try, gentlemen — I'll try," replied Tradescant. 
 ** You've both won a good deal from me. It's only fair I 
 should have my revenge." 
 
 " And we won'tjrefuse it you," said Bragge. " Shall we 
 begin with passage ? " 
 
 " No, let us go at once to hazard," rejoined Tradescant. 
 
 " I'm ready," cried Bragge, taking a box from his pocket, 
 and rattling the dice within it. 
 
 " No music like this, Mr Lorimer," cried Gleek, rattling 
 a box in his turn. 
 
212 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Here, sirrah," cried Tradescant to a drawer, " give me 
 a box and dice, and another for Sir Theodosius." 
 
 " Not for me," said the Leicestershire baronet. " I'll 
 look on and bet." 
 
 As soon as he was provided with the necessary imple- 
 ments for play, Tradescant proceeded to the table which 
 the rooks had selected for the game. He was followed by 
 Sir Theodosius and Chatteris. 
 
 Elated by his previous success, Tradescant made sure of 
 winning, and was all eagerness to commence ; and on the 
 onset it seemed as if his expectations were about to be real- 
 ized, for he made several lucky throws in succession, and 
 won twenty pounds from each of his adversaries. 
 
 " Deuce take it ! I can't think what ails the dice to- 
 night," cried Gleek. " I've scarcely had a chance yet, and 
 ha ve'nt nicked the main once." 
 
 " I never threw worse," added Bragge. " All the luck 
 is with Lorimer." 
 
 " Don't be daunted, gentlemen," cried Tradescant. 
 " I'll play as long as you please, and for as much as you 
 please. I should like to win a few hundreds from you." 
 
 "You shall win thousands if you can, Mr Lorimer," 
 cried Bragge, putting a hundred pounds on the table. " I'm 
 Jio flinch er." 
 
 " Nor I," added Grleek, imitating his colleague's example. 
 
 " I'll bet ten guineas on your next cast, Lorimer," said 
 Sir Theodosius. 
 
 " I'll take you, sir," replied Bragge. 
 
 " So will I," added Grleek, shaking his box. ** Seven's 
 the main ! — ha ! ames-ace ! " 
 
 ^«, " Seven's the main ! " cried Bragge, throwing. " Con- 
 fusion ! twelve ! " 
 
 "Now for it," cried Tradescant, throwing in his turn. 
 "Egad! I've nicked it — eleven." And he swept all the 
 money from the board. 
 
 " We each owe you ten guineas," said the two rooks to 
 Sir Theodosius. 
 
 " Let it stand, gentlemen," replied the Leicestershire 
 baronet. " I shall go on backing Mr Lorimer." 
 
 For a few minutes longer uninterrupted good luck at- 
 tended Tradescant. As the stakes were doubled after each 
 successful cast, there was now a considerable sum on the 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDOIT. 213 
 
 table. All this time tlie proceedings of the rooks had been 
 carefully watched by Candish, who, stationed behind Trades- 
 cant, perceived that they had dexterously contrived to 
 change their dice. 
 
 " Seven's the main," cried Tradescant, " quatre-trey." 
 
 " Cinque deuce ! " cried Bragge, throwing. 
 
 " Six ace ! " cried Gleek, following him. 
 
 " The chances are equal. Another cast must decide it," 
 cried Tradescant. 
 
 "Hold!" exclaimed Candish, "the chances are not 
 equal. These dice are loaded," he added, covering those used 
 by Gleek with his hand. 
 
 " And so are these," cried Herbert, snatching Bragge's 
 dice from the table. 
 
 " How dare you make such a charge against a gentle- 
 man, sir ? " cried Gleek, vainly attempting to push away 
 Candish' s hand. 
 
 " I say the dice are loaded," cried Candish, giving them 
 to Tradescant. " Split them, and you will see." 
 
 " Fire and fury ! No such indignity shall be offered to 
 me," roared Gleek. " I'll have your heart's blood." 
 
 " Both dice are filled with quicksilver," cried Herbert, 
 who had shattered them upon the hearth. 
 
 " And so are these," cried Tradescant, flinging them at 
 Gleek's head. " You are a cheat and a villain, and your 
 accomplice is no better." 
 
 "You now see how you've been imposed upon, sir,'* 
 said Candish, " and what rogues you've had to deal with." 
 
 " I do ! I do ! " rejoined Tradescant. 
 
 " This is a well-contrived trick, but it wofl't pass,'* cried 
 Gleek. " "We're not to be plundered in this manner with 
 impunity. Give up the money you've robbed us of, or you 
 don't leave this room alive." And he drew his sword. 
 
 "What ho ! there — without ! " shouted Bragge, knock- 
 ing the floor with a chair. 
 
 And in reply to the signal some half a dozen ruffians 
 of villainous mien made their appearance at the doorway. 
 
 Sir Theodosius was now seriously alarmed. 
 
 " I must have been mad to come here," he cried. " "We 
 shall all be murdered. Help ! help ! watch ! watch ! " 
 
 " Hold your tongue, you silly old fool ! " cried Bragge, 
 ''No harm shall be done you if you behave properly." 
 
214 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 But the fat baronet rushed to the window, and tried to 
 get it open. Darting after him, Bragge pulled him forcibly 
 backwards, alarming him dreadfully. His cries brought 
 Herbert to his assistance, who attacked Bragge in his turn. 
 A general scuffle ensued. Swords were drawn on all sides, 
 and passes exchanged — luckily without much effect. In 
 the confusion chairs and card-tables were upset, and the 
 candles and lamps rolled on the ground, burying all in. 
 darkness. 
 
 If the Leicestershire baronet had been alarmed before it 
 was nothing to his present fright, and it must be owned 
 that his fears were not unwarranted. However, he contrived 
 to get to the window — which, as we have said, opened upon 
 a balcony overlooking the river — and at last, to his great 
 delight, succeeded in unfastening it. This accomplished, 
 he rushed out upon the balcony, and clamoured lustily for 
 help. 
 
 jy. 
 
 riEE. « 
 
 Meanwhile the conflict^ raged in the room, with what 
 result could not be known, all being buried in darkness, 
 and no one could tell whether he was engaged with friend 
 or foe. All ^ once, above the din of strife, a watchman's 
 rattle was heard, and a similar noise was repeated, proving 
 that the Leicestershire baronet's outcries had given the 
 alarm. At the same time, fresh apprehension was caused 
 by the sudden bursting out of flames at the back of the 
 room. Apparently, one of the lamps which had fallen on 
 the floor before becoming extinguished had set fire to some 
 curtains, and these now blazed up. At this new danger the 
 combat instantly ceased ; the curtains were torn down, and 
 prompt measures taken to check the progress of the fire. In 
 vain: other combustible materials had caught, and the 
 house being built of timber, now old and dry, it burnt with 
 such rapidity as to threaten its speedy destruction. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 215 
 
 The moment the fire broke out, the two rooks, who 
 seemed fully alive to the danger of the situation, beat a 
 hasty retreat, dashed down the staircase, and got out of the 
 house. They were quickly followed by the rest of their 
 associates, and in another moment only Tradescant and 
 Chatteris, with Herbert and Candish, were left in the room. 
 
 " We must away too," cried Herbert, "It won't be 
 safe to remain here longer. The fire is gaining rapidly." 
 
 " Where's Sir Theodosius ? " inquired Tradescant. 
 
 "Here," replied the baronet, putting his head, from 
 which the wig was gone, through the window. " Is the 
 fight over ? — are the villains gone ? Bless my life, what a 
 fire ! " 
 
 " Yes, yes, you'll be burnt to death if you stay here,'* 
 cried Candish. " Don't lose a moment, if you value your 
 life. Come along ! " 
 
 The whole party were then about to hurry down-stairs, 
 when they were stopped by a posse of watchmen and con- 
 stables — mustering some ten or a dozen men — bearing 
 lanterns, and armed with staves and truncheons. 
 
 " Here are some of the villains left," cried the foremost 
 watchman ; " the others have given us the slip, but we'll 
 make sure of these. You are our prisoners, masters. Re- 
 sistance will be useless, so I advise you not to attenipt it. 
 Come along with us quietly to the watch-house in Bread- 
 street. You'll have to give an account of yourselves to the 
 Lord Mayor at the Mansion House to-morrow morning." 
 
 " 'Sdeath ! that mustn't be," exclaimxed Tradescant. 
 " Here are five guineas for you, my good fellows. Let us 
 
 " Well, come down-stairs, and we'U talk aboat it," re- 
 joined the watchman. 
 
 " Don't go with them," whispered Chatteris ; " they'll 
 play us some cursed trick. The window's open ; it will be 
 easy to drop from the balcony to the ground." 
 
 jN'o sooner was the hint given than it was acted on. A 
 rush was made by the party towards the window. Of 
 course the watchmen followed, but they were held in check 
 by Herbert and Tradescant, who opposed them with their 
 drawn swords. As the fire was now burning fiercely, and 
 the watchmen suffered from the heat, they determined to 
 bring the matter to a speedy issue, and dealt some heavy 
 
216 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 blows against the young men, which the latter with difficulty 
 warded off. 
 
 " Make good your retreat," said Herbert to his cousin. 
 ** It won't do for you to be captured." 
 
 "Yes, go," added Candish ; " I'll take your place." 
 
 Thus urged, the young man sprang through the window. 
 On gaining the balcony, he found that Chatteris had already 
 disappeared, but Sir Theodosius was still there, clinging 
 desperately to the rails of the balcony, but not daring to 
 let himself drop. Tradescant instantly flew to his assist- 
 ance, and with the help of Chatteris, who was standing 
 below, managed to effect the stout baronet's safe descent. 
 This accomplished, he himself descended. At the same 
 juncture, a wherry approached the shore, and the liberal 
 fare offered by Tradescant soon induced the two watermen 
 who rowed it to take all three on board. 
 
 " Stand out a few yards from shore," said Tradescant ; 
 " we must wait for our friends." 
 
 " Werry good, your honour," replied one of the water- 
 men, a crafty old fellow ; " if you'll only pay us well, we'll 
 do whatsomever you axes." 
 
 Accordingly, they pulled out some twenty or thirty 
 yards, and then remained stationary opposite the burning 
 house. But though an anxious look-out was kept, nothing 
 could be seen of Herbert or Candish. Indeed, a loud 
 shout proceeding from the house seemed to proclaim that 
 they had fallen into the hands of the watchmen, while a few 
 minutes afterwards, flames "bursting through the windows 
 made it evident that the room was untenantable, or that any 
 rash individuals lingering within it were doomed to destruc- 
 tion. Still, though aware they could render no further aid, 
 the party in the boat tarried to gaze at the blazing building, 
 which now formed a very striking spectacle. 
 
 But let us now see what had befallen Herbert and 
 Candish. Endowed with remarkable activity, there is no 
 doubt that, if left to himself, Herbert could easily have 
 escaped from the watch. But he would not leave Candish, 
 and it was while gallantly struggling to rescue the old man, 
 whose sword had been beaten from his grasp, and who was 
 being dragged off by his captors, that he himself was over- 
 powered. 
 
 Both their prisoners being thus secured, the watchmen 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 217 
 
 gave the shout heard by those on the water, and then hur- 
 ried down-stairs as expeditiously as they could. It was 
 time. Had they remained another minute, not one of them 
 would hav^e quitted the place alive. The whole of the roof 
 had caught lire, and some of the blazing rafters fell in, 
 filling the room with flame and smoke. By this time a 
 great number of suspicious-looking persons were collected 
 in the narrow street or alley at the back of the ordinary, 
 and it required considerable exertions on the part of the 
 constables and the watch to prevent them from plundering 
 the house under pretence of rendering assistance. All that 
 could be saved was removed from the premises as quickly 
 as possible, and the alley was partially blocked up with 
 goods and furniture. 
 
 By this time an engine had been brought from Queen- 
 hithe, but owing to the confined situation of the premises 
 great difficulty was experienced in causing it to play upon 
 the burning structure. Another engine, set upon a barge, 
 was also brought on the river side of the house, and this 
 was far more efficient, but the conflagration had now made 
 far too great progress to be checked, and the utmost that 
 could be done was to endeavour to save the adjoining habit- 
 ations by throwing a constant jet of water upon them. 
 
 The spectacle as witnessed by those within the boat, 
 who still remained looking on, was now exceedingly grand. 
 The night being profoundly dark and perfectly calm, full 
 eflect was given to the fire. The habitation, as we have 
 already said, being composed (Jf old and dry timber, was 
 rapidly consumed. The fire burnt with great fierceness, 
 the flames springing to a vast height, illuminating not only 
 the densely-packed intervening buildings in Thames-street, 
 Paul's-chain, and Doctors'-commons, but the massive struc- 
 ture of St Paul's itself, which was now displayed as clearly as 
 in broad daylight ; and casting a stream of radiance across the 
 I darkling current. The jagged buildings on the banks of 
 ' the river looking black and indistinct, had a very picturesque 
 effect. Many other wherries besides that occupied by 
 Tradescant and his friends were there, and others were mo- 
 mentarily arriving, or hastening to the spot. Notwith- 
 standing the lateness of the hour, the Southwark side of 
 the river, facing the conflagration, was crowded with specta- 
 tors, while London Bridge, and, indeed, every other place 
 
218 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 commanding a view, had some occupant. Owing to the 
 crowded state of tbe street at the rear, and the confusion 
 prevailing in it, the watchmen did not immediately convey 
 their prisoners to the watch-house, but took them to an 
 adjoining tavern, known as the Horse-shoe and Magpie. 
 
 V. 
 
 AK HOIJE's DURAIS'CE. 
 
 Hebe they were introduced to a small room adjoining 
 the bar, and a watchman left in charge of them. 
 
 " JSTow make yourselves comfortable, gem'men," said this 
 worthy, setting his lantern on the table. " Call for anything 
 you likes. I'm agreeable. In case you don't know it, I 
 may tell you the Hoss-shoe's a famous house for punch, and 
 you'll have plenty of time to drink a bowl, for you'll be 
 here an hour or better, I dare say. There's no liquor allowed 
 in the watch-house." 
 
 "I want nothing to drink," cried Herbert, seating him- 
 self on one of the rush-bottomed chairs with which the room 
 was furnished. 
 
 " Nor I," said Candish. ** But order something for your- 
 self, my good fellow," he added, tossing the Charley a crown 
 piece. 
 
 "Ah! I see, your honour understands business,'* the 
 watchman replied, taking the money. And opening the 
 door, he called for a quartern of gin, with a pipe and 
 tobacco, all of which were brought him by a drawer. Thus 
 provided, he sat down, and after sipping the gin, which he 
 pronounced a perfect cordial, proceeded to light his pipe. 
 "While doing this, he made another effort to induce his 
 prisoners to follow his example, but without success. 
 Neither, though the watchman himself was disposed to be 
 talkative, did they appear inclined for conversation. So, 
 finding he got no reply to his remarks, the guardian of the 
 night voted his companions dull fellows, and smoked his 
 pipe in silence. Both Herbert and Candish had dropped 
 
THE LOKD MAYOR OF LONDON. 219 
 
 off into a doze, when they were suddenly roused by a knock- 
 ing at the door, which had been locked inside by the watch- 
 man. 
 
 " Open quick ! " cried a voice outside. " It's me, Ned 
 Pinch. Here's the devil to pay." 
 
 " "What's the matter ? " cried the watchman, getting up 
 and unlocking the door. 
 
 " You would soon have found out what's the matter, and 
 to your cost, Corny Cloyde, if I hadn't come to warn you," 
 replied his brother watchman. " The Lord Mayor is com- 
 ing to see the prisoners." 
 
 " The Lord Mayor ! impossible, Ned,'* rejoined Corny. 
 
 " You'll find it quite true," said Finch. " His lordship 
 came down to see that due precautions were taken to put 
 out the fire and prevent it from spreading, and while ques- 
 tioning the men as to the cause of the occurrence, heard 
 about the prisoners, and being informed they had been taken 
 to the Hoss-shoe, said he'd go see 'em. So I ran on to tell 
 you. There ! " he added, triumphantly, " you didn't believe 
 me. His lordship's at the door now." 
 
 " I'm ready for him," rejoined Corny, thrusting his pipe 
 into his pocket, and hastily hiding the measure of gin and 
 the glass under the table. 
 
 This hurried dialogue, as may be supposed, was not lost 
 upon the prisoners, and was satisfactory, inasmuch as it 
 held out a prospect of speedy release. A loud clamour and 
 shuffling of feet now announced that several persons had 
 entered the outer room. Presently the noise ceased, and a 
 voice, easily re<?ognized by both his auditors as that of Sir 
 Gresham Lorimer, was heard inquiring about the prisoners. 
 Then steps approached the door, and in another moment 
 the Lord Mayor was seen standing at it, attended by the 
 host and hostess, both bearing lights. Behind him were a 
 couple of beadles, with a posse of constables and watchmen. 
 
 " Here are the prisoners, an please your honourable lord- j 
 ship," said Corny, advancing towards him, and inclining his ' 
 person. " Both desperate characters — notorious sharpers.'* 
 
 " Sharpers, eh ! " exclaimed the Lord Mayor. " I'm 
 glad you've caught them. A stop must be put to these 
 practices. If Picard's ordinary had not been burnt down I 
 would have inflicted upon him the full penalty of two hun- 
 dred pounds for keeping a gaming-table. But these rogues 
 
220 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 shall be fined, and give ample securities for their future good 
 conduct. I won't let them loose to prey upon society 
 again." 
 
 " Your lordship is quite right," said the landlord. " You 
 can't be too severe upon these cheating gamesters. Picard's 
 ordinary has been a great nuisance to the neighbourhood, 
 and it's a blessing it's burnt down." 
 
 " Stand aside and let me look at them," said the Lord 
 Mayor to Corny. " What do I see?" he exclaimed, in the 
 utmost surprise. " You have made some stupid mistake, 
 fellow. I thought you had caught those too sharpers, 
 Gleek and Bragge. These persons are not gamesters." 
 
 " Oh yes, begging your honourable lordship's pardon, 
 they are," replied Corny, "arrant gamesters. We took 'em 
 in the fact. Let 'em be searched, and I'll lay my life dice 
 and cards will be found in their pockets." 
 
 " Search us," cried Herbert, " and if it should prove as 
 this fellow states, let the severest punishment be inflicted 
 upon us." 
 
 " How came you at this gaming-house, for I presume you 
 cannot deny having been there ? " asked the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " We were both there, but not with the intention of 
 playing," replied Herbert. 
 
 " His lordship wouldn't believe that if you were on your 
 oath," cried Corny. " One of their associates won several 
 thousand pounds, and broke the bank." 
 
 " Is this correct ? " demanded the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " The man is right in stating that the bank was broken,'* 
 replied Herbert. 
 
 " By whom ? " 
 
 " Your lordship must excuse me if I decline to answer 
 the question." 
 
 " I can easily find it out for your lordship," cried Corny, 
 " Ned Einch heard the rascal's name. It w^as something 
 like your lordship's own. Ah ! there's Ned himself. Tell 
 his lordship who it was that broke the bank." 
 
 " I didn't catch the name," replied Ned, evasively, " but 
 I should know the gentleman again if I clapped eyes upon 
 bim. He is a very fine young man." 
 
 " We should have captured him if it hadn't been for 
 these two," said Corny. " They kept us at bay with their 
 Bwords while the others got off." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 221 
 
 " No one, I hope, was hurt ? " inquired tlie Lord Mayor, 
 anxiously. 
 
 " A few scratches, that was all, my lord. Our opponents 
 got as good as they gave. There was one fat old fellow with 
 them who lost his wig, and got a knock or two. But no 
 one was much hurt." 
 
 " That's well," said the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " I can prove, my lord, if needful," said Candish, "that 
 I was present with a laudable design, and that this young 
 gentleman merely went with me to enable me to carry it 
 out. He neither played nor intended to play. Our object 
 was to expose the tricks of the two sharpers your lordship 
 has referred to, and in this we completely succeeded. We 
 were fortunately able to open the eyes of one who has for 
 some time been their dupe." 
 
 " Your statement carries conviction with it, and I there- 
 fore think it needless to pursue the inquiry further," said 
 the Lord Mayor. " You are both discharged, and I am 
 sorry you have been at all detained." 
 
 " Oh ! that is not of the slightest consequence, my lord," 
 said Candish. " We are too well satisfied with what we 
 have accomplished to heed an hour's detention. But we 
 may congratulate ourselves that your lordship was brought 
 hither by the fire, or we must have passed the night in the 
 watch-house." 
 
 " And have been brought before me in the justice court 
 of the Mansion House to-morrow," rejoined the Lord Mayor. 
 " You have had an escape certainly, and I'm exceedingly 
 glad of it. Hark ye, my good fellows," he added to the 
 constables, " those two sharpers, Grieek and Bragge, mustn't 
 be allowed to escape. Ferret them out. I rely on their 
 capture, d'ye hear ? Now follow me, gentlemen, and I'll see 
 you safely through the crowd outside." 
 
 With this he quitted the house, while Herbert and Cand- 
 ish, acting upon his suggestion, kept close behind him, and 
 being surrounded by the constables, passed without hin- 
 drance or molestation through the noisy mob, and ultimately 
 found their way to the house in Cheap side just as Sir 
 G-resham had entered it. 
 
 It was late enough then, being past two o'clock, but Bow 
 Church clock struck four before Tradescant was lighted to 
 his chamber by Tiplady. 
 
222 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 VI. 
 
 CHAT AT BEEAKFAST. 
 
 Next morning the Lord Mayor, having previously sent 
 Tomline to apprize Millicent and Prue that he would break- 
 fast with them in their own room, made his appearance 
 about nine o'clock, and found all ready for him. 
 
 Both girls were dtessed with a simplicity that was espe- 
 cially agreeable to Sir G-resham, and he could not help 
 thinking how much better they looked in their plain, neat 
 attire, with their luxuriant tresses free from powder and 
 pomatum, their complexions fresh and clear, and such as 
 Nature had given them, than his eldest daughters in their 
 rich silks and satins, and with their artificially heightened 
 charms. Their smiling countenances and eyes beaming with 
 pleasure evinced their satisfaction at seeing him. 
 
 After an affectionate greeting had passed between them, 
 Millicent said, in tones that bespoke her delight, " Well, this 
 is really very kind of you, papa, to bestow a little of your 
 valuable time upon us. You cannot conceive how pleased 
 we both were to receive your message by Tomline." 
 
 " Yes, indeed, uncle," added Prue. " You have made 
 us happy for the day. "VVe did not see you yesterday, and 
 I almost feared we might suffer a similar deprivation 
 to-day." 
 
 " Neither would you have seen me, my dear, unless I had 
 come now," rejoined Sir Gresham, smiling, " for my time 
 is so much engrossed by my official duties and by engage- 
 ments of one kind or another that I have scarcely a moment 
 to myself A Lord Mayor has so many demands upon him 
 that he has little to bestow on his own family. After eleven 
 o'clock I belong to the public. You must not be surprised, 
 therefore, if I should now and then come and breakfast 
 with you." 
 
 " Surprised, papa ! " exclaimed Milly. " "We shall be 
 enchanted. You cannot come too often — that is, if mamma 
 can spare you." 
 
 " "Why, to tell you the truth," said Sir Grresham, smiling, 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 223 
 
 "I was ratber anxious to escape a tete-a-tete with lier 
 ladyship." 
 
 " Oh ! now you are spoiling all, uncle," cried Prue. 
 " Tou won't allow us to flatter ourselves that you come to 
 see us. However, we'll do our best to be agreeable to you, 
 and hope we may induce you to repeat the visit." 
 
 On this they all sat down to the breakfast-table, where 
 the honours were done in a very charming manner by Milly. 
 Tea was already made, and chocolate — Sir Gresham's cus- 
 tomary beverage — was brought in, hot and foaming, by a 
 page. There were pates, cold chickens, ham and tongue, 
 and plenty of other good things upon a side table. 
 
 " You know I like a substantial breakfast, Milly," said 
 the Lord Mayor, helping himself to some Yorkshire pie, "and 
 have provided accordingly." 
 
 " It is your own breakfast, papa," replied Milly. " On 
 receiving your message, I ordered it to be brought up here. 
 You must not suppose that Prue and I feast in this manner. 
 Very little contents us, I assure you." 
 
 " There you are wrong, my dear. Always lay in a good 
 foundation for the day. This is an excellent pie. Can't I 
 prevail upon you to taste it, Prue ? " 
 
 " No thank you, uncle. I never touch meat in a 
 morning." 
 
 " Then you're not the girl I took you for," cried Sir 
 Grresham. " You must improve your habits, and follow my 
 example. You prefer cakes, sweetmeats, honey, marmalade, 
 and all such trash, I suppose, to good, solid, wholesome food. 
 Milly is just as absurd. She eats nothing- — absolutely no- 
 thing." 
 
 " Oh ! don't say so, papa. I'm sure I've an. excellent ap- 
 petite. Mamma often says I eat too much." 
 
 " Does she? " cried Sir Grresham. " Then she doesn't 
 apply the same rule to herself, that's all I can say. If she 
 had tasted this pie, for instance, she would most assuredly 
 have come again — and quite right too. Speaking of your 
 aunt, Prue — have you seen much of her since your stay 
 here?" 
 
 " Not a great deal, uncle," she replied. *' Jjady Dawes 
 and Mrs Chatteris were here yesterday, and I fancy they 
 have no great affection for me." 
 
 *' I fear not," said Sir Grresham ; " but never mind." 
 
22i THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Yes, I told Prue not to mind," said Millj. '' It's mj 
 sisters' way. They are often very cold and haughty to me, 
 but I'm used to it, and don't heed it." 
 
 " Well, Milly and I must try to make amends for the 
 sorry treatment you experience from the others," said Sir 
 Gresham. " We shall remove to the Mansion House in a 
 day or so, and then you can either stay here with Herbert, 
 or go with us, as you like best." 
 
 " Oh, Prue will go with us, I'm sure," cried Milly. "I 
 can't spare her." 
 
 " If my aunt wouldn't think me in the way, I should like 
 of all things to stay at the Mansion House," said Prue. 
 " It's quite a palace, I'm told — much finer than Guildhall." 
 
 " Quite a different thing, child. The one is an ancient 
 edifice ; the other modern. The Mansion House has only 
 just been built — that is to say, it was finished eight years 
 ago. But it is very magnificent, no doubt, and you'll be 
 lodged like a princess while you stay there." 
 
 " Then you are resolved to take me, uncle — but if my 
 aunt should say no ? " 
 
 " The Lord Mayor is omnipotent in the City, my dear. 
 "What he wills is law." 
 
 " Very well, uncle, you shan't find me rebellious or 
 contumacious. What you tell me to do I shall do." 
 
 " Then I'll tell you what you must do, my dear. You 
 must see her ladyship's milliner, Mrs Grogram, to-day, and 
 direct her to make you a set of dresses suitable to the Man- 
 sion House entertainments — similar to those she is making 
 for Milly." 
 
 " Oh, you are much too good, uncle.'* 
 
 " Then you must have shoes, gloves, hats, fans, orna- 
 ments, trinkets — all that a fine lady can require — all that 
 my niece should wear. Milly will tell you what you wan»{}." 
 
 " I scarcely know myself, papa. But I dare say we shall 
 easily find out." 
 
 " All I desire is that you should be fully equipped, and 
 without loss of time," said Sir Gresham. " So see to it, 
 girl, see to it. If there should be any mistake, Milly must 
 Bear the blame." 
 
 " I, papa — why so ? " 
 
 " Because I expect you to see my directions implicitly 
 fulfilled. I don't require you to look after Herbert — " 
 
THE LOED MAYOR OF LONDON. 225 
 
 *' Oh no, papa, I should hope not." 
 
 " But you must see him handsomely dressed. I don'fc 
 want him, though, to become a fop, like Tradescant." 
 
 " Hadn't you better send your own tailor to him, 
 papa ? " 
 
 " I mean to do so. But you must give him the advantage 
 of your taste." 
 
 "My opinion is worth nothing," said Prue ; "but it 
 seems to me that my cousin Tradescant dresses with much 
 elegance." 
 
 " Pshaw ! — a puppy — a coxcomb, who thinks of nothing 
 but adorning his person, and spending his time in frivolous 
 amusements. I am wofuUy disappointed in my son, niece. 
 I looked for something better, after all that has been done 
 for him." 
 
 " You must make some allowances for Tradescant, uncle. 
 He has been exposed to a great many temptations, and it 
 is not surprising if he should have yielded to some of 
 them." 
 
 " A great deal a girl like you, Prue, brought up in the 
 country, can know about it," rejoined the Lord Mayor. 
 " Tradescant's conduct is not to be defended. What new 
 whim do you think he has got in his foolish head ? Nay, 
 you'll never guess, so I may as well tell you. He wants to 
 get married." 
 
 " Married ! " exclaimed both girls together. 
 
 " And you'll be still more surprised when you learn who 
 is the object of his choice." 
 
 " I hope she is some one whom you can approve, uncle," 
 rejoined Prue, turning pale. 
 
 " Hum ! not altogether. The girl is pretty, but coquet- 
 tish and frivolous, and not the sort of person I should have 
 desired for my son's wife. However, you have seen her, 
 and can judge. She was at Guildhall the other night, am/ 
 danced with Herbert." 
 
 " Herbert only danced with Alice Walworth — he told 
 us so himself," said Milly. " She can't be the person." 
 
 " Why she disappeared from the ball, as we were told, 
 in a very mysterious manner," cried Prue. "It can't 
 possibly be Alice." 
 
 " You are both wrong, for Alice it is," replied Sir Gres- 
 ham. " As to the disappearance, it turns out to have been 
 
 15 
 
 & 
 
226 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 a mere trick played upon Herbert by Tradescaut, to which 
 the girl must have been a party, but she never left the Hall. 
 However, it was a very silly proceeding, and reflects little 
 credit upon either of them. In my opinion, Herbert has 
 been very badly used, for certainly the girl seemed much 
 pleased with him." 
 
 " As was natural, after the great service he had rendered 
 her," cried Milly. " I cannot understand how she can have 
 changed so suddenly." 
 
 " She is a coquette, and has no real regard for either," 
 replied the Lord Mayor. " Herbert pleased her well enough 
 till Tradescant presented himself, when, dazzled by the false 
 glitter of the latter, she at once gave him the preference. 
 This is your hopeful cousin's present plan of reform, Prue. 
 What think you of it ? " 
 
 " I trust it may conduce to his happiness," she rejoined; 
 " but I don't think she is good enough for him." 
 
 " There I differ with you, niece. I think her a great deal 
 too good to be thrown away on such a worthless fellow." 
 
 " Oh, uncle ! I'm sorry to hear you speak thus dispar- 
 agingly of your son. It is not like you to be uncharitable 
 and unforgiving." 
 
 " I hope I am neither, niece ; and if I perceive any 
 signs of amendment in Tradescant I shall be the first to 
 hail them, but I discern none as yet." 
 
 " Then you don't think this marriage will accomplish 
 mnch?" 
 
 " I have no great hopes of it, I confess." 
 
 "Then why allow it to take place, uncle ? " 
 
 " I may have little to do with it. Tradescant is very 
 wilful, and may set my authority at defiance." 
 
 " I cannot believe this of him," said Prue. 
 
 " Well, time will show," replied the Lord Mayor. 
 
 At this moment Tomline entered the room, and said, 
 *' Sir Pelix Bland and Mr Walworth are below, and desire 
 to see your lordship." 
 
 " Say I'll wait upon them immediately," replied Sir 
 G-resham. " I suppose you can guess Mr AValworth's er- 
 rand ? " he added, as soon as the man was gone. "He 
 has come to talk over the marriage." 
 
 " I shall be very anxious to hear the result of the inter- 
 view," said Milly. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 227 
 
 " You'll hear something that will surprise you in the 
 course of the morning. Good-bye to you both ! " said her 
 father, quitting the room. 
 
 " Oh, Milly ! " exclaimed Prue, as soon as they were 
 alone together — " oh, Milly 1 " she sobbed, giving way to 
 the emotion with which she had been struggling, and burst- 
 ing into tears, " I can't bear the thoughts of this marriage. 
 I hope it won't take place. And yet what business have I 
 to wish so ? Tradescant has probably never given a thought 
 to me, and never might have done. Alice is very pretty — 
 and may bring him a large dowry — and they may be very 
 happy together — but I d-o-o-n't — th-th-ink — they will." 
 
 " I hope they mayn't have the chance," replied Milly ; 
 **but we must wait papa's decision — though, after all, 
 Tradescant mayn't choose to be guided by it. Cheer up, 
 dear Prue. Our dreams may yet be realized." 
 
 "Mine have been very foolish," replied Prue; "but 
 they are over now." 
 
 YII. 
 
 HOW THE MATEIMONIAL PEOJECT CAME TO AN ESD. 
 
 The Lord Mayor found both the gentlemen who had 
 been announced to him, in the drawing-room, and after 
 shaking hands with them very heartily, expressing his plea- 
 sure at seeing them, and offering them chairs, begged to 
 know the object of their visit, looking at Mr Walworth as 
 he made the inquiry. 
 
 The old hosier, who was dressed in his best, and wore a 
 well-powdered bob-major and a fine muslin cravat, was 
 visibly embarrassed, and after making an ineffectual attempt 
 to open the business, and getting very red in the face, ap- 
 plied to the little alderman. 
 
 " Do me the favour to explain the matter to his lord- 
 ship, Sir Felix," he said. " I can't get on at all." 
 
 " With the greatest pleasure in life, my dear Mr Wal- 
 worth," replied Sir Pelix. Then rising, and bowing to the 
 Lord Mayor, he thus addressed him : " It is my happy pri- 
 
228 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 vilege to communicate to your lordship — though, possibly, 
 you may be already aware of the fact — that your son, Mr 
 Tradescant Lorimer, captivated, as well he might be, by the 
 charms of my friend Mr Walworth's lovely daughter — an 
 only child, allow me to observe — and considering her in all 
 respects, personally, mentally, and pecuniarily, calculated 
 to make him happy — persuading himself also, and not im- 
 properly, as the event showed, that he had succeeded in 
 gaining the affections of the beauteous Alice, made her an 
 offer of his hand. Coming from a person of Mr Lorimer's 
 figure and breeding — of so much promise and of such bril- 
 liant prospects — the only son of a distinguished and wealthy 
 father — in a word, coming from your son, Sir Gresham, the 
 offer could not be otherwise than gratifying to Mr Wal- 
 worth. And so that gentleman felt it. In a manner which 
 did credit to his judgment and feelings, he at once evinced 
 his high sense of the value of the connection by volunteering 
 to give his daughter a magnificent dowry — a dowry which a 
 nobleman would not despise. I have only to add that my 
 good friend Mr Walworth, entertaining the profoundest re- 
 spect for your lordship, and finding you had not been con- 
 sulted on the point, would allow no engagement to be 
 entered into till your sanction should be obtained ; and it 
 is with the view of ascertaining your lordship's feelings on 
 the subject that he has sought the present interview. Per- 
 mit me to add, on my own part, that I cannot conceive a 
 couple better suited to each other than these two amiable 
 young persons, alike graced by nature, alike rich in all the 
 ingredients essential to conjugal felicity, and alike fortunate 
 in the possession of parents opulent and liberal. No diffi- 
 culties, as it seems to me, can exist in the way of a union so 
 desirable on both sides, and it will always be satisfactory to 
 me to reflect that I have been instrumental — in however 
 slight a degree — in bringing it about." 
 
 " I'm a man of few words. Sir Grresham," said Mr Wal- 
 worth, as the little alderman sat down, evidently very well 
 satisfied with his florid oration, " and cannot express myself 
 in such eloquent terms as those employed by my good friend 
 Sir Felix. But I will try to speak to the point. I have 
 had no hand in this matrimonial scheme, my lord, neither 
 has my wife. The thing has come about quite suddenly and 
 unexpectedly. The young folks settled it between 'em — 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 229 
 
 apparently without much ado — and then came to me. "Well, 
 it would be useless to deny that the match was agreeable to 
 me, so I at once consented — on the understanding, however, 
 that there should be no positive engagement till your lord- 
 ship had been consulted ; and that's what I came about this 
 morning." 
 
 " You have acted in a very straightforward manner, Mr 
 Walworth," rejoined Sir Gresham, " and I am greatly be- 
 holden to you." 
 
 " And now a word as to my daughter's fortune, my lord. 
 Sir Pelix has been pleased to assert that I mean to give her 
 a magnificent dowry. That's saying too much." 
 
 "Excuse me, my dear sir, I don't think so," interposed 
 the little alderman ; " neither, I am convinced, will the Lord 
 Mayor think so, when acquainted with the amount." 
 
 " If Alice marries with my consent and approval, as she 
 "will if she marries your son, my lord," said Walworth, " I 
 mean to give her a plum." 
 
 "There! — was I wrong, my lord!" cried Sir Pelix. 
 " Isn't that magnificent ? Your son has got a prize such as 
 falls to the lot of few — a lovely girl with a hundred thou- 
 sand pounds. Egad ! it's very well some of those gay young 
 fortune-hunters didn't know this t'other night, Mr Walworth, 
 or Alice might have been run away with in right earnest." 
 
 " If she had run away, the rascal who induced her to 
 take such an imprudent step would have profited little by 
 it, Sir Eelix. He should never have had a shilling from me 
 I hate a fortune-hunter." 
 
 " Agreed, my dear Mr Walworth. If there's one charao- 
 ter more odious and contemptible than another, it is a for- 
 tune-hunter." 
 
 " Yes, it's very bad ; but when the fortune-hunter is a 
 rake and a gambler into the bargain, as is not unfrequently 
 the case, he's a far worse character." 
 
 " Ear worse, sir, I agree with you," said the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " But we mustn't stigmatize all young men of ton as 
 rakes and gamblers because they play a little now and then, 
 and divert themselves at Danelagh and the masquerades," 
 said Sir Eelix. " Nobody thinks the worse of them for 
 doing so." 
 
 " But I do," replied Walworth, stoutly. " I object to a 
 rake or a gambler, and I won't have such a one for a son- 
 
230 THE LOKD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 in-law. I feel safe with Mr Tradescant Lorimerj assured 
 that with such an example before his eyes as is offered by 
 his respected father, he cannot fail to be steady." 
 
 "An old fool! " mentally ejaculated Sir Eelix, laughing 
 in his sleeve. " 'Twould be a pity to undeceive him." 
 
 "Sir Felix, will you allow me a word with Mr Wal- 
 worth ? " said Sir Gresham. 
 
 " I don't like leaving them together," thought Sir Felix, 
 alarmed at the Lord Mayor's manner. "But there's no 
 help for it. I must go. Certainly, my lord — certainly," 
 he added, aloud. Then whispering, " Of course your lord- 
 ship will close with him. Capital match for Tradescant. A 
 plum isn't to be picked up every day, even in the City — 
 ha! ha!" And bowing to both gentlemen, he retired to 
 the farther end of the room. 
 
 " Mr Walworth," said Sir Gresham, in a calm and seri- 
 ous tone, " before proceeding further, it will be necessary 
 that we should come to a clear understanding. I share in 
 the opinions you have expressed as to the character and 
 qualifications of the person to whom you may be disposed 
 to give your daughter in marriage. Let me ask you, sir, 
 whether you know much of my son, and whether — -judging 
 from what you do know — you think he comes up to your 
 standard ? " 
 
 " Since you put it to me so directly, Sir Gresham,'' re- 
 plied Walworth, " I must own that I know little of him 
 save by report, and that is highly favourable. But, indeed, 
 I have not deemed it necessary to make any inquiries, as I 
 feel perfectly satisfied that, with such a model before him, 
 the young gentleman could not go far wrong." 
 
 "I am obliged by your good opinion, sir. But in a 
 matter of so much importance as your daughter's happiness, 
 it is your bounden duty — excuse me for saying so — to make 
 careful inquiries, and till this has been done, a meeting like 
 the present is premature." 
 
 " But I repeat. Sir Gresham, that I am perfectly satis- 
 fied, and should consider it an insult to you to make any 
 inquiries about your son." 
 
 " If you had done so, sir, you would have spared me much 
 pain. You now compel me, very reluctantly, to give you 
 information which you ought to have obtained elsewhere." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 231 
 
 " How, Sir Gresham ? " cried Walworth, looking very 
 much perplexed. 
 
 " In no transaction in life, Mr Walworth, have I inten- 
 tionally deceived any one with whom I have had dealings, 
 and I shall not begin now. Whatever pain it costs me to 
 make the avowal, I shall not hesitate. Tou say you object to 
 a rake and a gambler. I grieve to say, sir, my son is both." 
 
 " You amaze me. Sir G-resham ! " cried Walworth, petri- 
 fied. "Had I heard this from any other lips than your 
 own, I should not have believed it." 
 
 " I would rather you had learnt it from others than from 
 me, sir, but, as an honest man, I am bound to speak truth, 
 even to my own detriment. What is more, Mr Walworth, 
 I fear my son cannot escape the imputation of being mer- 
 cenary in his proposal; for, unless I am much mistaken, 
 your daughter's expected fortune, rather than her beauty 
 and merits, constitutes her chief attraction with him." 
 
 " Oh dear ! oh dear ! " groaned Walworth. " One should 
 never judge by appearances. But perhaps I spoke rather 
 too strongly just now. I could never have supposed — " 
 
 "Make no apologies, my dear Mr Walworth. What 
 you said was perfectly right and proper, and showed you 
 have your daughter's happiness and welfare really at heart. 
 My own experience convinces me that the utmost caution 
 ought to be exercised in the choice of a son-in-law, and that 
 it is better — far better — a girl should remain single all her 
 days than marry a man of indifferent character." 
 
 " No doubt of it, Sir Gresham," responded Walworth, 
 dolefully. " But I fear I shan't get Alice and her mother 
 to agree with me. I needn't say it would have been a pride 
 and a pleasure to me to be connected with you, but after 
 what you have said, the engagement cannot take place." 
 
 " I don't think either party will suffer much, sir," re- 
 joined the Lord Mayor. " They have not had time to form 
 a strong attachment to each other. It must have been mere 
 caprice on your daughter's part, and I have told you frankly 
 what I believe to have been my son's motives in making the 
 proposal. If the circumstances had been different, and I 
 had approved of the match, I should have required that the 
 young people should know more of each other before an 
 engagement was entered into." 
 
232 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 "Tour lordship is quite right/' said "Walworth; "the 
 matter has been arranged without due consideration, and is 
 very properly brought to an end. I much regret that I 
 have inadvertently caused you pain ; but I can assure you 
 that the respect I have hitherto entertained for you will not 
 be diminished by this interview." 
 
 "Ahem! " coughed Sir Eelix, from the other end of the 
 room. " All settled, eh ?" 
 
 " All settled," replied the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " Delighted to hear it," cried the little alderman, hurry- 
 ing towards them. " But how's this ? You both look very 
 grave." ' 
 
 " The negotiation is at an end," replied the Lord Mayor. 
 
 "At an end! " exclaimed Sir Eelix, starting back in dis- 
 may. " Bless me ! I hope not. But what has occurred to 
 interrupt so desirable an arrangement? Can't it be set 
 right ? " 
 
 " I fear not," replied the Lord Mayor. " Mr Walworth 
 has thought better of his proposition." 
 
 "Not retreated from his offer, surely," cried Sir Felix. 
 " As a man of his word, he can't do that. No ! no ! we 
 must have the plum." 
 
 The old hosier winked at the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " I've changed my mind. Sir Felix," he observed. " It 
 shan't be said that Alice was married merely for her money." 
 
 " But, my dear sir, it's too late to change your mind. 
 Tou must abide by your offer." 
 
 " If Mr Tradescant Lorimer really loves my daughter, 
 he'll take her without a fortune," observed Walworth ; " I 
 won't hold out a bribe." 
 
 "Oh! that's it, eh?" thought Sir Felix— " he has got 
 alarmed. No one can be more disinterested than Trades- 
 cant ; but after your promise he will naturally expect — " 
 
 " I can't help what he expects," interrupted Walworth. 
 " I don't mean to give it." 
 
 Just as the words were uttered the door was opened, 
 and the young gentleman in question burst into the room. 
 
 " Ah ! here he comes," cried Sir Felix. " We shall see 
 what he says to the change." 
 
 " I'll put him to the proof by carrying on the deception 
 a little longer," muttered Walworth. 
 
 " Good morning, Mr AValworth," said Tradescant. " I 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 233 
 
 heard you were here, and came down as quickly as I could 
 to see you. All satisfactorily arranged, I trust ? " 
 
 " Not quite, sir," replied the old hosier. 
 
 " There's a slight hitch, I am sorry to say," remarked 
 Sir Felix, " owing to Mr Walworth's declining to give his 
 daughter the fortune he promised her." 
 
 " Is it possible ? " cried Tradescant. 
 
 "Perfectly true," replied Walworth. "My daughter 
 shan't be a catch for a fortune-hunter." 
 
 " A fortune-hunter, Mr Walworth ! I cannot allow such 
 an injurious term to be applied to me. My attachment to 
 Alice is purely disinterested — " 
 
 " I said so — I said so," interrupted Sir Felix — " purely 
 disinterested." 
 
 " Then it cannot matter that I have seen fit to withdraw 
 my offer." 
 
 " Pardon me, sir, but it does matter," cried Tradescant. 
 ** You won't, I am sure, behave so unhandsomely." 
 
 "Unhandsome or not, I've made up my mind not to 
 give her a fortune," rejoined Walworth. " But if you re- 
 gard Alice merely for herself, and not for what she is to 
 bring you, that won't signify." 
 
 " But it does signify most materially, Mr Walworth," 
 exclaimed Tradescant, angrily. " Allow me to observe, that 
 I consider this very extraordinary conduct on your part, sir. 
 If you have made up your mind not to give Alice a fortune, 
 I have made up mine not to marry her without one." 
 
 " I suspected as much," said Walworth. " Very disin- 
 terested aftection indeed ! " 
 
 " You must be labouring under a most singular delusion, 
 Mr Walworth," pursued Tradescant, " if you can for an 
 iustant suppose that a person of my figure and pretensions 
 would throw himself away upon any woman." 
 
 "D'ye hear that, Mr Walworth ? " observed Sir Felix. 
 " If you want such a son-in-law as Mr Lorimer, you must 
 pay for him." 
 
 " So it seems," rejoined the old hosier. 
 
 " Yo7ar daughter's a very charming girl, and might 
 tempt me to commit a folly, but I can't aftord to marry for 
 love," said Tradescant. " I've a few debts, which the plum 
 you were good enough to promise me would enable me to 
 discharge." 
 
234 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Faith, the son's as frank in his own way as the father," 
 thought Walworth. 
 
 " What says Sir Gresham ? " inquired Sir Felix. " We 
 have not had his opinion." 
 
 "I think Mr Walworth quite right," he replied. "I 
 should give nothing were I in his place, and therefore I can 
 ask him for nothing." # 
 
 Here the door was thrown open by a couple of lacqueys 
 in state liveries to admit the Lady Mayoress and a party 
 with her. Her ladyship, who was very richly dressed, and 
 looked all smiles [and affability, was accompanied by Mrs 
 Walworth, to whom she was evidently playing the agreeable. 
 Lady Dawes and Mrs Chatteris followed with Alice, the 
 young lady looking enchanted by the extraordinary atten- 
 tions lavished upon her. 
 
 YIII. 
 
 WOMEN OF THE WOELD. 
 
 Mant circumstances conspired to make Lady Lorimer 
 desirous that her son should marry. If he could find a wife 
 with rank as well as money so much the better — but money 
 was indispensable. In x\lice's case one was provided to his 
 hand, who, though she might lack some things, had the 
 grand requisite. 
 
 On the previous evening, after their promenade in the 
 City Mall, Lady Dawes and Mrs Chatteris had proceeded 
 at once to Cheapside to convey to their mother the surpris- 
 ing intelligence that Tradescant had made a proposal of 
 marriage to Alice Walworth, and that the young lady's 
 father had promised to give her a plum. The latter an- 
 nouncement dispelled any objections that Lady Lorimer 
 might have raised to the match. Hitherto, the Walworths 
 had appeared in her eyes low and vulgar people, with whom 
 it was scarcely possible to associate. Now she l3egan to see 
 merits in them which she could not discern before. Old 
 Walworth was stupid and had a bad manner, but then he 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 235 
 
 ■was a nonentity, and his wife was rather an agreeable 
 woman. If they proved objectionable, it would be easy to 
 drop them, after the marriage. Alice was decidedly pretty, 
 and, as Mrs Tradescant Lorimer, would no doubt be greatly 
 admired. Clearly, she was a prize that must not be allowed 
 to slip through her son's fingers. Thus Lady Lorimer 
 argued, and her daughters entirely agreed with her in 
 opinion. 
 
 "You must carry this marriage through, mamma," ob- 
 served Lady 'Dawes. " It is of the last importance to Tra- 
 descant." 
 
 " I see its importance as well as you, dearest Livy," re- 
 plied the Lord Mayoress ; " and it shan't fall through if I 
 can prevent it. I dare say we shall have some difficulty 
 with your papa — but so we had about your own marriage 
 with Sir John Dawes — yet I managed Ma^." 
 
 " Heigho ! " exclaimed Lady Dawes. 
 
 " Wherefore that sigh ? " inquired her mother. "Surely 
 you don't regret that splendid match." 
 
 " Oh no, mamma ; though perhaps I might have been 
 happier if — however, we won't talk of that. Let us keep 
 to Tradescant' s affair. Mr Walworth is coming here to- 
 morrow morning to see papa before he goes to the Mansion 
 House, and talk the matter over, and I have begged Mrs 
 Walworth and Alice to come too, promising to meet them. 
 I needn't ask you to give them a gracious reception." 
 
 " They shall have nothing to complain of — but I'm glad 
 you prepared me," replied the Lady Mayoress. "To-mor- 
 row the engagement must be concluded. But I won't say 
 a word about it in the interim to Sir Grresham. He's so 
 angry at present with Tradescant that he won't listen to 
 reason. But this marriage will set all right." 
 
 " I fear nothing will be done for my poor Tom," observed 
 Mrs Chatteris, with a sigh. 
 
 " We must get this important matter settled first, and 
 then we'll think of Tom," replied her mother. 
 
 On the following morning, as agreed, Lady Dawes and 
 Mrs Chatteris came betimes to meet Alice and her mother, 
 and shortly afterwards the expected guests arrived. 
 
 While Mr Walworth and Sir Felix were shown into the 
 drawing-room, Mrs Walworth and her daughter were ush- 
 ered into Lady Lorimer's boudoir, where all three ladies 
 
236 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 were waiting to receive them, and where a very sentimental 
 scene was enacted. On Alice's appearance, Lady Lorimer 
 hurried towards her, clasped her to her bosom with effusion, 
 shed tears over her, and called her her daughter. 
 
 Lady Dawes and Mrs Chatteris were equally profuse in 
 their manifestations of affection. Assuring Alice with appar- 
 ent sincerity that they should be delighted to have her for a 
 sister, they declared that Tradeseant's choice could have 
 fallen on no one more agreeable to them than herself. 
 
 To Mrs Walworth au three were exceedingly courteous, 
 and though she was a little awed at first, they soon set her 
 completely at her ease. Mrs Walworth, who had heard the 
 Lady Mayoress and her married daughters described as ex- 
 ceedingly haughty, thought they had been entirely misrepre- 
 sented, and that they were the most amiable, unassuming 
 people imaginable. In short, the interview was perfectly 
 satisfactory. Alice and her mother were pleased ; and Lady 
 Lorimer and her daughters were pleased — because their ob- 
 ject was accomplished. 
 
 After a while the Lady Mayoress proposed an adjourn- 
 ment to the drawing-room, to see whether the gentlemen 
 had concluded the arrangement, and accordingly they all 
 proceeded thither. 
 
 IX. 
 
 SMOOTH SPEAKIIfG AND PLAIN SPEAKING. 
 
 All the ladies were too much occupied with what was 
 passing in their own minds to notice the discomposure of 
 the gentlemen ; or if they did notice it at all, they Avere far 
 from attributing it to the right cause. True to his character 
 for politeness, Sir Felix flew to the Lady Mayoress on her 
 entrance, and, in his usual honeyed phrases, expressed his 
 delight at beholding her. To Alice's great surprise, how- 
 ever, Tradescant did not advance, but remained standing 
 where he was, as if unconscious of her presence. Mr Wal- 
 worth likewise was greatly embarrassed, and his perplexity 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 237 
 
 was increased when the Lady Mayoress, as soon as she 
 could liberate herself from Sir Felix, went up to him, and 
 said, " I must shake hands with you, Mr "Walworth. I must 
 tell you how handsomely — how generously — how nobly you 
 have behaved." 
 
 " But, your ladyship — " cried "Walworth. 
 
 " I know what you would say, sir. I know your modesty ; 
 but you must allow me to speak of your conduct as I feel 
 it deserves : it is princely ; we all appreciate it. Tour 
 daughter is very charming, and very amiable — beautiful in 
 person, and refined in manner — everything I could desire, 
 in short, and I esteem my son singularly fortunate in having 
 secured her affections." 
 
 " Madam, this is too much ! I can't bear it," cried the 
 old hosier. " It cuts me to the quick." 
 
 "I had no idea he was so sensitive," thought Lady 
 Lorimer. " Excuse me, my dear Mr "Walworth ; I wouldn't 
 distress you for the world, but I must tell you how en- 
 chanted we all are with the alliance my son is about to form, 
 and how highly we think of your conduct." 
 
 " No more, madam, I entreat of you ! — no more ! " 
 
 " Very well, sir," cried the Lady Mayoress, rather sur- 
 prised. " I have done. How extraordinarily sensitive he 
 must be." 
 
 Meanwhile, the Lord Mayor, though he felt the situation 
 Tery awkward and embarrassing, good-naturedly advanced 
 towards Alice and her mother, and greeted them with much 
 kindness and courtesy. 
 
 Shocked and surprised at Tradescant's unaccountable 
 behaviour, Lady Dawes went up to him to call him to 
 order. 
 
 "What's the matter?" she said. "Is this your gallantry? 
 "Why don't you speak to your intended ? " 
 
 And she pushed him towards Alice. 
 
 " Good morning, Alice," he said. " Hope you're quite 
 well." 
 
 "Is that all you've got to say to me ? " she rejoined, in 
 a tone of pique. " Tou scarcely deserve an answer, sir. I 
 thought you would be charmed to see me, but you appear 
 quite cold. The Lady Mayoress has been excessively kind. 
 I'm sure I shall like "her vastly." 
 
 " Indeed ! " exclaimed Tradescant, in an indifferent tone. 
 
238 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Tes, indeed, sir. You don't seem to care much about 
 it. I don't think I'll have you unless you change your 
 manner. You don't look like a lover at all to-day." 
 
 " Don't I ? " exclaimed Tradescant. " Sorry for it. I'm 
 confoundedly sleepy," he added, yawning. "Didn't get to 
 bed till four o'clock this morning," 
 
 " Not till four ? What a dreadful rake ! But you must 
 leave off these bad habits when you are married." 
 
 "By-the-by, I was lucky at basset last night. What 
 d'ye think ? I broke the bank at Picard's just before the 
 fire broke out. You've heard of the fire, eh ? " 
 
 " Hush ! " cried Alice, alarmed. " Don't speak so loud, 
 or papa may hear you." 
 
 " Never mind ! I don't care if he does." 
 
 " But I do, for he objects to play, and if he suspects you 
 gamble, he'll withdraw his consent." 
 
 "Well, let him— " 
 
 " Don't be so hasty. You're quite unlike yourself this 
 morning, Mr Lorimer. You're not like the same person 
 you were yester-evening in the City Mall. Late hours and 
 play, iiiey say, spoil the sweetest tempers. You must pro- 
 mise me to behave better when you're married." 
 
 " Alice," said Tradescant, in an altered tone. " I won't 
 attempt to keep up this delusion longer. You must no 
 longer regard me as a suitor. I resign all claims to your 
 hand. I restore you the troth you plighted to me yester- 
 day. You are once more free ! " 
 
 " Can I believe my ears ? " she cried. " But no, no ! it 
 is not true. It is done to try me." 
 
 " It is perfectly true," rejoined Tradescant, unmoved. 
 " A. difficulty has arisen on your father's part." 
 
 " On Ms part ! Oh, then it can easily be set right. 
 What is it?— what is it?" 
 
 " He declines to fulfil his promise, that's all," returned 
 Tradescant. " He won't give you a fortune ; and that be- 
 ing an essential condition — an essential condition, I repeat 
 — the engagement is at an end." 
 
 " He can't be so cruel, I'm sure," cried Alice, rushing 
 up to her father. " Say you will at once, papa — say you 
 will give me the plum." 
 
 But Mr Walworth shook his head. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 239 
 
 " Not a sMlling," he said. " If Mr Lorimer really loves 
 you, he'll take you without a fortune." 
 
 Poor Alice was flying back to Tra descant, when the 
 Lady Mayoress majestically interposed. 
 
 " Let me put the question to Mr Walworth," she said. 
 " Do you decidedly refuse, sir, to give your daughter the 
 fortune you promised her? " 
 
 " Under present circumstances, I decidedly do, madam. 
 As I have just said, if your son is sincerely attached to my 
 daughter, he will not make her fortune a point." 
 
 " Allow me to set you right on that score, Mr Wal- 
 worth — it is the main point. I must speak plainly to you, 
 I find. It was the promised fortune, and not the connection, 
 that induced me to consent. Do you think I would suffer 
 my son to enter a family like yours, unless there was some- 
 thing to compensate him ? If he chooses to go to St Mary- 
 axe for a wife instead of St James's, it is because he expects 
 to get money, whereas in the other case he might only get 
 rank. A man of the world would understand this, Mr 
 Walworth, and I thought you did understand it, sir." 
 
 " Hear me, madam," cried the old hosier. 
 
 " No, sir, I won't hear you," rejoined the Lady Mayor- 
 ess, with asperity. " You have acted most improperly 
 Tou have come to us under false pretences. You have 
 taken us in, sir." 
 
 "Your ladyship's anger is excusable," observed Mrs 
 Walworth, " and I can make every allowance. But^you go 
 too far." 
 
 " On the contrary, I restrain myself, madam," rejoined 
 Lady Lorimer, haughtily. " 1 reproach myself with having 
 countenanced this match at all. I might have known what 
 to expect in dealing with vulgar people." 
 
 " Vulgar people ! " cried Mrs Walworth. " You have 
 changed your tone with a vengeance, madam. Just now 
 we were elegant and well-bred." 
 
 " Because — But no matter. You appear in your true 
 colours now, madam." 
 
 "And so do jrou, madam," rejoined Mrs Walworth, 
 plucking up a spirit. "I can discover no reason why 
 you should give yourself these airs. A hosier's wife is as 
 good as a draper's wife any day, and I have yet to learn 
 
240 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 that Cheapside is a more fashionable quarter than St 
 Mary-axe." 
 
 " This is to my face ! " cried the Lady Mayoress. " Oh ! 
 that I should live to be thus insulted ! "What an escape we 
 have had ! " 
 
 " You don't share, I trust, in her ladyship's displea- 
 sure ? " said Mrs Walworth, casting imploring looks at Lady 
 Dawes and Mrs Chatteris, both of whom regarded her dis- 
 tantly and haughtily. " I am not to blame. I can't help 
 it. You said you liked me just now." 
 
 " Things have changed," replied Lady Dawes. 
 
 " Then I have been valued solely for my fortune ? '* 
 cried Alice. 
 
 " To be sure, you silly child," rejoined Lady Dawes, in 
 a supercilious tone. " What else did you suppose you were 
 valued for ? — not for your wit, your beauty, or your birth?" 
 
 " Your ladyship, at all events, led me to believe so," said 
 Alice. 
 
 " I never approved of the match, and am glad it is broken 
 off," observed Mrs Chatteris, scornfully. "I thought it 
 most unsuitable to Tradescant — in fact, a shocking mesal- 
 liance." 
 
 " You told me quite the contrary just now, madam," 
 said Alice. 
 
 " You were very simple to credit me," replied Mrs Chat- 
 teris ; " but I am perfectly candid now." 
 
 " Somewhat too much so, methinks," rejoined Alice. 
 " Come, papa," she added to Mr Walworth, " we have been 
 here quite long enough. I am infinitely obliged by your 
 refusal to give me a fortune. It was the kindest thing you 
 could have done. I've had a lesson I shan't easily forget." 
 
 " Stay ! " cried the Lord Mayor. " You are under a 
 misconception, and I cannot allow you to depart without 
 setting it right. If any person has been deceived in this 
 matter it is Mr Walworth. He has behaved most hand- 
 somely throughout, as I can testify. He came here pre- 
 pared to fulfil his promise. He came here under the im- 
 pression that he was about to confide his daughter to a man 
 of honour and solidity of character ; but when he found out 
 his mistake, and that it was to a rake and a gambler that 
 his daughter was engaged, he very properly broke off the 
 match.'* 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 241 
 
 " And from whom did he learn this unfavourable charac- 
 ter of our son, Sir Gresham ? " demanded Lady Lorimer. 
 
 " From me, madam," answered the Lord Mayor. " Do 
 you think I would conceal the truth ? Do you think I 
 would be a party to any deception? No consideration 
 should have induced me to keep silence. Mr Walworth, I 
 repeat, has acted in a perfectly straightforward and honour- 
 able manner. So far from blaming him, I approve of his 
 conduct. I should have acted in the same manner myself. 
 If Tradescant is disappointed he has only to thank himself. 
 If you are disappointed, you have no just cause to be so — 
 neither have any other members of my family, for you knew 
 exactly how the case stood. I could have wished the matter 
 had not gone thus far — but it is well it has gone no farther. 
 I should be sorry for Alice, but that I think she is rather 
 to be congratulated than pitied." 
 
 " It is not pleasant to have one's illusions rudely dis- 
 pelled, however salutary it may be," Alice replied. " But I 
 dare say I may some day be of your lordship's opinion." 
 
 " On my soul the girl has a great deal of spirit," men- 
 tally ejaculated Sir Pelix. 
 
 " As all the blame is to be thrown on my shoulders," 
 remarked Tradescant, who had conducted himself with great 
 nonchalance throughout, " it is lucky they are able to bear 
 it. It doesn't give me much concern to be called a rake 
 and a gambler, because every man of fashion is liable to be 
 BO designated, and with some people it would be accounted 
 a recommendation. I am much obliged to your lordship," 
 he added to the Lord Mayor, " for the good character you 
 have given me, but trust this will be the last application of 
 the kind made to you. If Mr "Walworth has been wilfully 
 blind to the advantages of the connection he might have 
 formed, and fancies his daughter has had an escape, I leave 
 him to the full enjoyment of that opinion. And if Alice 
 doesn't grieve more than I shall that the engagement is 
 terminated, I don't think she is likely to break her heart. 
 Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honour to wish you all a 
 very good morning." And with a ceremonious bow to the 
 company he quitted the room. 
 
 " Your chair waits, madam,'* said the Lady Mayoress, 
 
 significantly, to Mrs Walworth. 
 
 "My chariot is at the door, my dear madam," inter- 
 16 •" 
 
242 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 posed good-natured Sir Felix. " It shall take you and Misa 
 "Walworth home, if you please." 
 
 " You are very obliging, Sir Pelix," she replied. " I ac- 
 cept the oiFer with gratitude." 
 
 " Permit me to conduct you to it," said the little alder- 
 man, tendering her an arm. 
 
 "I won't ask you to stay longer, madam," said the 
 Lord Mayor, " since, after such a scene as has just occurred, 
 you must be naturally anxious to escape. But allow me to 
 see you to the carriage, Alice, or I shall think we don't part 
 friends." 
 
 " That is the last thing I should desire, my lord," she 
 replied, taking his arm. 
 
 Curtseying formally to the Lady Mayoress and her 
 daughters, who bent in a stately manner in return, Mrs 
 "Walworth and Alice, escorted as we have described, quitted 
 the room, followed by the old hosier. 
 
 AN IT^^CENSED FATHEE. 
 
 Hale an hour afterwards, Tradescant was in his own 
 room, lounging on a sofa, sipping his chocolate, and reading 
 the Flying Fost as composedly as if nothing particular had 
 happened, when Tiplady suddenly entered with a counte- 
 nance of dismay, exclaiming, "Sir! sir ! your father — " 
 
 "Well, what of him? " demanded the young man, in a 
 languid and indifferent tone. 
 
 " I don't like his looks, sir. Hadn't you better get up ? " 
 
 ".Why should I disturb myself, Tip ? " rejoined Trades- 
 cant, calmly, and without shifting his position. 
 
 " Because— But here he is, sir! " cried the valet. 
 
 As the words were uttered, the Lord Mayor entered 
 the room, closely followed by Crutchet and Candish. Tip- 
 lady had not exaggerated in stating that his lordship's looks 
 boded mischief. "Unquestionably they did so. After ad- 
 vancing a few paces, he stood still, sternly regarding his 
 son, whose careless attitude served to increase his displea- 
 
XcnV, SiK, CEV tl' r CKIEU IHK LuKL) MaVOK, IN A VOICE OK THUNDEK. 
 
 P. 243. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 243 
 
 sure. Before making any remark, he signed to Tiplady to 
 leave the room, and the valet, without pausing for any more 
 emphatic injunction, beat a retreat, closing the door after 
 him. 
 
 " Now, sir, get up ! " cried the Lord Mayor, in a voice 
 of thunder. " Are you going to lie there all day ? " 
 
 " Pardon me, sir," exclaimed the young man, springing 
 to his feet. " I was so much interested in this account of 
 I the fire at Picard's that I didn't notice your presence. A 
 terrible fire, sir ! The newspaper says you were at it." 
 
 " Does the newspaper mention how the fire originated, 
 sir?" demanded Sir Gresham, sternly. "Does it give a 
 list of all the gamblers and sharpers who were there assem- 
 bled ? Does it describe the fracas which led to the conflagra- 
 tion ? Perhaps you might be able to furnish some addi- 
 tional particulars." 
 
 " I, sir ! " exclaimed Tradescant in confusion. 
 
 "Yes, you, sir ! " repeated his father, vehemently. " I 
 have certain information that you were one of the gamblers 
 present. Look me in the face and deny it if you can." 
 
 "I shall not attempt to deny it, sir," said Tradescant. 
 " I know whence you obtained your information," he added, 
 glancing at Candish. 
 
 " I am thankful at least to be spared the shame and dis- 
 grace of having you brought before me at the Mansion 
 House Court to-day, in connection with the two sharpers 
 G-leek and Bragge." 
 
 " Are they in custody ? " inquired Tradescant. 
 
 " They are, and you may rely on it they shan't go un- 
 punished. But what shall I say to you, sir, who have asso- 
 ciated with these infamous persons, and who may become 
 as bad as them if not checked in your scandalous career ? " 
 
 " Sir ! " exclaimed his son. 
 
 " Don't interrupt me. If I do not publicly reprimand 
 you, as I must have done had you been unhappily brought 
 before me to-day, I should be wanting to myself if I allowed 
 conduct like yours to pass unpunished. You have disgraced 
 the name you bear. You have forfeited the character of a 
 gentleman. You have turned a deaf ear to all my remon- 
 strances — you laugh at my threats and deem them idle — 
 but you will find I am now in earnest. The day of grace 
 is past." 
 
244 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 "Oh! don't say so, sir!" interposed Crutchet. "Hia 
 errors are great, no doubt, but not unpardonable. Eemem- 
 ber he is your son." 
 
 " I have no longer a son," said the Lord Mayor, in a 
 terrible voice. " I cast him off for ever ! " 
 
 Tradescant looked astounded, but made no effort to 
 mitigate his father's wrath. Crutchet, however, threw him- 
 self at the Lord Mayor's feet. " Oh, sir, recall those awful 
 words ! " he ejaculated. " Do not — do not discard him." 
 
 At the same time Candish approached Tradescant, and 
 said, in a low tone, " Down on your knees, young man, and 
 implore your father's forgiveness." ' 
 
 But Tradescant refused to move. 
 
 " Arise, sir," said Sir G-resham to Crutchet. " You 
 plead for him in vain. I am as inflexible as I should be if 
 I were simply the magistrate and not the justly incensed 
 father. Hear me, sir," he continued, with additional severity, 
 to Tradescant. " You will leave this house to-day and not 
 return to it again. I won't suffer you to approach me more. 
 A sufficient allowance shall be made for your maintenance, 
 though not for waste. But mark me well, and be assured 
 I shall not swerve from what I say, if you exceed this allow- 
 ance, or squander it in gambling and riot, it will thencefor- 
 ward entirely cease." 
 
 "Again, I conjure you, ask his forgiveness," whispered 
 Candish. 
 
 But Tradescant still looked sullen and obstinate. 
 
 " That nothing may prevent you from commencing a 
 new and honourable career," pursued the Lord Mayor, " all 
 your debts shall be paid, but I must have an exact state- 
 ment of them without delay. I know he has borrowed 
 money from you, Crutchet. How much ? " 
 
 " Oh ! don't heed me, sir ! I don't desire to be repaid. 
 I gave it freely." 
 
 " My son ought to have blushed to borrow money from 
 you at all," rejoined Sir Gresham ; " but he is baser than I 
 deem if he would condescend to accept it as a gift. Again 
 I ask how much you lent him ? " 
 
 " I cannot answer the question, sir," replied Crutchet, 
 fihaking his head. 
 
 " You won't,'* cried the Lord Mayor. " Zounds 1 sir. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 245 
 
 you are enougli to drive me mad. You'll provoke me to 
 dismiss you, if you continue thus obstinate." 
 
 "Your lordship will do as you please," replied the old 
 man, with a look of resignation. " I shall have little left to 
 live for if your son goes." 
 
 "I cannot allow Mr Crutchet to suffer for me," said 
 Tradescant, turning round and confronting his father. 
 *' Since your lordship talks of dismissing him, it is right 
 you should know he has lent me all his savings." 
 
 " All his savings ! " exclaimed the Lord Mayor. " Gra- 
 cious Heaven ! — all his savings ! " 
 
 " Yes, all, sir — so he assured me ! " 
 
 " What matters it ? " cried Crutchet, with a look of 
 extreme distress. " I have no one but myself to provide 
 for. I have no one to come after me." 
 
 " I cannot state exactly how much I owe him," pursued 
 Tradescant : " but it is a considerable sum — some thousand 
 pounds." 
 
 "And he has kept no count of it! he, who is usually 
 so exact!" exclaimed the Lord Mayor. "Oh! Crutchet, 
 I could not have believed this of you ! " he added, in a tone 
 of mingled sorrow and anger. " However you shall be fully 
 paid, and at once. And now, sir," he continued to Trades- 
 cant, "you have heard my decision. Pack up your things, 
 and don't let me find you here on my return." 
 
 " Your lordship shall be obeyed," rejoined Tradescant. 
 
 " All this trumpery shall be sent after you," pursued 
 the Lord Mayor, glancing round the room. " And so, fare- 
 well for ever, sir." And he turned to depart. 
 
 " Will you let him go ? " said Candish, in the same low 
 tone as before. " Speak now, or it will be too late." 
 
 "Eather — a word! " exclaimed Tradescant, following 
 liim. " You have passed a severe sentence upon me — per- 
 haps I deserve it — and therefore have no right to complain; 
 but will you give me a day for reflection ? " 
 
 "To what end?" demanded the Lord Mayor. " If I 
 thought there was any likelihood — But no ! I have been too 
 often deceived to place any faith in your professions." 
 
 " Yet do not refuse him, sir," said Crutchet. " If my 
 long and faithful services give me any claim upon you, let 
 me urge it now. For my sake grant this respite." 
 
246 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " I cannot resist the appeal," said Sir G-resham. " Though 
 I have little hope of any good result, yet I will not deprive 
 him of this last chance. You can remain here till to-mor- 
 row," he added to Tradescant. " Come with me, Crutchet. 
 My first business shall be to discharge this thoughtless 
 young man's obligations to you." 
 
 " Nay, sir — ' 
 
 " I will take no refusal. I won't have this debt upon 
 my conscience another minute. Come with me to my 
 private room, and I will give you a cheque for five thousand 
 pounds." 
 
 " But that is too much, sir, by five hundred pounds." 
 
 " Soh ! I have elicited the truth at last. In paying you, 
 however, I must have your solemn promise not to lend him 
 money again." 
 
 " Speak to him. I think he relents," whispered Candish 
 to Tradescant. 
 
 " Have you not one kind word to say to me in parting, 
 father ? " demanded Tradescant. 
 
 "I have said and done enough," rejoined the Lord 
 Mayor. " I have given you a day for reflection. Let me 
 see how you employ it." And he quitted the room, follow- 
 ed slowly by Crutchet. 
 
 Candish, however, remained behind, though his pre- 
 sence was unnoticed by Tradescant, who continued for 
 some minutes as if stupified, with his head upon his breast. 
 After a while the old man touched his arm, and said, 
 " Don't forget your father's last words. Employ the day 
 profitably. You may yet retrieve yourself." 
 
 " You think so ! But how ? " 
 
 " Nay, that is for you to determine. Eeflect ! ** 
 
 And he, too, quitted the room, leaving Tradescant alone 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 247 
 
 XI. 
 
 PEUE. 
 
 " Would to Heaven some good genius would befriend 
 me ! " cried Tradescant, flinging himself on the couch. 
 " "Without such aid I am utterly undone." 
 
 As the words escaped him, a tap was heard at the door, 
 and a voice, which he recognized as that of his sister Milli- 
 cent, inquired, " May we come in ? " 
 
 " What the deuce does she want ? and who has she got 
 with her ? " thought Tradescant. " However, I suppose I 
 must admit them. Yes, yes — come in ! " he called out. 
 
 On this the door opened, and Millicent entered with 
 Prue. On seeing them, Tradescant sprang to his feet, and 
 began to apologize to his cousin for the state of his room, 
 saying he was quite unprepared for such a visit, as his 
 sisters rarely came near him. 
 
 " Indeed, I can't conceive what brings Milly now," he 
 said, "unless she has come to laugh at me." 
 
 "Mr Crutchet has sent us to you," replied his sister, 
 gravely. 
 
 "Very considerate of him," rejoined Tradescant. "I 
 suppose he thought you would help to cheer me in my 
 affliction." 
 
 " Perhaps he might, and we will try to do so if you'll let 
 us. And to begin, I don't think you've any great reason 
 to regret that this engagement with Alice Walworth is at 
 an end. She wouldn't have suited you." 
 
 " Very likely not — but her fortune would." 
 
 " Oh ! Tradescant, I'm sorry to hear you confess your- 
 self so mercenary. Then you had no love for this girl? " 
 
 " I was very much in love with her fortune. You look 
 shocked, cousin," he added to Prue. . " But my father has 
 set me an example in candour to-day, and I'm bound to 
 imitate it." 
 
 " Lay aside this ill-timed levity, I beseech you, brother," 
 said Miily. " We want to have some serious talk with 
 you." 
 
248 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Now's the time, then," he rejoined. " I never was 
 more seriously inclined in my born days. I've lost my last 
 chance of recruiting my exchequer. My father is fright- 
 fully incensed, and talks of turning me out of doors. 
 You'll scarcely wonder, then, that I am beginning to think 
 of turning over a new leaf." 
 
 " I'm delighted to hear it," cried Prue. " Don't think 
 about it, but act. Reformation is easy to talk about, but 
 somewhat difficult to practise. However, if you are in 
 earnest, you are sure to succeed. Shall I tell you what to 
 do ? Commence by giving up your present intimates, who, 
 however high their station, are very dangerous acquaint- 
 ances." 
 
 "Who told you so, my little cousin? Milly, I'll be 
 sworn. However, perhaps you are right. They are pleas- 
 ant, but dangerous. As a reformed character, I must 
 naturally shake them off— or they'll shake me off, which 
 will come to the same thing. What next ? " 
 
 " Then you must entirely abandon play — shun cards 
 and dice — leave off betting." 
 
 " I may try, cousin, but I fear the passion of gaming 
 has got too firm hold of me to be subdued." 
 
 " Make a determined effort, and you'll conquer it. It 
 is not like a man to be ruled by so debasing a passion." 
 
 " Egad, you rouse better feelings in my breast, Prue. I 
 begin to be ashamed of my weakness. If I could but 
 conquer this all-absorbing passion, the rest would be easy." 
 
 " Consider what its gratification leads to," pursued 
 Prue ; " to shame, ruin, despair, madness. By its indulg- 
 ence you will lose all that ought to be dear to you — self- 
 respect, honour, social position. You will be cast off by 
 relatives, avoided by friends, and become an object of pity 
 and contempt to every one. That the picture is not over- 
 drawn you will admit, for you must have seen many a 
 ruined gamester in the condition I describe." 
 
 " Very true. I have," said Tradescant. 
 
 " But in your case, as I understand, cousin, you have 
 not even had the security of playing with men of honour, 
 but have been preyed upon by knaves and sharpers." 
 
 " I have been an egregious fool, no doubt, Prue," 
 replied Tradescant. " But my eyes were opened last night 
 to my folly, and I trust I shall be wiser in future." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 249 
 
 " Prue gives you very good advice, brother, and I hope 
 you'll follow it," said Mi'lly. 
 
 " He acknowledges his faults, and therefore is in a fair 
 way of amendment," rejoined Prue. 
 
 " Well, thus much I will admit, Prue," said Tradescant. 
 *' Good advice doesn't seem so unpalatable from you as it 
 does from most other people. I have listened to you as I 
 rarely, if ever, listen to any one else. My father's chaplain, 
 Dr Dipple, might preach to me for an hour without pro- 
 ducing any other effect than sending me to sleep. But I 
 don't understand what interest you can feel in my reforma- 
 tion, Prue ? My destiny must be matter of indiiference to 
 
 you." 
 
 "INot so," she rejoined, quickly. Then checking her- 
 self, she added, with a blush, " Nothing would delight me 
 more than to free you from the fetters you have so long 
 voluntarily worn, and help to place you in the position you 
 are fitted to occupy." 
 
 " Paith, I must reform, if only to justify your favour- 
 able opinion. I never had half so much good said of me 
 before." 
 
 At this moment the door, which had been intentionally 
 left ajar, and at which Crutchet and Candish had been 
 listening, was opened by them. 
 
 XII. 
 
 IN WHICH A DECISIVE STEP IS TAKEN". 
 
 " Come in, both of you," cried Tradescant, perceiving 
 them. "I owe you a thousand thanks. Bow Bells, for 
 sending my cousin Prue to me. She has undertaken the 
 difiScult task of my reformation." 
 
 " I overheard what she said, sir, and heartily wish her 
 success." 
 
 " I don't think the task will be difficult, judging by the 
 commencement," said Prue. " But in any case I shan't be 
 discouraged from proceeding with it." 
 
250 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " What will you say, Crutchet, if my fair cousin should 
 induce me to take a place in the counting-house with 
 you?" 
 
 "I should say she has worked a miracle," rejoined 
 Crutchet. " But I fear that's not likely." 
 
 " She has such powers of persuasion that she can lead 
 me to do anything she wishes," said Tradescant. 
 
 "Then I will exert them to the utmost," she rejoined, 
 blushing, "and urge you to take your place with Mi 
 Crutchet." 
 
 " Such a step would have the best effect with Sir 
 Gresham," observed Candish, "and might induce him to 
 alter his decision." 
 
 " But what will my friends say ? " cried Tradescant. 
 
 " Heed them not," rejoined Candish. " Their opinion 
 is not worth thinking about." 
 
 " Then my mother and sisters ! — I shall never be able 
 to face them. They'll deem the step such a degradation." 
 
 " One sister, whom you seem to overlook, won't think 
 it so," observed Milly. " On the contrary, you will rise 
 greatly in her estimation." 
 
 " And Tom Chatteris ! how shall I pacify him ? He 
 will disown me." 
 
 "Better be disowned by him than discarded by your 
 father," rejoined Candish. " But you needn't trouble your- 
 self about Captain Chatteris. He won't appear upon the 
 scene for some time to come. Writs are out against him, 
 and he has run away to avoid arrest. Word to this effect 
 was brought to the Lord Mayor just as he was about to 
 start for the Mansion House, and, as you will conceive, did 
 not tend to improve his temper." 
 
 " A pretty finale to Tom's career!" exclaimed Trades- 
 cant. 
 
 " Only what might have been expected," groaned Crut- 
 chet. " I always thought it would come to this with him." 
 
 " Captain Chatteris may think himself lucky if he doesn't 
 get lodged in the Elect," observed Candish. " His object 
 in decamping is evidently to force the Lord Mayor to pay 
 his debts ; but he will find himself mistaken. His lordship 
 declares be will do nothing further for him." 
 
 "He has done too much already," said Crutchet. 
 
 " Well, I own I can take this step with less reluctance, 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 251 
 
 since I shan't be exposed to Tom's raillery," said Trades- 
 cant. " I'll come down to you in an hour, Bow Bells." 
 
 " Why not now, sir ? " rejoined Crutchet. " You may 
 change your mind in the interim." 
 
 " Oh ! pray go at once ! " said Prue, in a tone not to be 
 resisted. 
 
 Milly was about to add her entreaties, when the door 
 was opened by Tiplady. 
 
 " Sir William Stanhope and Sir Francis Dashwood wait 
 upon your honour," said the valet. 
 
 " I can't see them, Tip," rejoined Tradescant. " Deny 
 me. 
 
 The valet bowed and retired. 
 
 "A good beginning, cousin," cried Prue. "You'll do." 
 
 " I won't allow my resolution to be shaken," he rejoined. 
 
 Shortly afterwards, the door was again opened by Tiplady, 
 
 " Her ladyship desires to see you, sir," said the valet. 
 
 " Don't go," whispered Candish. 
 
 " Say I'm particularly engaged. Tip. Business to attend 
 to in the counting-house." 
 
 " Lord, sir ! I must find some other excuse. Her lady- 
 ship will never believe tJiat^ 
 
 " Do as you are bid, you impertinent puppy," cried Tra- 
 descant. 
 
 The valet shrugged his shoulders, and retired. 
 
 " You do wisely, I think, to keep out of mamma's way 
 at this crisis," said Milly. 
 
 " I won't trust myself with her till the decisive step is 
 taken," he rejoined. " Come, Bow Bells, I'm ready to ac- 
 company you." 
 
 "Huzza!" exclaimed Crutchet. "I never was better 
 pleased in my life." 
 
 " Zounds ! another interruption ! " exclaimed Tradescant, 
 as the door was once more opened by Tiplady. 
 
 " The Lady Mayoress, Lady Dawes, and Mrs Chatteris,'* 
 said the valet. 
 
 The three ladies followed close upon the announcement. 
 
 The Lady Mayoress looked surprised at the company 
 she found in her son's room, and addressing the two girls, 
 said, somewhat sharply, " What are you doing here, Milly ? 
 — and you, too, miss ? " she added to Prue, " Gro to your 
 own room directly." 
 
252 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 But, to lier astonishment and indignation, neither of 
 them stirred. 
 
 " Don't you hear me ? " she continued, still more imperi- 
 ously. 
 
 '• Yes, mamma, but — " 
 
 " Then go at once. I want to speak to Tradeseant." 
 And she signed to Candish and Crutchet to leave the room. 
 
 " Stay ! " exclaimed Tradeseant ; " I wish all to hear 
 what I have got to say, and to bear it in memory. The 
 last hour has wrought a great change in me, madam," ad- 
 dressing his mother ; " I am no longer the same person." 
 
 " So it appears," she rejoined. " Perhaps the message 
 I have just received from Tiplady about the counting-house 
 was correct ? " 
 
 " It was, madam. Prom this time forward, I intend to 
 devote myself sedulously to business, and shall try to tread 
 in my father's footsteps." 
 
 " Amazement ! " exclaimed the Lady Mayoress. " I 
 thought you had a spirit far above shop-keeping." 
 
 " I tell you, madam, my opinions have undergone a com- 
 plete change. I see through the follies I have committed, 
 and am determined to reform." 
 
 "Bravo!" exclaimed Crutchet, unable to repress his 
 delight, notwithstanding the awe in which he stood of the 
 Lady Mayoress. " Here'll be rare news for Sir Gresham ! " 
 
 " And by whom has this wondrous conversion been 
 effected ? " demanded Lady Lorimer. " By Mr Crutchet ? " 
 
 " ±^0, madam," he replied. " I can't claim the merit of 
 it. I wish I could." 
 
 " It is due to my cousin Prue," said Tradeseant, taking 
 her hand. " She awakened these better feelings in my 
 breast, and if I become an improved character, it will be 
 mainly owing to her." 
 
 "I rejoice to have been instrumental in such a good 
 work in any way," said Prue, " but I think Milly's share in 
 it was as great as mine." 
 
 " Very pretty, indeed ! " exclaimed the Lady Mayoress, 
 contemptuously. " And can you be such a simpleton, Tra- 
 deseant, as to allow yourself to be guided by a couple of 
 nonsensical girls ? What do they know of the world, or of 
 the world's opinion ? If you want advice, why don't you 
 seek it from those able to afford it ? — from me — from your 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 253 
 
 sisters, Lady Dawes *and Mrs Chatteris — not from inex- 
 perienced chits like these." 
 
 "If Tradescant takes this step he'll repent it," said 
 Lady Dawes. " He'll forfeit his position in society." 
 
 " Oh ! if my poor Tom were here, he'd soon laugh him 
 out of such folly," cried Mrs Chatteris. 
 
 " No one will laugh me out of it," said Tradescant, 
 firmly. " My mind is made up. And as it will be useless 
 to prolong this discussion, mother, I must beg you to ex- 
 cuse me. Mr Crutchet, we will go down to the counting- 
 house together." 
 
 " I'm ready, sir," he replied, rubbing his hands with 
 satisfaction. " I never received any order I was better 
 pleased to obey — never." 
 
 " Oh, Tradescant ! — oh, my dear son — you can't mean 
 this ! " cried the Lady Mayoress, falling on his neck. 
 
 " Be firm, sir," cried Candish. 
 
 "Who was it spoke? "cried Lady Lorimer. "Why, 
 this is—" 
 
 "Mr Candish, at your ladyship's service," he replied, 
 bowing. 
 
 " Oh! it's that dreadful man! " almost shrieked the Lady 
 Mayoress. " I see it now. He's at the bottom of it all. 
 Mischief was sure to happen to a family when such a wretch 
 was admitted into it." 
 
 " You ought to thank him, mother," said Tradescant, 
 coldly. " He has helped to save me from ruin. Allow me 
 to pass." 
 
 " Oh ! I shan't hinder you ! " exclaimed the Lady 
 Mayoress, bitterly. " But you'll never be the same to me, 
 after taking this ill-considered — this degrading step." 
 
 " Nor to me," said Lady Dawes. 
 
 "Nor to me," added Mrs Chatteris. " Oh, that my poor 
 Tom were here ! " 
 
 With a kindly glance at Prue and Milly, Tradescant 
 then passed out, followed by Candish and Crutchet, the 
 latter still continuing to rub his hands gleefully. 
 
254 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 xin. 
 
 A CAETEL. 
 
 The book-keepers looked up in amazement wlien Crut- 
 cliet informed them, as he and Tradescant entered the 
 counting-house, that henceforward Mr Lorimer would un- 
 dertake the management of the business in person, and still 
 greater astonishment was manifested by the shopmen and 
 apprentices. Indeed, the announcement would have been 
 received with absolute incredulity by the latter, had not 
 Tradescant confirmed it by remaining for some time in the 
 shop with Crutchet. On proceeding to an inner room at- 
 tached to the counting-house reserved for the heads of the 
 establishment, Tradescant found Herbert seated at a table 
 with a bundle of letters before him, which he was docketing 
 and tying up, and, going up to him, said, in a frank and con- 
 ciliatory tone, 
 
 " I beg that all differences may be at an end between us, 
 cousin, I am heartily ashamed of my conduct towards 
 you, and entreat your forgiveness." 
 
 " You cannot speak more handsomely, cousin," replied 
 Herbert, warmly grasping the hand held out to him. " Be 
 assured I shall think no more of the past, and trust we may 
 be good friends in future." 
 
 " I have no doubt of it," replied Tradescant. " Tou 
 have set me an example which I am determined to follow. 
 Henceforth' I mean to devote myself energetically to 
 business." 
 
 " I rejoice to hear you express such sentiments, cousin," 
 said Herbert, " though I confess I did not expect them. 
 But how has this beneficial change been wrought ? " 
 
 " Chiefly by your sister Prue," replied Tradescant. "If 
 I become an exemplary character like my father — as I hope 
 I may be — it will be owing to her." 
 
 "Yes, Mr Herbert," cried Crutchet, who had followed 
 his young master into the room, "your sister's a very 
 wonderful young lady. She has accomplished more in a 
 few minutes than I coidd do in years. It wasn't what she 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 255 
 
 said exactly, but tlie way in which she said it, that did the 
 business. MrJLorimer listened to her as he never would 
 listen to me or to any one else." 
 
 " Very true, Crutchet," replied Tradescant. " She 
 struck the right chord, and the response was immediate." 
 
 "An infallible proof of her judgment and skill," said 
 Crutchet. " Such is the influence a good wife always 
 exercises over her husband. But no such influence, I 
 suspect, would have been obtained by Miss Walworth had 
 your proposed union with her taken place." 
 
 " Is the match broken off", then ? " inquired Herbert. 
 
 " Fortunately for both parties, it is so," replied Trades- 
 cant. " There was little love on either side. It must be 
 reckoned among my follies that I should have made such a 
 rash engagement, and I must own that you were very badly 
 treated, Herbert, both by the young lady and myself. 
 However, the field is now open to you again if you choose 
 to enter it." 
 
 "That is scarcely likely," observed Herbert. "If I 
 felt any liking for the girl it has been effectually cured. 
 She is a coquette, and I have no desire to be jilted a second 
 time." 
 
 " "Well, sir," said Crutchet to Tradescant, " if you ever 
 contemplate matrimony again — and I think it would be a 
 wise thing — you needn't search far for a wife to suit you." 
 
 " Say you so, Crutchet ! Where is she to be found ? " 
 
 Ere an answer could be given the door was opened, and 
 Sir Felix Bland and Mr Thomas Potter entered the room. 
 Both these gentlemen looked surprised to find Tradescant 
 there. However, they made no remark ; but after the 
 ordinary salutations had passed. Sir Felix said, — 
 
 " Our business is with you, Mr Herbert Lorimer, and I 
 wish it were of a more agreeable nature. Mr Potter has 
 waited upon me on the part of his friend Mr Wilkes to 
 demand an apology for the affront you put upon him in the 
 City Mall yesterday, or — you understand — satisfaction." 
 
 "Let me add, sir," said Tom Potter, "that Mr Wilkes 
 considers he is conferring a favour in according you a meet- 
 ing, as he does not consider your social position entitles 
 you to cross swords with a gentleman. However, he is 
 willing to waive that point. This is my message, sir, and 
 you must excuse me for delivering it plainly." 
 
2oG THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON, 
 
 " Mr Wilkes does me infinite honour, sir," said Herbert, 
 "and as I have no intention of offering the slightest 
 apology, I shall be compelled to put him to the disagreeable 
 necessity of affording me a meeting." 
 
 "Very good, sir," replied Potter. "Nothing, then, 
 remains but to fix the time and place." 
 
 " Since the duel appears inevitable, Mr Potter," ob- 
 served Sh' Pelix, '" all arrangements had better be made 
 without delay." 
 
 " By all means. Sir Pelix. The weapons to be swords ; 
 that I presume is understood. The hour — eight o'clock 
 to-morrow morning, if that will suit you. The place we 
 propose is White Conduit House, Islington. Mr Wilkes 
 and myself frequent the house ; and arrangements shall be 
 made with Mr Tilbury, the obliging host, for the use of the 
 bowling-green on the occasion." 
 
 " The hour and the place will suit us perfectly ; and we 
 are agreed as to the weapons, eh ? " said the little alder- 
 man, appealing to his principal, who nodded. 
 
 " At eight to-morrow morning, then, we shall expect 
 you. I have the honour to wish you good day, gentlemen." 
 
 And he was departing, when Tradescant called out, " A 
 word with you before you go, Tom. Do me the favour to 
 mention to our friends that you found me here." 
 
 " Certainly, if you desire it, Lorimer. But I don't see 
 that the circumstance will interest them particularly." 
 
 " It may divert them to learn that I have taken to busi- 
 ness habits." 
 
 " Aha ! a good joke ! And pray when did this business 
 fit seize you ? " 
 
 " About an hour ago. But it's not a passing whim, as 
 you seem to imagine, but a fixed resolution." 
 
 "Whim or not," exclaimed Potter, "I'll bet you five 
 hundred to five it don't last two days." 
 
 Tradescant was about to cry " Done ! " but a look from 
 Crutchet checked him. 
 
 " Having forsworn betting and gaming, Tom," he said, 
 " I can't take you, but I should most assuredly win." 
 
 " I wish anybody else would take the odds," said Potter. 
 " What say you, old gentleman ? " he added, glancing at 
 Crutchet. 
 
 " I never bet, sir," replied that personage. " It's against 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 257 
 
 my principles. But I'd stake my reputation on Mr Lori- 
 mer's firmness." 
 
 "You'll find me here every day, Tom, unless I'm ou 
 'Change, or at Lloyd's," said Tradescant. 
 
 " And ready to serve a customer, no doubt ! "Well, when 
 I want some cloth I'll come to you. I see through your 
 game. You want to re-establish yourself in your father's 
 good graces. Very prudent. If you hold out for a week, 
 you'll deserve to be canonized." 
 
 " I mean to go on as I have begun," said Tradescant. 
 
 " Reserve these fine speeches for the Lord Mayor," re- 
 joined Tom Potter, with an incredulous laugh. "They 
 won't pass with me. In another week I shall expect to see 
 you again at the Dilettanti Club, the Jockey Club, the 
 cock-pit, the Groom-Porters', Eanelagh, and all your old 
 haunts." 
 
 " No you won't. Hark ye, Tom, I mean to sell Eegulus. 
 "Will you buy him ? You shall have him cheap." 
 
 " I'll think about it. You play your part uncommonly 
 well, I confess, but you can't impose on me — ha ! ha ! To- 
 morrow, at eight, with you, gentlemen, at White Conduit 
 House — this day week with you, Lorimer, at the Dilet- 
 tanti." And bowing to the company, he withdrew. 
 
 " I'm sorry your quarrel with Mr "Wilkes could not be 
 adjusted," said Sir Pelix to Herbert, as the door closed ou 
 Tom Potter ; " but as you would make no apology, I was 
 obliged to let the aflfair take its course." 
 
 " I hope you understand small-sword exercise tolerably 
 well, Herbert," observed Tradescant, "for you'll have to do 
 with a shrewd antagonist in Mr "Wilkes. He is a master of 
 fence." 
 
 "That's more than I am," rejoined Herbert, smiling. 
 "However, I'm not afraid of him." 
 
 "I'll give you a lesson by-and-by, and teach you a feint 
 or two that may be useful. I only wish I could take your 
 place. "With all his proficiency, "Wilkes is no match for me. 
 "We frequently practise at Angelo's fencing academy in the 
 Haymarket, and I generally have the best of it." 
 
 " But you mustn't fight a duel now, sir," cried Crutchet, 
 anxiously. 
 
 " Have no fear, Bow Bells. Be the consequences what 
 thev may, I must be present at this encounter." 
 
 17 
 
258 THE LOKD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Then I must go too, said Crutchet. 
 
 "What! you can't trust me out of your sight, eh?" 
 said Tradescant, laughing. "I'll. bring Herbert to your 
 house in Aldersgate- street at half-past seven to-morrow 
 morning, Sir Eelix." 
 
 " Just what I was about to propose," rejoined the little 
 alderman. "We must be punctual as the clock at the 
 bowling-green — a charming place of rendezvous, by-the-bj. 
 Any further commands for me, Mr Herbert ? " 
 
 " None whatever, Sir Felix. Indeed, I feel I have al- 
 ready trespassed too much on your good nature." 
 
 " Don't say a word about it, my dear friend. Enchanted 
 to serve you. I trust to bring you through this affair 
 creditably. As you neither drink nor play, your head is 
 sure to be clear and your hand steady. Still, an hour's 
 practice with Tradescant will do you no harm. That's all 
 I've got to say. Adieu, gentlemen ! " And bowing around, 
 he took his departure. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 YTHICH EXHIBITS THE EEAL STATE OF THE LORD MATOR's 
 PEELINGS TOWARDS HIS SON. 
 
 On the evening of the same day, on the return of the 
 Lord Mayor from the Mansion House, Crutchet, who was 
 all impatience to communicate the joyful intelligence of 
 Tradescant's reformation to his lordship, did not wait for any 
 summons, but immediately went up-stairs, and found Sir 
 G^esham in his cabinet, closeted with Candish. 
 
 " Oh, sir ! " exclaimed the worthy fellow, as he entered 
 the room, " I've news for you that will gladden your heart- 
 A wonderful change has been accomplished in a few hours 
 Your son has become a man of business. He has been itt 
 the counting-house all day with me — indeed, he is there 
 now — hard at work, sir — hard at work. 'Tis astonishing 
 the capacity he displays. You'll be quite surprised when. 
 
THE LORD MAYOK OF LONDON. 259 
 
 you come to talk to him. If it wouldn't be troubling you 
 too much, come down now and see him, pray ? " 
 
 " Not now, Crutchet," replied Sir Gresham. " I am 
 glad to hear what you say of him, and trust this beneficial 
 change may last. But it is a little too early yet to judge. 
 And I have had so many disappointments, that I dare not 
 indulge hopes which may never be realized." 
 
 *'• But this is performance, not promise, sir," cried 
 Crutchet. " You know how averse Mr Tradescant has al- 
 ways been to business — especially to our business. You 
 know the efforts I have made to conquer his objections, and 
 how unavailing they have been. "Well, sir, in order to con- 
 vince you that he is in earnest in his design to reform, he 
 has got over all his prejudices, and set resolutely and man- 
 fully to work. You must applaud his determination, I am 
 sure, sir." 
 
 " I do applaud it, Crutchet," replied the Lord Mayor, 
 *' only I am not quite so sanguine as you are. If he perse- 
 veres in his present course, he may win back the good 
 opinion he has forfeited. But sudden changes are seldom 
 lasting, and a few days at least must elapse before I shall 
 be able to judge as to his stability of purpose. Meantime, 
 as hs has shown an unmistakeable disposition to amend, he 
 deserves to be encouraged, and I will therefore readily grant 
 him a further period of probation^ — say a week. That is all 
 I can do now." 
 
 " I must be content, I suppose," sighed Crutchet ; " but 
 I will answer for him with my life." 
 
 And with a somewhat disappointed look he quitted the 
 room. 
 
 "It pains me to treat the kind-hearted fellow thus," 
 observed Sir Gresham, " but unless firmness is manifested, 
 no permanent effect will be produced." 
 
 " My belief is your son is cured, my lord," rejoined 
 Candish; "but in order to remove all doubts from your 
 mind, I will put his firmness to the proof, and you shall see 
 how he stands it." 
 
 " Do so," replied the Lord Mayor. " Yet don't try him 
 too severely. I long to forgive him. But prudence coun- 
 sels me to forbear. The impression must be deepened, or it 
 will be as quickly effaced as made. What surprises me 
 
2G0 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 most is the suddenness of the cure — if cure it be. I cannot 
 conceive how it has been effected." 
 
 " I will tell you how it has been accomplished, my lord. 
 Tour strong manifestation of displeasure prepared the way, 
 but the change was wrought by your niece. This your son 
 himself frankly admitted." 
 
 " Then he is under great obligations to her. The more 
 I see of Prue the better I like her, and what you now tell 
 me raises her still higher in my estimation. Ah ! if Trades- 
 cant would but choose a good-hearted, sensible girl like this 
 for a wife, I should have some confidence in his future hap- 
 piness and respectability." 
 
 " Such an event is not altogether improbable," said 
 Candish. "Is your lordship aware that her brother Her- 
 bert has got an affair of honour on bis hands with Mr 
 Wilkes ? " 
 
 "No, I've heard nothing of it." 
 
 " I don't know how the affair originated, but Mr Crutchet 
 tells me it is to be settled at eight o'clock to-morrow morn- 
 ing, on the bowling-green at "White Conduit House, Isling- 
 ton. I thought it my duty to inform your lordship of the 
 matter, that you may take any steps you deem proper." 
 
 " The bowling-green at AVhite Conduit House ! An odd 
 place to fix upon for a hostile meeting! Ah! I now recol- 
 lect hearing that a set of young reprobates, styling them- 
 selves the ' Capuchins,' and wearing the habits of Franciscan 
 friars, meet once a week at AVhite Conduit House to 
 carouse. AVilkes is chairman of the club. He and his 
 crew may intend some practical joke. Herbert mustn't be 
 made their sport." 
 
 " Shall I go there, my lord, and look after Herbert ? " 
 
 " Perhaps I may go myself — but secretly — for I shan't 
 interfere, save in case of necessity. You shall go with me, 
 and I will take sufficient force to prevent any disturbance. 
 I know Tilbury, the landlord of "White Conduit House, and 
 a very obliging fellow he is. I'll give him a hint of my 
 intentions." 
 
 "Better not, my lord. He may blab, and spoil all. 
 Don't take him into your confidence till the last moment." 
 
 " Ay, ay, we must have the laugh against the Capuchins." 
 
 " But who acts as Herbert's second ? " 
 
 « Sb' Felix Bland, my lord." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 261 
 
 " Sir Eelix Bland ! Gadzooks ! you surprise me ! the 
 most pacific person of my acquaintance, and the last I should 
 expect to be engaged in a duel at all. An amicable arrange- 
 ment of the affair would have been more in his way." 
 
 " He tried to arrange it, but your nephew is a lad of 
 great spirit, and having, I suppose, received some affront 
 from Mr Wilkes which he could not brook, refused to 
 apologize." 
 
 " I like him the better for it. I wouldn't have a nephew 
 of mine show the white feather. But I wish Tradescant had 
 been his second." 
 
 " That remark emboldens me to mention, my lord, that 
 your son will be on the ground, though of course merely as 
 a looker-on." 
 
 " I'm glad to hear it. I will be there too — but shall 
 keep in the background. We must start early, in order to 
 get there before them. I'll give you full instructions anon." 
 
 "I am at your lordship's orders." 
 
 XY. 
 
 KASTEK AND VALET. 
 
 When the business of the day was over — and not before 
 — Tradescant took Herbert to his own room, in order to give 
 him the promised lesson in fencing. 
 
 Producing a couple of foils, Tradescant bade him stand 
 on guard, and as Herbert complied, his air and deportment 
 satisfied the other that he would prove no contemptible anta- 
 gonist. The result of an hour's practice confirmed the good 
 opinion which Tradescant had formed of his cousin's address. 
 As may be expected, however, Herbert had some faults. 
 Possessing in an eminent degree the essentials of the art — 
 quickness of sight, agility of wrist, great flexibility of frame, 
 firmness and swiftness in delivering a thrust, rapidity in par- 
 rying and returning, and, above all, remarkable coolness — he 
 was unacquainted with many of the subtleties at that time 
 practised by the most skilful swordsmen, and it was to 
 
262 THE LORD MxVYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 supply his deficiency in this respect that Tradescant chiefly 
 addressed himself. Herbert proved an apt scholar, and 
 quickly comprehended the instructions given him. 
 
 The lesson ended, Tradescant pointed to his collection of 
 swords, and begged Herbert to examine them, and select a 
 weapon that suited him. 
 
 " You'll find them of all sizes," he said ; " but though 
 you are a tall fellow, I advise you not to choose too long a 
 sword, as if your adversary should get the feeble of your 
 blade, you might find it difficult to disengage your point, 
 and so give him the advantage. Here's a Erench sword, and 
 a capital one it is. You shall judge of its temper," he 
 added, bending it almost double against the floor, and then 
 allowing it to spring forcibly backwards. " Take it. You 
 won't find a better." 
 
 "A beautiful blade indeed ! " exclaimed Herbert, as he 
 took the weapon, " and, though very light in hand, not likely 
 to break." 
 
 " Break ! — not it ! " rejoined Tradescant, with a smile. 
 " Follow my instructions, and I'll engage you shall pink your 
 adversary with it." 
 
 Soon after this the cousins separated for the night. 
 
 'For the first time since Tiplady had been in his service, 
 Tradescant remained at home during the whole evening, 
 occupying himself and his astounded valet in putting his 
 room in order. All the portraits of figurantes and prize- 
 fighters, with the pictures of race-horses and cock-tights, 
 bedecking the walls, were taken down ; while the dominos 
 and masks, with sundry other articles which did not accord 
 with his present tastes, were transferred to Tiplady. " Take 
 them away," he said ; " sell them, or do what you will with 
 them. I shall never v/ear them more." 
 
 " Is your honour serious ? " inquired the perplexed 
 valet. " Do you mean to say you have done with masquer- 
 ades, ridottos, and festinos ? " 
 
 " Entirely, Tip," rejoined Tradescant. " Eanelagh will 
 never behold me more, nor Vauxhall. Never again shall I 
 mingle as heretofore among the idle votaries of pleasure. I 
 have awakened to a sense of my follies. Henceforth, my 
 air and deportment will be changed, and I shall assume a 
 sober and sedate manner, conformable to the character I 
 mean to profess." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 263 
 
 " Sorry to liear it, sir, for I think your present manner 
 is far preferable to the one you propose to adopt." 
 
 " My dress also will correspond with my changed de- 
 portment. I shall put on plainer attire. You are welcome 
 to all my richest suits, Tip — my gold-laced coats and 
 flowered waistcoats, my Mechlin frills and ruffles and cob- 
 web silk stockings." 
 
 " Now I come to think upon it, perhaps your honour 
 did dress a little too showily. A sober style might be better 
 — especially if you jiaean to occupy yourself with mercan- 
 tile pursuits. Mr Crutchet should be your model, sir." 
 
 " You are laughing at me, rascal, I perceive. Have a 
 care, or I shall withdraw my gift. Tell Le Grros I shan't 
 wear a dishevelled peruke in future, but a plain bob." 
 
 " Hadn't you better try a 'prentice's buckle, sir ? It is 
 simple, but becoming." 
 
 " A truce to your jeers. Do as I bid you. And mind 
 this — I shall expect you to copy me, to lay aside your frivol- 
 ous and coxcombical manner, to wear a grave countenance, 
 and assume a quiet and respectful deportment." 
 
 " Excuse me, sir, I can't play the hypocrite. I haven't 
 a father to cajole." 
 
 " Zooks ! rascal, do you suspect me of hypocrisy ? Mind 
 what I say. Henceforth, no airs — no nonsense — no fop- 
 pery ! " 
 
 " And is this expected ? " 
 
 " Absolutely."^ 
 
 " I'm afraid, sir, the place won't suit me." 
 
 " Then provide yourself with another. But as long as 
 you remain, be pleased to obey my orders." 
 
 Tradescant completed the measure of Tiplady's as^ unish- 
 ment by retiring to rest early, and directing the va^at to 
 call him at six o'clock in the morning. 
 
 "Bless us ! how master is changed to be sure 1 " men- 
 tally ejaculated Tiplady, as he quitted the room. " He's 
 acquiring shockingly bad habits. I shall be obliged to dis- 
 charge him, in self-defence.** 
 
264i THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 XYI. 
 
 WHITE CONDUIT HOUSE. 
 
 When Herbert, fully equipped for the fight, and wrap- 
 ped in a long cloak, entered his cousin's room, a little be- 
 fore seven o'clock next morning, he found that Tradescant 
 had fully completed his toilette, and was in the act of put- 
 ting on a roquelaure, aided by Tiplady. 
 
 " How do you find yourself? " cried Tradescant. " Nerves 
 steady, eh ? " 
 
 " Perfectly so," replied the other, in a cheerful tone. 
 
 " That's right ! Then we'll set out at once, A coach is 
 waiting for us in Queen-street. Carry these two swords, 
 Tip, and come with us." 
 
 On this the trio descended the staircase as noiselessly 
 as they could, and were let out by the hall-porter, who 
 laughed to himself at what was going on, having let out the 
 Lord Mayor and Candish some quarter of an hour pre- 
 viously. 
 
 Beneath the porch outside they found the faithful Crut- 
 chet, protected from the cold foggy air by cloak and woollen 
 comforter. Hard by was a hackney-coach, and vt^ithout 
 making any remarks, all the party entered it with the excep- 
 tion of Tiplady, who, mounting the box, directed the coach- 
 man to drive to Aldersgate-street. 
 
 The morning was dull and foggy — such as might be ex- 
 pected to usher in a regular November day. The miserable 
 lamps with which Cheapside was at that time provided were 
 still burning, but their feeble glimmer scarcely served to 
 pierce through the murky atmosphere. A few link-boys 
 were seen wandering about with lighted flambeaux, and a 
 couple of these offered their services to the gentlemen in 
 the coach, and were engaged by them. Here and there a 
 shop was opened, but, generally speaking, doors and win- 
 dows were closed, and the inmates of the houses, it is to be 
 presumed, still a-bed. The few people in the street looked 
 like ghosts, and carts and other vehicles moved slowly and 
 cautiously along. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 265 
 
 Not without more than one stoppage did the coachman 
 find his way to Aldersgate-street, and, guided by Tiplady, 
 pulled up at Sir Pelix Bland's door. Little could be dis- 
 cerned of the alderman's dwelling, and indeed there waa 
 nothing worth notice about it, except that it was a good 
 substantial structure, the lower part being used as a sad- 
 dler's shop, with a great gilt horse for a sign. The little 
 alderman's chariot, however, was in waiting, and the instant 
 the bell was rung Sir Eelix answered the summons in person. 
 He insisted upon Herbert riding with him, and the young 
 man felt bound to comply. In this way the two vehicles 
 proceeded slowly towards the place of rendezvous. 
 
 White Conduit House, whither our friends were bound, 
 not on pleasure, but with hostile intent, on this foggy No- 
 vember morning, was situated in the neighbourhood of the 
 pleasant and salubrious suburb of Islington, and much re- 
 sorted to by the citizens of the last century. It may be 
 described as a second-rate Vauxhall, since it possessed some 
 of the features of the well-known place of entertainment on 
 the Surrey side of the river — now, we regret to say, num- 
 bered with the past. But though the fetes of "White Con- 
 duit House could not be compared in point of splendour 
 with those of the more fashionable establishment — though 
 its lamps were less numerous, its fireworks less brilliant, and 
 its musicians inferior to those of Vauxhall — though few of 
 the beau-monde patronized the gardens, still they were toler- 
 ably attractive, and had the recommendation of furnishing 
 far better eatables and drinkables, at a much less cost, than 
 the more ostentatious place of amusement. Eeally good 
 punch, a slice of ham somewhat thicker than a wafer, and a 
 fowl that could be carved, and eaten when carved, might be 
 obtained at White Conduit House at a moderate price ; and 
 if there were not as many fine folks there as might be seen 
 at "Vauxhall, that didn't matter to the citizens, who liked to 
 smoke their pipes and quaff" their punch comfortably, while 
 their wives and daughters found plenty of amusement in 
 listening to the strains from the orchestra, watching the 
 fireworks, dancing, or exploring the shady walks with their 
 gallants. In a word, "VVhite Conduit House was a huge 
 suburban tavern, with extensive gardens attached to it. 
 Like Vauxhall, it was in existence only a few years ago, 
 though greatly on the decline, and was removed to make 
 
266 THE LORD MAYOR OP LONDON. 
 
 way for the street now occupying its site. Besides the 
 house itself, at the period in question, there were two orna- 
 mental buildings, containing a handsome ball-room and 
 refreshment-rooms, and in the midst of the gardens, which, 
 as we have said, were prettily enough disposed with walks, 
 shady groves, alcoves, pavilions, and orchestras, was a round, 
 fish-pond of considerable size, encircled by a high quickset 
 hedge, in which were inserted boxes for the accommodation 
 of the company — these boxes being adorned with paintings 
 copied from the Dutch and Flemish masters. Of course, 
 the fish-pond would have been incomplete without a boat or 
 two, and these were not wanting. A large punt, provided 
 with seats, rods, and fishing-tackle, was moored in the centre 
 of the water. In another part of the garden was a spacious 
 and well-kept bowling-green, with boxes at either end, and 
 this bowling-green and the fish-pond constituted with many 
 the chief attractions of the place. No ridottos al fresco, no 
 festinos or masked balls, were given there as at Eanelagh or 
 Vauxhall, but on special occasions there were fetes, with 
 fireworks, rope-dancing, and other amusements, highly satis- 
 factory to the pleasure-loving citizens. 
 
 But the season was over, and the gardens, which had 
 been thronged during the warm weather, were now deserted. 
 The tavern, however, being noted for the excellence of its 
 cookery and wines, still attracted many customers, and 
 amongst others Wilkes and his friends, who, as the reader 
 is already aware, held one of their clubs there. 
 
 This club — the " Capuchins " — had some peculiarities, 
 which cannot very well be explained without describing its 
 origin. Thus, then, it arose. Amongst Wilkes's possessions 
 in Bucks were the remains of a once noble, and still re- 
 markably picturesque, monastic establishment, called Med- 
 menham Abbey, delightfully situated on the banks of the 
 Thames between Henley and Marlow. No more charming 
 retreat for one sated with pleasure and desirous of solitude 
 could be found ; and thither in summer, when town became 
 insupportable, and the country was in perfection, Wilkes 
 repaired. But it was not for temporary seclusion from 
 society that the witty Sybarite sought the cells and cloisters 
 of Medmenham ; it was not for meditation, or study, or to 
 bury himself in the surrounding groves ; it was not for boat- 
 ing or fishing that he came there, but, we regret to say, for 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 267 
 
 unrestrained indulgence in riofc and excess. As may be sup- 
 posed, he did not go there alone, but took with him persons 
 of congenial taste, whose habits were as abandoned as his 
 own, and scandalously were the venerable walls de^secrated 
 by the licentious crew. Comus and his rabble rout were 
 not worse than AVilkes and his reprobate associates. In 
 order to give piquancy to their orgies, they styled them- 
 selves Monks of Saint Francis, and assumed the garb of the 
 brethren of that order. But devotional exercises, it will 
 easily be conceived, formed no part of their practice. Their 
 hymns were in praise of heathen deities, their worship at 
 unholy shrines. Over the entrance of the hall wherein 
 their revelries were held was inscribed the Sabelaisian 
 motto. Fats ce que yotjdras — and they acted up to it, 
 giving free scope to their inclinations. 
 
 Of this society Wilkes was president, or, as he was 
 styled by the brotherhood, Father Abbot. 
 
 Later in the year, when Medmenham Abbey lost its at- 
 tractions, the Capuchins held occasional meetings in town, 
 and had lately chosen White Conduit House for that pur- 
 pose, being influenced in their choice by the good wines and 
 good cookery to be had there, as well as by the complaisance 
 of the host, Mr Tilbury, who made no objections to their 
 proceedings. To speak truth, the Capuchins did not suit 
 every house, and more than one tavern-keeper had declined 
 the honour of their custom. However, as they paid well, 
 and it was the dull season, and he had plenty of rooms to 
 spare, Mr Tilbury not only consented to receive them, but 
 gave them the best his kitchen and cellars could produce. 
 Magnificent was the claret he set before them, and many a 
 dozen of it was consumed by the jovial Capuchins, who 
 sometimes prolonged their revels throughout the night. 
 
 From this it will be easily understood why AVilkes ap- 
 pointed White Conduit House as a place of rendezvous 
 with Herbert. As the Capuchins supped there overnight, 
 he could settle the affair without inconvenience. A duel 
 would be an agreeable finish to the entertainment. He had 
 merely to step on to the bowling-green to meet his man, 
 and return to breakfast — victor, of course — and talk over 
 the encounter with his friends. This was what he meant to 
 do, but a little variation was made in the plan, as will more 
 fully appear hereafter. 
 
268 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 All tlie Capuchins — the club was limited to a dozen — • 
 were not assembled on the occasion ; but the party consisted 
 of Lord Sandwich, Sir William Stanhope, Sir Francis Dash- 
 wood, and of course Tom Potter and Wilkes. In accord- 
 ance with the rules of the society they all wore the grey 
 gowns proper to the religious order whose name they had 
 borrowed, with cowls for the head and cords for the waist. 
 Wilkes's attire as abbot differed so far only from the others 
 in that his gown was made of somewhat richer material, 
 while he wore an ornamental girdle round his waist. Over 
 the chimney-piece was suspended the motto of the fraternity. 
 A jolly night they had of it, surfeiting themselves with 
 claret, and continuing their libations until they all fell asleep 
 in their chairs. 
 
 And now to return to the opposite party. The fog was 
 as dense as ever when the two conveyances reached White 
 Conduit House, and it seemed scarcely possible that a duel 
 could take place on a morning so unpropitious. 
 
 " If you fight at all, it must be by torchlight," observed 
 Sir Felix. " It appears to get darker each moment. I can 
 scarcely make out whether this is White Conduit House or 
 not." 
 
 " All right, sir," cried a voice from some invisible person. 
 *' All right." 
 
 " Is that you, Mr Tilbury ? " inquired the little alder- 
 man, as a stout personage presented himself before the 
 chariot. 
 
 " Yes, yes, 'tis I, Sir Felix," replied the host. " Will it 
 please you to ali<4it ? Mr Wilkes and his friends expect 
 you." 
 
 " Oh, they're here, are they ? " cried the little alderman, 
 rather surprised. " I was afraid this bad morning might 
 have kept them away." 
 
 " So it might," rejoined Tilbury, with a laugh ; " but they 
 took the precaution of coming overnight. They supped 
 here, Sir Felix. You're not a monk, I suppose, sir ? " 
 
 " A monk ! What d'ye mean, Mr Tilbury ? No, sir, I'm 
 a member of the Established Church. A strange question ! '* 
 
 " You'll not think it so strange when you go into the 
 house. Sir Felix, and see the gentlemen in their gowns." 
 
 " Night-gowns or morning-gowns, Mr Tilbury ? " 
 
 "Their gowns serve both purposes, Sir Felix," laughed 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 269 
 
 the host, *' Pray come in, gentlemen. I'll show you tha 
 way." 
 
 By this time the whole party had alighted, and now 
 followed the landlord into the house. 
 
 Calling for a pair of lighted candles, which were quickly 
 brought him, Tilbury preceded them down a passage, and 
 at last threw open the door of a large room, on entering 
 •which an extraordinary scene was presented to their gaze. 
 
 XYII. 
 
 THE "CAPUC: 
 
 Hound a table covered with wine-glasses and long-necked 
 flasks, and on which candles were still alight, though well- 
 nigh burnt down to the socket, sat five friars — for such they 
 seemed — fast asleep. Being without their wigs, the close- 
 shaven heads of the mock Franciscans materially aided their 
 resemblance to the characters assumed. 
 
 " Who are these ? " inquired Sir Felix, in a low voice. 
 
 " Don't you know, sir ? " rejoined Tilbury. " These are 
 Mr Wilkes and his friends." 
 
 "The deuce they are!" exclaimed *fche little alderman. 
 " Bless my life ! I could never have believed it." 
 
 " Stay a moment. Tilbury," said Tradescant, as the land- 
 lord was about to arouse the sleepers. "We'll have a jest 
 ■with them. Grive one of those swords to Mr Crutch et. Tip, 
 and draw the other yourself. That's well. Now each of 
 you follow my example." And drawing his sword, he held 
 it in a menacing attitude over Wilkes's head. 
 
 Willing to humour the jest, Herbert stood with his 
 drawn sword over Tom Potter, while Sir Felix assumed a 
 similar position beside Lord Sandwich, and Crutchet and 
 Tiplady presented their weapons at Dashwood and Stanhope. 
 
 No sooner was this done than Tilbury called out in a 
 stentorian voice, " Wake up, gentlemen ! " instantly rousing 
 the sleepers, w^ho were greatly startled by finding them- 
 selves thus menaced. 
 
270 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 ** Here, take my purse and spare my life ! " cried "Wilkes, 
 fancying himself assailed by highwaymen. 
 
 " Ha ! ha ! don't you know me ? " exclaimed Tradescant, 
 lowering his sword, and indulging in a hearty fit of laughter, 
 in which the rest of the company joined. 
 
 " Death and fiends ! is it you, Lorimer ? " cried "Wilkes, 
 starting to his feet with a furious expression of counten- 
 ance. And he was proceeding in an angry strain, but finding 
 his rage only increased the general merriment, he changed 
 his tone, and inquired, " What brings you here at this un- 
 earthly hour ? " 
 
 " TJnearthly hour ! " rejoined Tradescant, laughing. 
 " Why, it's eight o'clock, the hour you yourself appointed 
 for a meeting with my cousin Herbert." 
 
 " The deuce it is ! " exclaimed Wilkes. " I must have 
 overslept myself sadly. I fancied it was the middle of the 
 night. It's Tilbury's fault — he ought to have roused me at 
 seven o'clock. Is your cousin here ? " 
 
 "Yes, there he is," replied Tradescant, pointing to Her- 
 bert. 
 
 " Pray make my excuses to him for my want of punctu- 
 ality," pursued Wilkes. "It has been entirely uninten- 
 tional on my part. Our club — the Capuchins — met here 
 last night, and we drank rather too much claret." 
 
 " That will account for your sleeping so soundly," ob- 
 served Tradescant. " And now, what's to be done ? " 
 
 "Done! why, ii> the first place, we'll adjourn to the 
 bowling-green and settle this little afiair, and then return 
 to breakfast." 
 
 " Easily said," rejoined Tradescant ; " but there's a regu- 
 lar November fog out of doors which may hinder you. You 
 won't be able to see each other." 
 
 " Diable ! " exclaimed Wilkes. " That's unlucky ! " 
 
 " With submission to both parties," interposed Sir Felix, 
 " I would venture to suggest that the afiair be postponed to 
 a more favourable opportunity." 
 
 " Deferred, at all events, till the fog clears off"," observed 
 Tom Potter. " In an hour it may be all right. Breakfast 
 first, and fight afterwards. That's my proposition." 
 
 " The fog isn't likely to clear ofi"," observed Sir Pelix. 
 "We may be kept here till to-morrow. I vote that the 
 duel be postponed.'* 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 271 
 
 " I object to any delay " said Herbert. " Be the weather 
 what it may — and I own it is bad enough — I am ready to 
 meet my adversary. Our chances are equal." 
 
 " Very true, sir ! " cried Wilkes. " I object to delay aa 
 strongly as yourself. A fog will never stop two men really 
 bent on fighting. I'll be with you in a trice." 
 
 And withdrawing behind a screen, he presently reap- 
 peared in his ordinary attire. 
 
 "Hear me, gentlemen," cried Sir Felix. "I protest 
 against the course you are about to pursue. The fog is so 
 thick that you might as well fight in this room with the 
 lights put out." 
 
 " A capital suggestion ! " cried Wilkes. " Suppose we 
 do fight here. We have only to remove this table." 
 
 "The place is perfectly immaterial to me," observed 
 Herbert. " Here, or elsewhere, I am at your service." 
 
 "But it's not immaterial to me," interposed Tilbury. 
 " No fighting in this room, gentlemen. I don't mind it on 
 the bowling-green, but if either of you should be killed 
 here, it would be exceedingly unpleasant, and might ruin 
 the custom of the house." 
 
 " Our host's reasons are unanswerable," observed* Wilkes, 
 with a laugh. "Nothing for it but the bowling-green. 
 We'll there at once. Fetch a couple of lanterns. Tilbury." 
 
 " Bless you, sir, lanterns would be of no avail. There 
 are some link-men outside. Shall I hire their flambeaux ? '* 
 
 " A bright idea ! " exclaimed Wilkes. " About it at 
 once. Tilbury, and bring the links to us in the garden. A 
 duel by torchlight will be a novelty — something to talk 
 about. But how is it I see you here, Lorimer, and appar- 
 ently on my opponent's side? A day or two ago, you 
 wouldn't acknowledge your kinsman. Now, you are hand 
 and glove with him." 
 
 "Since we last met, Mr Wilkes, I am a good deal 
 changed in many respects," replied Tradescant; "and I 
 have discovered qualities in my cousin to which I was stu- 
 pidly blind before. As this quarrel partly originated with 
 me, or at least arose out of circumstances with which I was 
 connected, I could wish it might be amicably arranged." 
 
 " I don't see how that can be," said Wilkes ; " it has 
 gone too far now." 
 
 By this time, the Capuchins having divested themselves 
 
272 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 of their gowns, and resumed their usual attire, the whole 
 party were about to leave the room, when they were stopped 
 by Sir Felix. 
 
 " I tell you what it is, gentlemen," said he. " I don't 
 approve of this fighting in a fog. There's no precedent for 
 such a duel. If fatal consequences ensue, the seconds will 
 be hanged — yes, gentlemen, hanged. I must decline, there- 
 fore, to be a party to the encounter." 
 
 " Then I will take your place," said Tradescant. " I am 
 willing to run the risk of a halter in such a cause." 
 
 " Mr Herbert must excuse me for deserting him at the 
 last moment, but I really can't assist in such an irregular 
 proceeding ; and I must again protest — " 
 
 " Protest be hanged ! " cried Tom Potter. " Come 
 along ! The affair ought to have been over by this time." 
 
 On this the whole party, with the exception of Sir Felix, 
 quitted the room, and repaired to the garden. 
 
 The day had not improved. The fog was as dense as 
 ever ; orange-tawny in colour, and almost palpable. Even 
 at a yard's distance a post could scarcely be distinguished. 
 
 " Upon my soul, it is a most execrable day ! " exclaimed 
 "Wilkes. "I had no idea the fog was so bad. Shall we 
 go on ? " 
 
 " Certainly," replied Herbert. " The first step is taken. 
 "We must go through with it now." 
 
 " Be it so," cried Wilkes. " Keep near me. I'm ac- 
 quainted with the place, and will endeavour to show the 
 way." 
 
 With this he moved on, and the rest followed. But 
 nothing is more deceptive than a fog, and though Wilkes 
 made sure he was going in the right direction, he soon found 
 himself on the edge of the fish-pond, into which another step 
 would have plunged him. 
 
 " Halt ! " he exclaimed. " We're wrong. I shall never 
 be able to find the way without the torches. What the 
 devil is Tilbury about that he doesn't send them ? " 
 
 " Here they are ! " exclaimed Tradescant, as lights were 
 seen struggling through the gloom. 
 
 " Halloo ! where are you, gentlemen ? " shouted Tilbury. 
 
 " Here ! — almost in the fish-pond," rejoined Wilkes. 
 " Come to the rescue — quick ! " 
 
 "Why, who the deuce are these?" cried Lord Sand- 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 273 
 
 wich, as tbe landlord came up, attended by five Capuchins, 
 bearing torches. Each monk had his cowl drawn over his 
 head, so as to shroud his visage. 
 
 " Zounds ! the rascals have made free with our gowns," 
 cried Dashwood. 
 
 " No other members of the club were expected," said 
 Stanhope. " Who are these fellows, Tilbury ? " 
 
 " Only some of my men, Sir William," replied the host. 
 " I thought Mr Wilkes would like to have them arrayed in 
 this way." 
 
 " You've taken a great liberty, Mr Tilbury," said Wilkes. 
 *' Death ! sir, we shall never be able to wear our gowns again." 
 
 " I'm very sorry, sir," replied the host, in an apologetic 
 tone. " I did it to please you. I'm something of an artist, 
 sir, and I thought these monkish figures, holding torches, 
 would give a picturesque eff'ect to the conflict. I may he 
 wrong, Mr Wilkes, but that was my motive." 
 
 " Grad ! I think you are right, Tilbury," cried Lord Sand- 
 wich, laughing. 
 
 " Don't stop talking here, for heaven's sake! " exclaimed 
 Tom Potter. " I'm half choked with this infernal fog. 
 Show the way to the bowling-green, Tilbury, as quickly as 
 you can — consistently with our safety." 
 
 XYIII. 
 
 A DUEL IS A roa. 
 
 Directing the monkish torchbearers to march in ad- 
 vance, Tilbury put himself at their head, and proceeded cau- 
 tiously along a covered walk leading to the bowling-green, 
 which they luckily reached without further hindrance. 
 
 After a brief consultation between Tom Potter and 
 Tradescant, the whole party proceeded to what they judged 
 to be the centre of the green, and having ascertained by 
 holding down the links that the ground was free from ob- 
 struction of any kind, they at once prepared for the business 
 in hand ; the first care of the seconds being to place the 
 
 18 
 
274 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 torchbearers in such a position that no undue advantage 
 should be given to either side. 
 
 This was a task of some little difficulty, as the seconds 
 could not exactly agree, but at length it was satisfactorily 
 accomplished. Pour of the monks were arranged in a square, 
 one at each corner, and exactly four yards apart, while the 
 fifth man v;^as ordered to stand beside the combatants. 
 Those at the corners were enjoined to remain perfectly mo- 
 tionless whatever might occur, but the central torchbearer 
 might follow the movements of the combatants, but must be 
 careful to keep out of the way, and distribute the light as 
 fairly as possible. The links at each angle were to be held 
 aloft, and not waved or shifted on any account, but the central 
 torch was not to be so much elevated, and might be raised 
 or lowered according to the exigencies of the moment, at the 
 discretion of the bearer. Not a word was to be uttered by 
 any of the torchbearers. 
 
 These regulations made, the two antagonists, who by 
 this time had divested themselves of coat and waistcoat, 
 stepped into the square, while the seconds retired, and the 
 rest of the party, who looked on with considerable interest, 
 grouped themselves around. 
 
 At this moment the scene was exceedingly picturesque, 
 and must have delighted the artistic eye of Mr Tilbury. 
 Seen through the thick tawny vapour with which the torch- 
 light ineffectually contended, the monkish figures, cowled 
 and gowned, had a strange fantastic effect, and looked like 
 assistants at some dread and mysterious ceremonial. Viewed 
 through the same opaque medium, and only imperfectly dis- 
 tinguished by the spectators, the chief actors in this singular 
 scene had an equally ghostly appearance, and by a very 
 slight stretch of the imagination might have been taken for 
 phantoms of fierce duellists who had perished by each other's 
 hands, and had been summoned from a bloody grave to renew 
 their strife. 
 
 Unconscious, however, of the effect they produced on the 
 beholders, and feeling strongly enough that they still be- 
 longed to this world, the two antagonists approached each 
 other, and lighted by the central torchbearer, who carried 
 out his instructions as carefully as he could, courteously 
 saluted each other, taking off" their hats and replacing them. 
 They then beat the appeal and engaged. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 275 
 
 No sooner did the combat begin tban tbey both made 
 the discovery that it was more difficult to fight under cir- 
 cumstances like the present than in the dark. Sight and 
 judgment were alike at fault, and the well-meant efforts of 
 the torchbearer only served to distract them still more. 
 
 " Confound you ! keep that torch away. You put out 
 my eyes," cried Wilkes. 
 
 After another moment, Herbert called out, 
 
 " Bring the torch nearer ! I can't see." 
 
 Puzzled by these conflicting orders, the torchbearer 
 stood still, not knowing what to do, when Tradescant 
 shouted to him, 
 
 " Keep near them, will you, and don't attend to any 
 orders but mine." 
 
 "Don't stir, sirrah ! " cried Tom Potter. "The torch 
 blinds my man." 
 
 " But mine can't see," cried Tradescant. " Gto nearer, I 
 tell you." 
 
 " Stay where you are, rascal ! " roared Wilkes. " If you 
 come any closer, I'll cut your throat when the fight's over." 
 
 " And I'll let light into your body unless you give us 
 some here," cried Herbert. 
 
 "AVhat am I to do, gentlemen ?" said the perplexed 
 torchbearer, drawing a little nearer. " I can't please you 
 both." 
 
 But the combatants were now too much occupied with 
 each other to notice him. A thrust in tierce by Wilkes was 
 well parried by Herbert, and returned by him with such 
 dexterity and quickness, that had there been light enough, 
 the combat might have been suddenly terminated. As it 
 was, Herbert's sword passed through his adversary's shirt 
 near the right breast. 
 
 " A hit ! " exclaimed Herbert. 
 
 " A mere scratch ! I scarcely felt it. Look to yourself, 
 sir ! " cried AVilkes, delivering a thrust in carte, which was 
 instantly parried and returned. 
 
 " They're well at it now," cried Dash wood. " Will you 
 back your man for a hundred, Lorimer ? " 
 
 " I'd back him and give odds, but I don't bet now. Sir 
 Francis," replied Tradescant. 
 
 " So Tom Potter told me," said Dashwood ; " but I didn't 
 believe him." 
 
276 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " I wish I could see their play," said Lord Sandwich ; 
 " they seem to fence well." 
 
 " Wonderfully well, all things considered," replied Sir 
 William Stanhope. " Wilkes seems to have found his match. 
 I thought he would have settled it before this." 
 
 " I thought so," rejoined Tom Potter ; " the young 
 draper is a maitre d'escrime." 
 
 " No jokes about drapers, Tom, if you please," said 
 Tradescant. " Recollect, I'm one myself." 
 
 " Pshaw ! you needn't carry on that farce here. We're 
 not in Cheapside." 
 
 At this moment the clash of steel proved that the two 
 combatants were sharply engaged. 
 
 " Sa ! sa ! there they go ! " cried Potter — " thrust — parry 
 — reposte — pass in carte — feint in carte over the arm — dis- 
 engage — counter-disengage — thrust — recovery in carte." 
 
 " Why, you can't see them, Tom ? " cried Lord Sandwich. 
 
 "No, but I can hear. I know exactly what they're 
 about. There, one of them is beating fiercely with the edge 
 of his sword on the other's blade. That must be Wilkes 
 trying to disarm his antagonist." 
 
 " But he hasn't succeeded, you find," observed Trades- 
 cant ; " and is now being attacked in his turn." 
 
 "Well done, draper!" exclaimed Potter. "The lad 
 fights with spirit. Did you mark that ? There was a thrust 
 in tierce, parried with the prime, and followed by a strong 
 fimart beat on the feeble — down goes the sword." 
 
 " Whose sword ? " cried Tradescant. 
 
 "The draper's," rejoined Potter. "Tour man is 
 worsted." 
 
 " I'm not sure of that," replied Tradescant. 
 
 " But I am," replied Potter. 
 
 " And they both hurried to the scene of strife, when 
 Potter's conjecture proved to be correct. Herbert's sword 
 had been beaten from his grasp. 
 
 " This wouldn't have happened if I had had more light," 
 said the young man, angrily. 
 
 "Say you so?" cried Wilkes. "Then we'll have an- 
 other bout. Take your sword, and begin again," 
 
 " No, no, this mustn't be," cried Tradescant. 
 
 " Why not ? " rejoined Tom Potter. " It isn't for you 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 277 
 
 to object if we are willing. Tou ought to be infinitely 
 obliged by having a second chance allowed you." 
 
 " "Why, so we are," said Tradescant ; " but — " 
 
 " Now, sir," cried Wilkes, impatiently. " Either own 
 yourself defeated and apologize for your insolence, or stand 
 up again." 
 
 " I wouldn't have kept you waiting so long, sir," le- 
 joined Herbert, "but I can't find ray sword." 
 
 " Here are a couple of swords," said Tom Potter. " Take 
 your choice." 
 
 And as Herbert took one of them, Wilkes flung aside 
 his own weapon, and armed himself with the other. 
 
 " Now we are fairly matched — have at you, sir ! " he 
 cried, attacking Herbert. 
 
 And ere the seconds had retired, the combatants were 
 again engaged, and evidently with greater fury than before. 
 
 " Come nearer, fellow," cried Wilkes to the torch-bearer; 
 "you shan't complain of want of light this time, sir." 
 
 " Your politeness deserves a better return than I can 
 make for it," rejoined Herbert. 
 
 " They're in earnest now," said Tom Potter. " Passes 
 and parades are so rapid I can't follow 'em." 
 
 " The combat ought not to have been renewed," observed 
 Tradescant. "Enough had been done before." 
 
 " Whj didn't you make your man apologize, then ? " 
 said Potter. " But don't be uneasy. AVilkes will soon 
 disarm him again. He's about it now, or I'm much mis- 
 taken. The draper disengages and thrusts — AVilkes coun- 
 ter-disengages and parries, forcing the draper's blade up- 
 wards with the fort of his own — a disarm after the parade." 
 
 " No such thing," replied Tradescant. " Both swords 
 are still in hand, as you may hear. There was a half thrust 
 and an appeal — an answer, a feint on the inside with a dis- 
 engage on the outside, and a pass — ha ! some one is hit ! " 
 
 " By Heaven! 'tis Wilkes," cried Tom Potter, rushing 
 towards the combatants, followed by Tradescant and the 
 others. 
 
 They found Wilkes, scarcely able to stand, supporting 
 himself with his sword, and pressing his hand against his 
 breast, from which the blood was pouring, his shirt being 
 dyed with the sanguinary stream. Beside him stood Her- 
 
278 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 bert, whose looks showed his distress at the victory he had 
 gained. 
 
 " I hope you are not much hurt, sir ? " he inquired, in 
 tones of the greatest anxiety. 
 
 " My business, I fear, is done," rejoined Wilkes, in a 
 feeble voice ; " but I freely forgive you, and beg you to 
 take care of your own safety — oh ! " And he would have 
 sunk to the ground if Tom Potter had not caught him in 
 his arms and sustained him. 
 
 " Here's a sad mischance ! " exclaimed Tradescant. " But 
 you know how averse I was to the renewal of the fight. I 
 feared mischief would come of it. AVould that my advice 
 had been taken!" 
 
 " It was my fault," groaned "Wilkes. 
 
 " No, no, you are far too generous, sir," cried Herbert. 
 " I am to blame. I shall for ever reproach myself with 
 what I have done." 
 
 "Away with you ! " cried "Wilkes. " My life is ebbing 
 fast. Consult your own safety by flight." 
 
 " Yes, fly, sir, fly ! " urged Tom Potter. 
 
 " "What shall I do ?— where shall I go ? " cried the 
 young man, distractedly. 
 
 "Hold a moment ! " said Crutchet, stepping up to him. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 HOW A MAEVELLOTJS CTTEE WAS WEOTJaHT BY CANDISH. 
 
 " A STTEaEON ! a surgeon ! In Heaven's name fetch a 
 surgeon ! " shouted Tradescant. " "Will none of you stir ? " 
 he added to the torchbearers, who appeared perfectly apa- 
 thetic, remaining in their places and holding up their flam- 
 beaux as if nothing had happened. " There ought to have 
 been a surgeon in attendance." 
 
 " I'll bring one instantly," said the host. 
 
 " It is useless," said "Wilkes, checking him. " I am past 
 all surgical aid. My only concern is for my antagonist's 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 279 
 
 safety. Isn't he here still ? Take him away — take him 
 away, Lorimer." 
 
 " Where's Mr Crutchet ? " asked Tradescant. . 
 
 " Here, sir," replied that personage. 
 
 " Gro with Herbert," said Tradescant. " Take him to 
 your own lodgings, till I see how this affair terminates." 
 
 " I don't think it likely to terminate very seriously, sir," 
 replied Crutchet, in an under-tone. 
 
 " I'm of a different opinion. Mr Wilkes, I fear, is mor- 
 tally wounded." 
 
 " He won't die of his present injuries, sir," rejoined 
 Crutchet. " It's all a trick. Don't you observe how easily 
 the other gentlemen take it ? Some of 'em are laughing. 
 The landlord is evidently in the plot. iVnd as to those 
 torchabearers, they don't seem to care a button about the 
 occurrence. A trick, sir, you may depend." 
 
 " By Heaven ! I believe you are right," cried Trades- 
 cant. " Yet how can it have been managed ? He must 
 have been hit. Ah ! I see ! Tom Potter gave them fresh 
 swords." 
 
 " Foils, I suspect, sir," rejoined Crutchet. 
 
 " That's soon found out," said Tradescant, snatching the 
 weapon which Herbert still held in his grasp, and feeling 
 the point. " You are right, Crutchet, it is a foil." 
 
 At this moment the voice of Sir Felix Bland was heard, 
 calling out, " Here's a surgeon ! Where's the wounded 
 man ? Where's Mr Wilkes ? " 
 
 " This way, Sir Felix ! " rejoined Tradescant. " This 
 way ! " 
 
 In another instant the little alderman became visible. 
 With him was a little man, habited in black, whom Trades- 
 cant and Crutchet at once recognized as Candish. He was 
 followed by a much taller and stouter personage, -wj-apped 
 in an ample cloak, and so muffled up about the face that his 
 features could not be discerned. Crutchet, however, had 
 some suspicions of the identity of the latter. 
 
 " You are come in good time. Sir Felix," said Trades- 
 cant. " Poor Mr Wilkes, I grieve to say, is dangerously 
 hurt." 
 
 " Sorry to hear it," rejoined the little alderman ; " but 
 here's a surgeon who will save him, if any man can." 
 
 " I'll do my best," rejoined Candish. " By your leave. 
 
280 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 gentlemen — by your leave ! " he added, pressing towards 
 "Wilkes. " Bring the torch this way." 
 
 "No; keep it ofF!" cried Wilkes. "The light dis- 
 tresses me dreadfully " 
 
 " You must put up with a little inconvenience," said Can- 
 dish. " Let me see the wound. Off with your shirt, sir," 
 
 " OfF with yourself," rejoined Wilkes. " Don't disturb 
 me. Let me die in peace." 
 
 "Excuse me, sir," said Candish, " my business is to pre- 
 vent you from dying. This to begin." And he proceeded 
 to tear open the other's shirt. 
 
 " Zounds, sir ! what are you about ? " roared "Wilkes. 
 
 "Hold him fast, sir!" said Candish to Tom Potter. 
 " Hold him fast, while I apply a potent styptic to the wound, 
 that will stanch the bleeding in no time." 
 
 " Curse your styptic ! " roared Wilkes. " I'll have none 
 of it." 
 
 "Patience, my good sir — patience," cried Candish. 
 " You are in my hands, and must submit to such treatment 
 as I may deem advisable. I won't disguise from you that 
 the application of this blue vitriol " — producing a phial as 
 he spoke — " will give you some pain ; but though sharp, it 
 will be momentary." 
 
 " Blue vitriol ! " exclaimed Wilkes. " Blue devils ! you 
 mean. Their chief seems to have visited me in person." 
 
 "Besides the blue vitriol," pursued Candish, "I have 
 powdered agaric, a very powerful astringent." 
 
 " Powdered agaric ! D'ye hear that ? " cried Tom Potter, 
 unable to refrain from laughing. " Apply the blue vitriol 
 and agaric at once, sir. I'll hold the patient." 
 
 "At your peril ! " roared Wilkes. "Let me go, Tom. 
 Zounds, this is carrying the jest too far." 
 
 "A jest, Mr Wilkes ! " exclaimed Candish. " Do you 
 think I would jest with a patient in your condition ? " 
 
 " In my condition ! " echoed Wilkes, breaking from 
 Potter. " 'Sdeath, sir ! I 'm as free from injury as yourself. 
 If you are what you profess, you ought to have discovered 
 my wound to be a mere sham." 
 
 "The discovery was needless, Mr Wilkes," rejoined 
 Candish. "I was aware of the deception from the first." 
 
 Loud laughter from those around, in which the torch- 
 bearers joined, followed this confession of the trick. 
 
THE LOKD MAYOR OF LONDON. 281 
 
 " It is a great relief to me to find you are imhurt, Mr 
 Wilkes," said Herbert; "but I should have had just reason 
 to complain, if you had let me depart under the impression 
 that T had killed you." 
 
 " I won't attempt to say anything in my defence," re- 
 joined Wilkes. " But I'm *glad you didn't go ; and as the 
 laugh has been decidedly against me, you will, perhaps, 
 feel disposed to forgive me." 
 
 " Readily," returned Herbert. " And now, let me add, 
 that I regret the observations I made upon you in the City 
 Mall, and at which you took umbrage." 
 
 " Enough," said Wilkes. " I am perfectly satisfied. 
 Animosity no longer exists on my part. Indeed, if you will 
 permit me, I shall be happy to become your friend, for I 
 admire your spirit." And he oflTered him his hand, which 
 Herbert cordially grasped. 
 
 " We ought to thank you for your interference. Sir 
 Felix," said Tom Potter, "since you have so pleasantly 
 terminated the affair." 
 
 " Nay, sir, you must thank Mr Candish," rejoined the 
 little alderman. " It's his doing — not mine." 
 
 " I have met Mr Candish before, I think," observed 
 Potter. " Were you not at Picard's when the bank was 
 broken, sir ? " 
 
 " I was," replied Candish. " I had reasons for going 
 there. But I mean it to be my last appearance in a gam- 
 ing-house." 
 
 " As it shall be mine," observed Tradescant. 
 
 " 'Tis a pity the Lord Mayor can't hear your praise- 
 worthy determination, Lorimer," remarked Tom Potter, 
 with a sneer. "It might have a good efl:ect upon him, and 
 reinstate you in his favour." 
 
 " The Lord Mayor did hear the observation, Mr Potter," 
 said the stout personage standing by Sir Felix, unmufiling 
 the lower part of his face as he spoke, and disclosing the 
 features of Sir Gresham. " The Lord Mayor did hear it, 
 sir," he repeated, " and it is likely to have the effect you 
 anticipate, since he believes it to be sincere. You may be 
 surprised to see me here, gentlemen," he continued, " and I 
 owe you some explanation of my presence. I am not here 
 to spy upon your actions, or to interfere with your proceed- 
 ings. But having learnt that a duel was to take place on 
 
282 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 this spot between my nephew and Mr "Wilkes, and suspect- 
 ing, I confess, from the strange locality chosen, and from 
 other reasons, which I need not particularize, that my ne- 
 phew was to be the victim of some wild frolic, I took pre- 
 cautions — not to prevent the meeting, for I felt perfectly 
 certain that Herbert was well able to defend his own honour 
 — but to counteract any trick, should such be intended. 
 These torchbearers are my men, and I trust Mr Tilbury 
 will not incur your displeasure for the slight assistance he 
 has rendered me in my scheme — assistance, I may add, 
 which he could not very well refuse." 
 
 " We ought to express regret at having brought your 
 lordship out at such an early hour, and on such a wretched 
 morning," rejoined "Wilkes ; "but any circumstance which 
 procures us the honour of your company must be gratifying 
 to the Capuchins, and we trust, since you are here, you 
 will do us the favour to stay and breakfast with us." 
 
 " I accept your invitation with great pleasure, Mr 
 Wilkes," replied Sir Grresham. " Though I should not have 
 ventured to sup with the jovial monks of St Francis, I am 
 not afraid t^ "breakfast with them. But you must let me 
 eat ana drink what I please." 
 
 " ' Fays ce que voudras' is our device," rejoined AVilkes. 
 " Tc'dr lordship shall do just what you will." 
 
 " Then I am with you," replied Sir Gresham ; "and the 
 sooner we sit down the better ; for, in spite of the fog, I 
 have a famous appetite." 
 
 "I am glad to hear it," replied Wilkes; " and I trust 
 Mr Tilbury will use you well." 
 
 " His lordship shall have the best my house can furn- 
 ish," replied Tilbury ; " but this is an honour I did not 
 expect." 
 
 " Make n% apologies, sir," said Sir Grresham ; " what 
 will do for the epicurean Capuchins may very well do for a 
 plain man like myself." 
 
 On this the whole party, lighted by the torchbearers, 
 returned to the house, where an excellent breakfast was 
 presently served, to which they sat down, and did full jus- 
 tice. Placed between Wilkes and Lord Sandwich, the Lord 
 Mayor laughed as heartily at the piquant sallies and di- 
 verting stories of the ugly wit as the great moralist, Dr 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 283 
 
 Johnson, did on the memorable occasion when he dined in 
 Wilkes's company. " Sir, there was no resisting the dog." 
 By the time the repast was over, the fog had cleared 
 off, so that the Lord Mayor and Sir Felix Bland had a 
 pleasant ride together to the Mansion House ; while Trades- 
 cant and Herbert, accompanied by Crutchet, found their 
 way back to Cheapside. 
 
 €v^ flf i\t «|irJi |iiflk. 
 
BOOK IV. 
 
 THE MANSION HOUSE. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 287 
 
 HOW THE MANSIOIT HOUSE WAS BUILT O'^ STOCKS-^MAHKET. 
 
 Considering the importance of the Corporation of the 
 City of London, the large funds at their disposal, their 
 fondness for show, and proverbial love of sumptuous ban- 
 quets and entertainments — considering, also, the quasi-regal 
 character of the Lord Mayor, the dignity he has to support, 
 the duties to perform, and the princely hospitality he is 
 bound to practise — considering the number of officers at- 
 tached to his household, and the splendour of his retinue, 
 it is scarcely credible that no fixed residence adapted to the 
 requirements of so great a personage, and enabling him to 
 exercise his high functions with becoming eifect, should have 
 been provided before the middle of the last century. 
 
 Yet so it was. Up to this date the Lord Mayor either 
 occupied his own house, which in very rare instances offered 
 adequate accommodation for his immense establishment, 
 while it necessarily restricted the size and frequency of his 
 entertainments, or he was compelled to use the hall of one 
 of the twelve great City companies — an alternative, as will 
 be apparent, fraught with many inconveniences. 
 
 Had we possessed a fine old mediaeval mansion, picture 
 esque in style, replete with historical associations, correspond- 
 ing in some measure with the grand municipal halls to be 
 met with on the Continent, or even with some of the ancient 
 halls of the City companies — had such a mansion as this ap- 
 pertained to the Lord Mayor, and had it luckily escaped the 
 conflagration of 1666, or been carefully restored or rebuilt, 
 — how infinitely preferable would it have been to the pre- 
 sent structure ! But it is useless to sigh for the impossible. 
 Let us be content with what we have got. 
 
 And now for the history of the present structure. In 
 
288 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 1739, during the mayoralty of the Eight Honourable Mica- 
 iah Perry, a resolution was come to by the municipal au- 
 thorities to erect a house for their chief, wherein he might 
 reside during his term of office, administer justice, uphold 
 the dignity and importance of the Corporation, and practise 
 the rites of hospitality in a manner commensurate with the 
 wishes of the feast-loving citizens of London. 
 
 Several sites were proposed for the intended structure — 
 amongst others, Moortields, and a space at the east end of 
 Paternoster-row, fronting Cheapside — but ultimately Stocks- 
 market, at the north-east corner of Walbrook, was selected 
 as being central, and contiguous to the Boyal Exchange and 
 the Bank of England. 
 
 Stocks-market, which derived its name from a pair of 
 stocks anciently set upon the spot for the punishment of 
 offenders, was one of the oldest markets in the city of 
 London, having been established in 1282 by Henry de Wal- 
 leis, then Mayor. Eew would imagine that on the place 
 where the ponderous Mansion House now stands, where 
 thousands upon thousands pass and repass, where the pave- 
 ment is always inconveniently crowded, and the street con- 
 stantly stopped by carriages and public conveyances, little 
 more than a century ago there was a pretty fruit-market, 
 planted on the east side with rows of trees, having an an- 
 tique conduit at the north end surmounted by an equestrian 
 statue, and stalls where fruit and vegetables of the choicest 
 kind were vended. An odd story is told about the equestrian 
 statue. It was designed for John Sobieski, King of Poland, 
 but was left on the maker's hands, and a statue of Charles 
 II. being wanted by Sir Kobert Viner after the Restoration, 
 he availed himself of this image with commendable thrift, 
 converting the warlike Pole into the Merry Monarch, and 
 the turbaned Turk, whom his horse was trampling beneath 
 its feet, into Oliver Cromwell. 
 
 Trees, stalls, conduit, and statue were removed in 1739. 
 
 On digging the foundation of the proposed building, the 
 ground proved to be so full of springs that strong piles w^ere 
 needed for the support of the erection. Nearly fourteen 
 years were occupied in the work — the first Lord Mayor who 
 tenanted the Mansion House being Sir Crisp Grascoigne, in 
 1753. 
 
 Built of Portland stone, and possessing a noble portico 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 289 
 
 of Corinthian columns, supporting a heavy pediment adorned 
 with a bas-relief symbolical of the wealth and dignity of 
 London ; lighted by two tiers of large and well-proportioned 
 windows beneath the portico, and by a lesser tier above it ; 
 with a grand entrance, approached on either side by a lofty 
 flight of steps, protected by a balustrade ; with a massive 
 rustic basement, in the midst of which is a door leading to 
 the kitchen and other offices, — the structure may be said to 
 present an imposing if not a handsome fa9ade. On either 
 side, between Corinthian pilasters, is an immense Venetian 
 window belonging to the Egyptian Hall. 
 
 At the period of which we write, and for many years 
 afterwards, the roof was loaded with a heavy and unsightly 
 upper story, termed, in derision, the " Mare's (Mayor's) 
 Nest ; " but this has been judiciously taken down, to the 
 great improvement in the appearance of the building. The 
 situation is too low and confined for a structure of such 
 magnitude. 
 
 Passing through the grand entrance we come upon a 
 spacious saloon — one of the finest features of the interior — 
 adorned with Corinthian pillars, enriched by a carved wain- 
 scoting representing warlike implements, and lighted from 
 above by a large dome and two lesser domes. At the south 
 €nd of this lordly saloon lies the Egyptian Hall, so called 
 because it was built after a design by Vitruvius bearing that 
 designation. This is really a magnificent banqueting-hall, 
 and worthy of the Lord Mayor. Upwards of ninety feet 
 in length and sixty in breadth, it occupies the entire width 
 of the house, and is lighted by the two great Venetian 
 windows previously referred to. 
 
 On either side of the stately chamber are eight immense 
 Corinthian columns, w^ith two half columns of the same 
 order at each end. Between the larger pillars are now 
 placed pieces of sculpture, and when prepared for some 
 grand entertainment, richly decorated, brilliantly illumin- 
 ated, and filled with company, the efiect of the hall is ex- 
 traordinarily fine. 
 
 In this gorgeous banqueting-chamber are dispensed the 
 hospitalities of the Corporation of the City of London, on 
 a scale of splendour and prodigality not to be surpassed. 
 Here its wealth of plate is displayed. Here the costliest 
 delicacies and the choicest wines are abundantly supplied. 
 
290 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Here come the prince, the peer, the popular statesman, the 
 great lawyer, the eminent divine, the naval and military 
 commander, the foreign potentate and ambassador. Here 
 the civic authorities are at home, and vie with their chief in 
 attention to the City's guests. Since the first banquet 
 given here in 1753 by Sir Crisp G-ascoigne, how many state 
 dinners have been served in this superb hall, how many 
 illustrious orators spoken within it — with what hosts have 
 its tables been crowded, and with what deafening cheers 
 have its walls resounded ! 
 
 The principal apartments on the first floor are the 
 Justice-room, the Swordbearer's-room, and a room called 
 "Wilkes's Parlour, after the personage introduced in this 
 story, who became at a later period of his career, during the 
 mayoralty of his friend Crosby,'more particularly identified 
 with the Mansion House. The ball-room was formerly in 
 the upper story. The state-rooms are handsome, but heavy 
 and gloomy. The interior of the house may be described 
 as a quadrangle built around the grand saloon, and con- 
 nected by chambers and galleries. 
 
 Such is the residence provided by the City of London 
 for their chief magistrate, at a cost of nearly £71,000. The 
 plate cost more than £11,000, and the stock must be 
 enormous, since an outlay of £500 in the purchase of plate 
 is incumbent upon each Lord Mayor. 
 
 IL 
 
 HOW THE LOED MATOB TOOK POSSESSION OF THE MAKSIOIT 
 HOUSE, AND HOW HE DISCHAEGED HIS OFEICIAL DUTIES. 
 
 Foe some months the Lord Mayor had now occupied 
 the Mansion House. 
 
 Had he possessed no other merit than that of being a 
 sumptuous host, Sir Gresham Lorimer would probably have 
 been nearly as popular as he was with a set of men who, 
 like the Corporation of the City of London, regarded un- 
 bounded hospitality as the first of virtues ; but as his many 
 good qualities became generally known, he rose in the esteem 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 291 
 
 of all classes of his fellow-citizens. If lie enjoyed all the 
 pomps and pleasures of his high office, and revelled in its 
 sweets, he at the same time shunned none of its labours and 
 cares, but discharged his duties zealously and w^ell. 
 
 Every claim which the public could have upon him was 
 fulfilled. In turn he attended the several courts of judica- 
 ture at which he was required to preside — the Hustings, 
 the Court of Bequests, the Lord Mayor's Court, the Court 
 of City Orphans, the Court of Common Council, the 
 Chamberlain's Court, and others, the mere enumeration of 
 which would be tedious. 
 
 Beset as he was by a multiplicity of affairs, having 
 many important questions to decide and many differences to 
 adjust. Sir Gresham's judgment was generally correct, and 
 his manner ever calm and conciliatory. Whether he had to 
 receive the inquest of the City wards on Plough Monday ; 
 to go in state to the church of St Lawrence, Guildhall, on 
 the first Sunday in Epiphany ; to present an address to the 
 throne in his gold gown, and attended by the Corporation ; 
 to proceed in state to Temple-bar and admit the heralds 
 when war was proclaimed against Spain, and to cause the 
 proclamation to be read at the Boyal Exchange and else- 
 where in the City, — whatever he had to do, he did it effici- 
 ently and well. The City was proud of him, and with reason. 
 
 Moreover, Sir Gresham's kindness and generosity endear- 
 ed him to many who only approached him to seek assistance 
 or relief Easily accessible, he readily granted an audience 
 to all who desired to see him, his best advice being given to 
 those who sought it, while his affability and consideration 
 were such, that though an applicant might be disappointed, 
 he could not be offended. 
 
 Such, we may add, was the course pursued by Sir Grea- 
 ham Lorimer throughout the whole term of his mayoralty. 
 
 On all hands it was acknowledged that the civic chair 
 had never been more worthily filled than by its present oc- 
 cupant. High and low spoke well of him. All the dis- 
 tinguished personages with whom he came in contact, or 
 whom it was his pride and privilege to entertain, were un- 
 animous in his praise. 
 
 With the Sheriffs, the Aldermen, the Common-Council- 
 men, the Becorder, the Chamberlain, the Common-Serjeant, 
 the Bemembrancer, and all other officials immediately con- 
 
292 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 nected with him, he was equally popular. His enemies 
 were few, his friends numberJess. 
 
 The Lord Mayor's removal from his private residence to 
 the Mansion House took place about a week after his instal- 
 lation. The Lady Mayoress and Millicent went with him, 
 of course ; and Prue, notwithstanding her aunt's opposition, 
 was included in the party. Rooms were also assigned to 
 Lady Dawes and Mrs Chatteris. Indeed, as Captain Chat- 
 teris was playing at hide and seek with his creditors, it be- 
 hoved his wife — at least she thought so — to place herself 
 under her father's protection. 
 
 The almost regal state kept up at the Mansion House, 
 the vast retinue of servants, the receptions, the frequent 
 and superb entertainments, suited the Lady Mayoress and 
 her elder daughters exactly. "We cannot say they were 
 particularly popular with their guests, tlie airs of superiority 
 they gave themselves being well-nigh insupportable ; but as 
 their object was to overawe rather than to please, they may 
 be said to have succeeded. 
 
 Assisted by her daughters, the Lady Mayoress kept up a 
 kind of court, held levees and drawing-rooms, and had other 
 receptions, to which all who paid her sufficient homage were 
 invited, but from which those who incurred her displeasure 
 were rigorously excluded. But these ostentatious displays 
 w^re confined to the City folk. When ladies of rank hon- 
 oured the Mansion House with their presence, they w^ere 
 received with overweening attention by its haughty mistress 
 and her daughters. Lady Lorimer knew how to discriminate, 
 she said, between really great people and pretenders, and 
 sometimes submitted patiently to rudenesses equal to those 
 she inflicted on others. 
 
 It Avas an amusing sight, on the evening of some grand 
 entertainment, to see her ladyship in the plenitude of her 
 charms, arrayed in all her finery, powdered, feathered, and 
 loaded with jewels, with her two elder daughters standing 
 beside her equally richly attired, and blazing in diamonds 
 • — it was amusing, we say, to see her as the different present- 
 ations were made, with what haughtiness she would return 
 the courtesies of some wealthy citizen's wife and daughters, 
 scarcely deigning to look at them, and what delight and 
 empressement she manifested at the approach of a titled 
 dame. 
 
rPIE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 293 
 
 As her ladyship's days passed in a constant routine of 
 this sort, and as she enjoyed some of the pleasures of sove- 
 reignty without any of its cares, she was for the time 
 supremely happy. No doubt there were drawbacks to her 
 entire felicity ; but which of her sex, however fortunate or 
 highly placed, can say she is perfectly happy ? Lady Lori- 
 mer had. reached the highest point of her ambition. Hom- 
 age, little short of that offered to royalty, was paid her on 
 all hands, not by the citizens merely, but by the most dis- 
 tinguished personages of the land ; adulation, the most ful- 
 some or the most refined, equally acceptable in either case, 
 was lavished upon her. She was, unquestionably, the first 
 lady in the City, and second to few out of it, she thought. 
 At the Mansion House she was supreme, and when she 
 went abroad in her superb chariot she attracted, or supposed 
 she attracted, universal attention. "What was left to attain ? 
 Her sole regret was that such a state of things could not 
 endure for ever, and that a time must come — a great deal too 
 soon! — when she would be dethroned — when this palace 
 would be another Lady Mayoress's palace, and when all 
 these bowing crowds, passing her by, would offer their in- 
 cense to the new divinity. She wisely resolved, therefore, 
 to make the most of her time. 
 
 Lady Dawes and Mrs Chatteris were just as happy as 
 herself Ever with their mother, they emulated, if not 
 eclipsed, her splendour, shared her triumphs, and did not 
 neglect to make conquests of their own at the same time. 
 One or other always accompanied the Lady Mayoress in 
 her chariot when she went abroad, and both being ex- 
 tremely handsome women, and magnificently dressed, they 
 drew many an admiring eye to the splendid equipage. 
 
 Thus the days passed pleasantly with both ladies — so 
 pleasantly, that, like the Lady Mayoress, they quite dreaded 
 their termination, and, like her, determined to enjoy the 
 passing moment. 
 
 Mrs Chatteris was so much engrossed by the round of 
 amusements in which she was engaged, and had so many 
 other distractions, that she had seldom a thought to bestow 
 on poor dear absent Tom. 
 
 Millicent and Prue likewise greatly enjoyed their resi- 
 dence at the Mansion House. Perhaps there was rather 
 too much form and ceremony for them — perhaps, also, the 
 
294 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 entertainments were too frequent, and on too grand a scale 
 to suit them — still there was so much excitement and 
 variety, that they could not fail to be pleased. 
 
 As almost everybody of consequence was invited at 
 some time or other to the Mansion House, the two girls 
 had an opportunity of seeing most of the celebrities of the 
 day, and in some instances of becoming acquainted with 
 them; and as by this time Milly had got rid in a great 
 measure of her shyness, while Prue was lively and talkative 
 enough, both were very much admired — more so, indeed, 
 than was altogether agreeable to Lady Dawes and Mrs 
 Chatteris, who wondered what people could see in either of 
 them. 
 
 Little attention was shown them by the Lady Mayoress, 
 who did not attempt to conceal her dislike of her niece ; 
 but this neglect was more than repaired by Sir Gresham, 
 who took especial pains to bring them forward, introducing 
 everybody to them whom he thought they would like to 
 know. 
 
 Let us add, that their amiability and good nature 
 soothed and conciliated many who were offended by the 
 haughtiness of the Lady Mayoress and her elder daughters. 
 
 III. 
 
 A CHANGE IS OBSERVABLE IK PEUE. 
 
 OjN'e circumstance connected with his niece struck the 
 Lord Mayor as singular, and he did not very well know 
 how to account for it. 
 
 No sooner was she launched into society than she be- 
 came easy and well bred. Her rusticity disappeared as if 
 by magic. Either she required no instruction, or there was 
 nothing to teach. Heightened by the rich attire, for which 
 she was indebted to the kindness of her uncle, her charms 
 of person seemed to improve, and her deportment was so 
 graceful that Sir Gresham could not help commenting 
 upon it. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 295 
 
 **"Wliy, where have you learnt all those graces, niece ? " 
 he said. " You don't look like a country girl at all. I 
 didn't suppose you had seen society enough at York to 
 form your manner as it seems formed? " 
 
 " You flatter me, uncle," she replied, hlushing. " Since 
 my arrival in town you have given me abundant oppor- 
 tunities for observation, and I have had my eyes about me, 
 I can assure you." 
 
 " You have used them to some purpose," replied the 
 Lord Mayor. 
 
 Tradescant was quite as much surprised as his father by 
 Prue's sudden and remarkable alteration of manner, and its 
 effect upon him was stronger than on Sir Gresham. But 
 if the young man thought her wonderfully improved in 
 some respects, there was one change which he did not con- 
 sider was for the better — she was decidedly more distant 
 towards him, and though amiable as ever, sought to make 
 him understand that if he fancied she felt any tender 
 interest in him he was mistaken. 
 
 " Deuce take the girl ! I can't understand her," he 
 mentally ejaculated. " There's no denying that she looks 
 handsomer and more refined than she used to do, but I 
 liked her better as she was." 
 
 If we could suspect Prue of any design of fixing her 
 once fickle, and it might be still inconstant cousin, no better 
 plan could have been devised than that which she pursued. 
 In proportion as she became cold and distant Tradescant's 
 ardour increased, until at last the anticipated crisis arrived, 
 and the conquering girl had him at her feet. He told her 
 in the most passionate terms that he loved her, that he had 
 never loved any one but herself, and could not exist with- 
 out her. 
 
 Prue laughed outright at this declaration, which was 
 made during an evening party at the Mansion House in 
 one of the galleries leading to the ball-room, and told him, 
 in reply, that, in spite of his professions, she was by no 
 means sure of his sincerity ; that as to his assertion that 
 she was the first object on which his heart had been fixed, 
 she knew that to be false ; and before she could give him 
 the faintest hope of a return of regard she must have proof 
 of his constancy. 
 
 What proof did she require ? he asked. Her answer 
 
296 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 was, that she would consider and let him know. But» 
 when subsequently pressed, she refused to decide, so that 
 Tradescant was as far from the attainment of his wishes as 
 ever. 
 
 But the flame now raging in his breast was fanned into 
 fury from another quarter. A girl so handsome as Prue 
 could not fail to attract admirers. She had plenty, and 
 some of them, though they received no more encouragement 
 than Tradescant — perhaps not half so much — paid lier 
 marked attention. It soon became quite clear tliat it only 
 rested with herself to make a very advantageous match, 
 and one love-sick swain, a good-looking youth, and of good 
 expectations, the son of Alderman Cracraft, applied to the 
 Lord Mayor, entreating him to plead his cause with his 
 niece. 
 
 In compliance with the young spark's request. Sir 
 Gresham broached the matter to Prue, but her reply was 
 such as at once to crush the aspirant's hopes. 
 
 "When her uncle, with evidently warm interest, inquired 
 whether her affections were entirely disengaged, she blush- 
 ed, and begged him not to question her too closely. So 
 Sir Gresham discreetly forbore. 
 
 Amongst those who accompanied the Lord Mayor to 
 the Mansion House was Candish. The old man was placed 
 upon the household, and proved so trustworthy and service- 
 able, that he was regarded by the Lord Mayor as his right 
 hand. 
 
 lY. 
 
 HOW TRADESCANT BEGAINED HIS FATHEe's FAYOUE. 
 
 Teadescant and Herbert still lodged at the house in 
 Cheapside, though they dined daily at the Lord Mayor's 
 table, and rarely missed any entertainments given at the 
 Mansion House. 
 
 Prom the period at which we last left him to the time 
 when wo resume our story, Tradescant had been seduloua 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 297 
 
 in attention to business, and had become so steady and in- 
 dustrious, that there seemed little danger of a relapse into 
 his former idle courses. Manfully resisting all temptations 
 to which he was exposed — and they were not few — he stuck 
 to his post, and soon mastering the details of the business, 
 took upon himself the management of the concern, and, if 
 Crutchet's word were to be taken, conducted it as well as 
 Sir Gresham himself could have done. 
 
 Long before this, we need scarcely say, a reconciliation 
 had taken place between the reformed prodigal and his 
 father. Crutchet had not failed to acquaint Sir Gresham 
 with his son's regular attention to business, and Candish 
 had satisfied him that the young man had abandoned all his 
 idle and profligate courses. Nevertheless, Sir Gresham 
 gave no sign of relenting until sufficient time had elapsed 
 to afford reasonable assurance that his son's reformation 
 was complete. 
 
 One day, when Tradescant was alone in the room ad- 
 joining the counting-house, in which he now constantly sat, 
 and busily engaged in making up some accounts, Sir Gres- 
 ham entered with Crutchet, and closed the door softly 
 after him. Not being aware tliat it w^as his father who hail 
 come in, Tradescant continued his work without looking up. 
 
 " There, sir, there's a sight to do you good ! " whispered 
 Crutchet. 
 
 Sir Gresham made no reply, for his heart was too full 
 to allow him to speak. 
 
 A moment afterwards Tradescant raised his eyes, and 
 perceiving his father, started up and threw himself at his 
 feet. 
 
 " Have I your forgiveness, sir ? " he cried. " Am I once 
 more your son? " 
 
 "Again my son, and dearer to me than ever," replied 
 the Lord Mayor, raising him and tenderly embracing him. 
 " Oh, Tradescant, what joy it is to find you thus worthily 
 employed ! How great is my satisfaction in this change ! 
 Come to my heart, my dear boy ! — come to my heart ! '* 
 And he strained him once more to his breast. 
 
 For some moments there was a silence, which was 
 broken at last by a sort of hysterical laugh proceeding from 
 Crutchet, who vainly attempted to call out " huzza ! " and 
 almost choked himself by the effort. 
 
298 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Grive me your hand, Crutchet — give me your hand ! " 
 said the Lord Mayor, in a voice of deep emotion. " I owe 
 my boy's restoration mainly to you." 
 
 " Yes, sir, I owe more to Mr Crutchet than I shall ever 
 be able to repay," said Tradescant. "Had I listened to 
 him you would never have had any cause of complaint 
 against me. I will make no professions ; but you may 
 believe me when I affirm that I am heartily ashamed of my 
 follies — to give them their mildest term — and that I will 
 never repeat them." 
 
 " Say no more ! — say no more ! — I am perfectly satis- 
 fied," cried Sir Gresham. " All is forgiven — all shall be 
 forgotten." 
 
 " I shall never forget this scene to my dying day," said 
 Crutchet, taking off his spectacles, and applying a handker- 
 chief to his eyes. 
 
 " A word more ere I dismiss this subject for ever," pur- 
 sued the Lord Mayor. " All your debts are paid, so that 
 you are free from embarrassment of any kind." 
 
 " As I trust henceforward to remain ! " exclaimed 
 Tradescant. 
 
 " Gro on as you have begun," continued his father. 
 " Attend to business as sedulously as you are now doing, 
 and in another year you shall be master of this concern." 
 
 " Promise me nothing till you find I deserve it, sir,'* 
 replied Tradescant. " But if I can place any dependence 
 on myself I won't disappoint you." 
 
 " He won't, Sir Grresham, I'm sure he won't," said 
 Crutchet. 
 
 " I believe you," said the Lord Mayor. " And now, go 
 1o work, my boy, and Grod bless you ! " 
 
 This was all that passed between them on the subject. 
 
THE LOED MAYOR OF LONDON. 299 
 
 IN WHICH TRADESCANT CO:JfFIDES THE STATE OE HIS AEFEC- 
 TIONS TO CllUTCHET ; AND EROM AVHICH IT WOULD APPEAR 
 THAT HERBERT MUST BE TAKING 10 IDLE HABITS. 
 
 Months went by and found no change in Tradescant. 
 The business improved under his management, and every 
 one in the establishment was obliged to confess that a better 
 system and more regularity had been introduced since he 
 bad assumed the control of affairs. 
 
 " Why, sir, you're a genius ! a positive genius ! " ex- 
 claimed the delighted Crutchet, as they were talking over a 
 successful transaction one morning in the room behind the 
 counting-house. " You've done wonders. I always knew 
 it was in you, but I feared I mightn't live to see it brought 
 out." 
 
 "Ah! my good old " friend ! " rejoined Tradescant, "I 
 hope you may live to see me realize all your kindly expect- 
 ations. But I owe this to you. What should I have 
 been without you ? " 
 
 " Well, I did the best I could — that I can safely say," 
 rejoined Crutchet ; " but though I had the will I hadn't 
 exactly the power. No, sir, the person who made you 
 what you now are is your cousin Prue. She did it, sir — 
 she alone — no one else can claim any merit." 
 
 " I feel how much I owe her," sighed Tradescant. 
 
 "Then why not show your gratitude, sir? — why not 
 make her some return ? " 
 
 " So I would, if I knew how, Crutchet." 
 
 "I'll tell you how, sir. Take her to Bow Church, 
 where your father and mother were married. Bring her 
 back here as your bride." 
 
 " I should like nothing better, Crutchet," responded the 
 young man. 
 
 "Then do it without delay." 
 
 " But I don't think she likes me. Ever since she went 
 to the Mansion House she has been extraordinarily cool 
 
300 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 towards me — quite changed — and repels my advances in a 
 way that almost distracts me." 
 
 "Don't be disheartened, sir. Put the question to her in 
 a plain, straightforward, business-like manner that can't be 
 misunderstood, and she'll say ' yes ' readily enough, I'll 
 warrant her." 
 
 " I have put the question several times, Cnitchet, and 
 have been as constantly baffled. She won't give me a 
 direct answer, so that I am just where I was at first. For 
 the last three months she has led me a pretty dance, and 
 more than once I've resolved to break with her, but I never 
 can. I did think of absenting myself from the Mansion 
 House to-day, but I should be wretched if I did so. Not 
 having seen much of her of late, you don't know what a 
 fine lady she has become, and how surprisingly handsome 
 she looks. I almost wish she were not so good-looking, for 
 «he attracts a host of admirers, and one of them may carry 
 her off. It's true she has refused young Cracraft, and Mr 
 Deputy Hodges, and half a dozen others, I believe." 
 
 " She'll refuse 'em all," rejoined Crutchet. " She meana 
 to have you, and no one else — only she'll take her own time 
 about it." 
 
 " I wish I could persuade myself so," observed Trades- 
 cant ; " but I can't free myself from anxiety." 
 
 " It's the nature of lovers to be anxious, sir — at least, 
 so I've heard, for I can't speak from experience, never having 
 been in love myself But cheer up ! all will come right in 
 the end. If you want an advocate with Miss Prue — 
 though I don't think one can be needed — why don't you 
 enlist your sister in your behalf?" 
 
 " I've tried to do so, but Milly declines to interfere." 
 
 " Then, take my word, it's a plan made up between 'em. 
 Miss Prue is playing with you as a fisherman plays with a 
 trout he has safely hooked — but try to escape, and she'll 
 land you fast enough." 
 
 " If I thought so ! — But no ! I daren't make the 
 attempt." 
 
 There was a pause, after which Crutchet remarked with 
 some hesitation, " Talking of Miss Prue, sir, have you re- 
 marked that her brother is not quite so attentive to busi- 
 ness as he used to be ? " 
 
 " I have noticed the change, Crutchet — much to my 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 301 
 
 regret — though I've said nothing about it to you. I hope 
 Herbert isn't going to take the part I've thrown up." 
 
 " Mercy on us ! I hope not," exclaimed Crutchet, with 
 a countenance of surprise and alarm. " But what makes 
 you have any such fear ? " 
 
 " I'll tell you. He has lately become intimate with Mr 
 Wilkes, Tom Potter, and the set who helped to get me into 
 difficulties, and if he doesn't take care they'll entangle him." 
 
 '• He hasn't much to lose, that's one comfort, sir," ob- 
 served Crutchet. 
 
 " True," replied Tradescant ; " but neither had I, and 
 yet — I shame to say it ! — I managed to get rid of a vast 
 deal of money." 
 
 " Mr Herbert won't have the same chance, sir, I shan't 
 lend him any." 
 
 " I hope not, Crutchet. Take care of what you've got, 
 and never risk it again. But I sincerely trust he won't 
 become a gamester, or take to dissolute ways. I regard 
 him as a brother, and should feel it deeply if he went 
 wrong." 
 
 " I think you may make yourself easy about the gam- 
 bling, sir. Mr Herbert's a great deal too cautious, in my 
 opinion, to play deeply, or to play at all. Neither do I 
 think it likely, from his general habits, that he wall plunge 
 into any excesses, but what I lament is that he has begun 
 to show a decided distaste for business — that he dresses 
 more extravagantly than he used to do, and gives himself 
 more airs." 
 
 "Bad symptoms, Crutchet — bad symptoms!" exclaimed 
 Tradescant. After a pause, as if he had suddenly formed a 
 resolution, he added, " I'll speak to him. Is he in the 
 counting-house now ? " 
 
 " Lord love you ! no, sir — not he ! He seldom makes 
 his appearance before twelve o'clock, and not always then. 
 But you'll find him in his own room, if you want to see 
 him. His valet, Tiplady — your valet once, sir — came down 
 a short time ago, to inquire for letters and the morning 
 paper, and said his master was then at his toilette." 
 
 " At his toilette at this hour ! AVhy, he's as bad as I 
 was. And then to think of his engaging that pert rascal, 
 Tip, whom I was only too glad to get rid of! What does a 
 man of business want with a valet 't " 
 
302 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " I'm sure I can't tell, sir," replied Cruteliet. " I don't 
 want one, and if I did, I should certainly never engage such 
 a conceited coxcomb as Tiplady." 
 
 " Come with me to this silly fellow's room, Crutchet, 
 and let us try to reason him out of his folly." 
 
 " With all my heart, sir," replied the other. 
 
 YI. 
 
 TEL MAITRE, TEL VALET. 
 
 Since the Lord Mayor's removal to the Mansion House, 
 a suite of handsome apartments had been allotted to Her- 
 bert, and in one of these Tradescaat and Crutchet found 
 Tiplady lolling upon a sofa, and reading the morning paper. 
 The valet either did not hear them enter, or pretended not 
 to do so, for he continued his occupation, until Tradescant 
 called out, " "When you have finished with the newspaper, 
 sirrah, I will thank you to let your master know that Mr 
 Crutchet and myself desire to speak with him." 
 
 "Pray excuse me, sir," replied the unabashed valet, 
 springing to his feet and bowing. Tiplady, we may remark, 
 was very smartly attired in one of the suits of clothes be- 
 stowed upon him by Tradescant. Still keeping his eye 
 upon the paper, he went on : "I was reading the list of the 
 eminent personages who kissed hands at St James's yester- 
 day, on being created English peers. I delight in court 
 news, sir. Shall I run over the list ? " 
 
 Tradescant replied by a gesture of impatience. 
 
 " Here's a piece of intelligence that can't fail to interest 
 you, sir," pursued the imperturbable valet. " ' AppEOACH-iNa 
 Festivities at the Mansion House. The Easter Ban- 
 quet, we understand, will be on a scale of unprecedented 
 magnificence. Their Eoyal Highnesses the Dukes of York 
 and Cumberland, with the First Lord of the Treasury and 
 the rest of the Cabinet Ministers, and several of the chief 
 nobility, will honour the Lord Mayor with their company 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 303 
 
 on tbe occasion. The Ball to be given by the Lady Mayoress 
 will be unusually brilliant.' " 
 
 " Put down tbe paper, rascal, and do as I have bidden 
 you," cried Tradescant. 
 
 " Allow me to read you one more interesting para- 
 graph," persevered the valet. " This is worth listening to. 
 
 ' CUEIOUS CoNrESSIOjS" — A Man WEOIf GPULLY IMPEISOKED. 
 
 — James Archer, recently executed at Chester for forgery, 
 confessed that the crime that weighed heaviest on his con- 
 science was having been instrumental in causing the wrong- 
 ful imprisonment of a fellow-clerk. As the circumstance 
 occurred nearly forty years ago, and the unfortunate man 
 is presumed to be dead, it is too late to make any re- 
 paration for the terrible injury done him.' There's more of 
 it, sir." 
 
 " I won't hear it," cried Tradescant, snatching the paper 
 from him. " Go to your master at once." 
 
 " There's no sort of hurry, sir," replied Tiplady. " My 
 master won't have done dressing for ten minutes." 
 
 " Tell him I'm here, and that will make him more expe- 
 ditious." 
 
 " I don't think it will, sir. He's nearly as particular 
 about his toilette as you used to be when you were — I beg 
 pardon, sir — I was merely about to observe, that my master 
 generally takes his time." 
 
 " So do you, rascal," cried Tradescant, " and that of 
 other people as well. Do as I bid you without delay, or I'll 
 quicken your movements." 
 
 " I'm extremely reluctant to disturb my master," re- 
 joined Tiplady. " But I suppose I must do it." 
 
 And moving leisurely towards the door of an inner 
 chamber, he went in. 
 
 " And this is the way, I suppose, that that impudent 
 puppy treated people when he served me," remarked Trades- 
 cant. " A proof, I fear, that in his master I shall find a 
 reflex of my former self." 
 
 Crutch et said nothing, but shook his head ominously. 
 At this moment Tiplady reappeared. 
 " Just as I expected, sir," said the valet. " My master 
 has made but little progress with his toilette, and will be 
 obliged to detain you longer than may be agreeable. Some 
 
304 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 otHer time, perhaps, may suit you better. Excessively 
 sorry, sir — excessively sorry ! " he added, looking as if he 
 wished to bow them out. 
 
 But in this he was disappointed, for Tradescant threw 
 himself on the sofa, saying, " I will wait. I mean to see 
 him now." 
 
 "Quite right, sir," observed Crutchet, in a tone of 
 approval. 
 
 " But my master is expecting a gentleman to call upon 
 him every minute, sir — every minute," rejoined the valet. 
 
 " The rascal evidently wants to get rid of us," observed 
 Tradescant aside to Crutchet. " Tlarkye, sirrah ! " he added 
 to Tiplady. " Whom does your master expect ? Mr Potter, 
 or Mr "Wilkes, eh ? " 
 
 " J^o, sir, but both those gentlemen were here yesterday. 
 Odd, sir, that most of your old acquaintance should now be 
 my master's acquaintance ! But the gentleman he now ex- 
 pects is a stranger — a Mr Winter — from Yorkshire, I be- 
 lieve, sir," 
 
 " Winter ! I never heard of him," rejoined Tradescant. 
 " Who and what is he ? " 
 
 " Oh tud, sir, I can't enlighten you ; but I believe he's 
 elderly, and my master told me to be particularly civil to 
 him — that's all I know." 
 
 " Well, perhaps we shall see him," observed Tradescant. 
 
 " Then you are determined to wait, sir ? " 
 
 " Quite determined. I shan't stir till I see your 
 master." 
 
 "Very good, sir. But suppose Mr Winter should 
 come? " 
 
 " Suppose he should ! Show him into another room." 
 
 " Contrary to orders, sir. I was expressly told to bring 
 him here. If you want a private interview, I would really 
 recommend you to postpone it to a more convenient oppor- 
 tunity. After my master has done with Mr Winter, he is 
 going with Sir Pelix Bland to St Mary-axe, to call on Mrs 
 Walworth and her daughter." 
 
 " What ! has he renewed his intimacy with them ? " cried 
 Tradescant. 
 
 " Perhaps I ought not to have mentioned it," replied 
 Tiplady ; " but i'faith ! my master is very attentive to Miss 
 Walworth, and it wouldn't surprise me," taking out a snuff- 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 305 
 
 box and helping himself to a pinch of rappee, " it wouldn't 
 surprise me if they made a match of it, after all." 
 
 "But it would surprise me, rascal," cried Tradescant,, 
 angrily. " And I desire you won't take any more liberties 
 with your master's name, or with that of any lady with 
 whom he may be acquainted. Leave the room instantl}^, sir." 
 
 And seeing he was in earnest, the valet thought proper 
 to comply, though he marched out very consequentially. 
 
 " I hope this last piece of information is not correct," ob- 
 served Tradescant. " I should be sorry if Herbert were to 
 marry Alice Walworth. I had other views in regard to him." 
 
 " I can partly guess what they w^ere," said Crutchet ; 
 " and I trust they may yet be realized." 
 
 At this moment the door of the inner room opened, and 
 the young gentleman under discussion came forth. 
 
 YII. 
 
 IN WHICH TRADESCATfT READS HERBERT A LECTURE. 
 
 Herbert looked extremely well, and had now quite the 
 air of a man of fashion. There was no foppery in his man- 
 ner, but he was attired in a light-blue velvet coat laced with 
 silver, and having silver button-holes, and the rest of his 
 costume was equally elegant. 
 
 " I must apologize for detaining you," he said, saluting 
 them, " but I was in the very midst of my toilette when you 
 were announced." 
 
 " I must compliment you upon the result, Herbert," re- 
 plied Tradescant. " You put us quiet folk to shame. You 
 and I seem to have changed parts like two actors in a 
 comedy." 
 
 " Eaith, it looks very much like it," replied Herbert. 
 " Your former valet. Tip, is now my valet. Your former 
 tailor, Buckmaster, is now my tailor. Your friseur, Le 
 Gros, is my perruquier. And some of your old friends are 
 now my friends." 
 
 " The latter, I fear, will do vou no good," replied Trades- 
 20" 
 
806 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 cant gravely. *' You once cautioned me against them, Her- 
 bert, and in return I caution you." 
 
 " I find them very amusing," said Herbert. 
 
 " Yes, they are amusing, I admit, but therein lies the 
 danger. They'll soon laugh you out of your good habits and 
 principles, lead you into a hundred needless expenses, make 
 you ashamed of your business, and teach you to game." 
 
 " Oh no, they've tried that," replied Herbert, " but it 
 won't do with me. Now and then, indeed, I play a rubber 
 at whist — but never for more than guinea points." 
 
 " Gruinea points ! " exclaimed Crutchet, holding up his 
 hands. " Monstrous ! " 
 
 " And then I never bet — so I can't lose much." 
 
 " Excuse me, Herbert," said Tradescant, with increasing 
 gravity, " if I venture to tell you that your present mode of 
 life is irreconcilable with the situation you occupy in this 
 house, and that something more is expected from you by my 
 father than you seem inclined to perform." 
 
 " Very justly remarked, sir — very justly remarked," ob- 
 served Crutchet. 
 
 " Eeally, my dear Tradescant," said Herbert, in a care- 
 less tone, " if the object of your visit was merely to read me 
 a lecture, you needn't have given yourself the trouble to 
 wait so long. Any other time would have done for its de- 
 livery. You manage the concern so admirably yourself, that 
 I am relieved from the necessity of any particular attention 
 to it." 
 
 " There you're wrong, sir," observed Crutchet. " There's 
 plenty for you to do, if you will but do it." 
 
 " I am fully equal to the management of the concern, 
 Herbert," said Tradescant, " but that is not the point. You 
 must either work or play — take your choice. My father, as 
 you are aware, at the end of the year, contemplates taking 
 you into partnership — or rather, I imagine, retiring, and 
 leaving the concern to me and you. Self-interest, then, 
 must make it clear that you are pursuing the wrong course 
 at present, and may forfeit the chance." 
 
 " I am greatly beholden to my uncle for his considera- 
 tion," pursued Herbert, " and also to you, Tradescant; but 
 I scarcely think I shall take advantage of the offer." 
 
 " What, decline a partnership in one of the first houses 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 307 
 
 in the City ! " exclaimed Crutchet. " Such folly is in- 
 credible." 
 
 " What on earth do you mean to do ? " demanded 
 Tradescant. 
 
 " Hum ! — I hardly know. Perhaps marry." 
 
 " Go through the same process that I did with Alice 
 Walworth, eh — and experience the same result ? " 
 
 " No, I shall go more prudently to work than you did. 
 So you have heard that I have renewed my intimacy in that 
 quarter, eh ? Alice and I have made up our differences, and 
 are better friends than ever." 
 
 " And can you really think of marrying her, Herbert ? " 
 
 " Why not ? You once thought of marrying her your- 
 self. I needn't specify her recommendations." 
 
 " She won't suit you. Better stick to business. In due 
 time, I have no doubt, you will find a suitable wife, calcu- 
 lated to make you happy." 
 
 " Excellent advice, sir ! " exclaimed Crutchet, approv- 
 ingly. " It does me good to hear you talk thus." 
 
 " It makes me smile," observed Herbert. " To speak 
 truth, I'm not so fond of business as I used to be. I can- 
 not spend all m.y life in a counting-house, talking to book- 
 keepers and shopmen, examining accounts, and occupying 
 myself with stupid correspondence. " Upon my soul, I can't 
 do it." 
 
 " Hear me, Herbert," said Tradescant. " I give you my 
 word that I was never half so happy in my days of indo- 
 lence and so-called luxury as I am now. formerly I was 
 listless and indifferent to everything, and required constant 
 excitement of the strongest kind to rouse me into life. 
 Pleasure palled upon me. Then, I could hardly get through 
 the day — now, it is too short for what I have to do. Hav- 
 ing become practically aware of the difference between an 
 idle and active existence, even as affecting the spirits, to 
 say nothing of the beneficial results of the latter course, I 
 wouldn't be what I was again for worlds. You don't be- 
 lieve me now, but you'll find it out in time." 
 
 " Well, perhaps I may," said Herbert. 
 
 " What a change for the worse, to be sure ! " groaned 
 Crutchet. " Why, when you first entered the counting- 
 house, which you now profess to dislike so much, I thought 
 
308 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 we had got a treasure, and I told your uncle so. * Mr Her- 
 bert's a steady, hard-working young man, sir,' I said to him : 
 he'll make his way in the world.' AVhat sort of character 
 must I give you now ? " 
 
 "Just such as^:I deserve," replied Herbert, laughing; 
 " neither better nor worse. Don't conceal anything from 
 my uncle, I beg of you." 
 
 " Must I tell him you have become too fine to attend 
 to the shop ; that you come late and leave early ; that you 
 have ceased to look into the books and reply to the con-e- 
 spondence ; that you scarcely deign to speak to the book- 
 keepers, and never address the shopmen or 'prentices ? 
 Shall I tell him all this ? " 
 
 " Tell him whatever you please, Crutchet," replied Her- 
 bert, indifferently. 
 
 " Then I know what the result will be," observed Crut- 
 chet. " Be advised by me. Change your plans. It won't 
 do, sir — it won't do." 
 
 " Is this the way the worthy fellow used to preach to 
 you formerly, Tradescant ? " inquired Herbert. " If so, no 
 wonder you found him a bore." 
 
 " Mercy on us ! that this dreadful malady should break 
 out in another member of the family ! " mentally ejaculated 
 Crutchet. 
 
 " It has been one of my chief regrets that I so little 
 heeded what Mr Crutchet said to me," said Tradescant, in. 
 a tone of stern rebuke ; " but if you have any regard for my 
 father's good opinion, you will alter your present mode of 
 life." 
 
 " I have the greatest regard for my uncle," replied Her- 
 bert, " and should be sorry to sink in his opinion. But I 
 have no idea of deceiving him, and, therefore, beg Mr Crut- 
 chet to tell him the exact truth respecting me." 
 
 " I should be loth to communicate such disagreeable 
 intelligence to Sir Gresham, sir. I know it would greatly 
 surprise and shock him." 
 
 " I am sure it would," said Tradescant. " As long as 
 possible he must be spared the pain of the disclosure. I 
 therefore forbid you to say anything about it to him for the 
 present, Crutchet. Herbert, it is to be hoped, will not be 
 80 ill-advised as to destroy his future prospects. I must 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 309 
 
 get your sister to exert her influence over you," he added 
 to his cousin. 
 
 " Prue is aware of my dislike to the business," ohserved 
 Herbert ; " and she is also aware of my intention to with- 
 draw from the concern." 
 
 " But she cannot approve of such a step ? " cried Trades- 
 cant, in surprise. 
 
 " She does not express any opinion. She leaves me to 
 act as I think proper." 
 
 " You amaze me ! She cannot be indifferent on a point 
 of such vital importance to yourself. She must know that 
 you are throwing away a fortune, and that you have no- 
 thing else to fall back upon." 
 
 " Nothing except a wealthy marriage," rejoined Herbert, 
 laughing. " She knows all ; and has perfect confidence in 
 my judgment." 
 
 " More than I have," muttered Crutchet. 
 
 At this moment the door was opened by Tiplady, who 
 announced Mr Winter. 
 
 YIII. 
 
 ME WINTEE. 
 
 The elderly individual who entered the room imme- 
 diately after this announcement, had quite the air of a 
 country gentleman. His round, ruddy countenance, redo- 
 lent of health and good humour, his old-fashioned gold-laced 
 cocked-hat, his plain bob-wig, his ample cravat, his loose 
 green weather-stained riding-coat, and brown top-boots, 
 which had evidently seen some service, proclaimed his con- 
 dition. Though evidently nearer seventy than sixty, he did 
 not seem to have an ailment, but looked good for another 
 ten years. From the jovial expression of his features, and 
 the portliness of his person, it was clear he was no enemy 
 to good cheer, but he must have managed by hard exercise 
 — on horseback no doubt — to set gout and other disorder.s 
 at defiance. The ♦sonorousness of his voice and the hearti- 
 
310 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 ness of the laughter in which he constantly indulged 
 showed that his lungs were unimpaired. His features v. ere 
 handsome and prepossessing, and it was really pleasant to 
 look upon such a hearty, hilarious old fellow. He carried 
 a gold-headed cane, but more for ornament than use (pro- 
 bably, in lieu of the customary riding-whip), since it was 
 manifest, from his erect carriage and the sturdiness of his 
 gait, that he did not need its support. 
 
 On entering, he took off his cocked-hat, and bowed to 
 each of the company. 
 
 "Welcome, sir! — welcome to town!" Herbert cried, 
 hastening towards him, and shaking hands with him very 
 heartily. " I hope you have had a pleasant journey." 
 
 " Pretty middling, lad, pretty middling," replied the old 
 gentleman. " Two days in a po'-chaise is more than I can 
 stand. I made the lads drive as fast as they could, but 
 they had but poor cattle. Eot me ! if I was ever so tired 
 in my days. I've not got the stiffness out of my legs and 
 back yet. I was stopped by the Plying Highwayman near 
 Barnet. The rogue got ten guineas out of me, but I man- 
 aged to hide my pocket-book. He rode a thorough-bred 
 bay — a racer, I should think, by the look of him. The 
 horse took my fancy so much that I offered to buy him, but 
 the rascal swore he wouldn't sell him for a thousand pounds. 
 Maybe, the horse was worth that to him. Gad! how I 
 wished for my blunderbuss to settle accounts with the vil- 
 lain. However, here I am, safe and sound, and ready to 
 take my seat in the House. You heard of the result of the 
 contest ? Two hundred a head of my opponent. Sir Mark 
 Coverdale. Think of that, my boy. And how are you, Her- 
 bert ? Oddsflesh ! they've smartened you up in Lunnun. 
 Why, you're grown quite a beau — ha ! ha ! ha ! " 
 
 And he burst into a laugh, so loud and boisterous as to 
 prevent reply from Herbert. On recovering himself, the 
 old gentleman went on : " Body o' me ! how Lunnun is 
 changed to be sure ! When I first caught sight of the great 
 smoky City from High gate-hill, I thought the place looked 
 just as I had left it upwards of forty years ago, but as I 
 sallied forth from the Saracen's Head this morning to look 
 about me, hang me if I knew where I was, or which way to 
 go — everything seemed so strange. Bow Church, it's true, 
 looks much as it did — and this house doesn't seem greatly 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 311 
 
 changed — I recollect it in old Tradescant's days — but far- 
 ther on, when I looked for Stocks-market, where I used to 
 buy strawberries and cherries when a boy, and stare at old 
 Rowley's statue over the conduit, when I looked for the 
 old place I found the Mansion House. Now, the Mansion 
 House may be a fine building — it is a very fine building — 
 but I would rather liave seen the old market." 
 
 There was something in Mr "Winter's voice, looks, and 
 manners, that produced an indescribable effect upon Trades- 
 cant. He fancied he had seen him before, but as the old 
 gentleman declared he had not been in Town for upwards 
 of forty years, that was impossible. Again, on scrutinizing 
 Mr AVinter's features, he thought he could trace a like- 
 ness between him and Herbert, and even between the old 
 gentleman and his own father — but this must surely be 
 imaginary. 
 
 But if Tradescant was puzzled, Crutchet was still more 
 so. From the moment of the stranger's entrance, his cu- 
 riosity had been strongly excited concerning him. Keeping 
 his eyes upon him, he listened attentively to all Mr Winter 
 said, and the old gentleman's observations increased his 
 astonishment and perplexity. 
 
 At last he whispered to Tradescant, "If I didn't know 
 your uncle, Godfrey Lorimer, was dead, I should declare he 
 was standing before us." 
 
 " Oddsflesh ! Herbert, you are mighty well lodged here, 
 I must say," observed Mr "Winter, glancing admiringly 
 round the room. "Ah! there's a portrait of Sir Gresham 
 over the fireplace, I perceive ; very like, I'll be sworn, though 
 I haven't seen him since he was younger than you are. And 
 how is he ? — how is your worthy uncle ? " 
 
 " Never better, sir — he bears the fatigues of office 
 wonderfully well," replied Herbert. " But allow me to 
 present you to his son," he added, leading the old gentleman 
 towards the others. " Tradescant, give me leave to intro- 
 duce to you Mr Winter — my maternal uncle and guar- 
 dian." 
 
 " His maternal uncle ! " mentally ejaculated Tradescant ; 
 *' that explains the likeness I detected between the old 
 gentleman and himself, but not between the old gentleman 
 and my father. Sir, I am very glad to see you — very glad 
 indeed," he added, shaking hands cordially with Mr Winter. 
 
312 TPIE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 "Sir, you are exceedingly obliging," rejoined the other. 
 " Let me look at you for a moment, he added, scanning the 
 young man's features. " Ay, ay, a handsome lad," he mut- 
 tered, " a handsome lad ! but not much of a Lorimer — must 
 be like his mother. I've heard of you, sir, from my — from 
 Herbert here — but zookers ! you don't answer a bit to the 
 description. He told me you were a buck of the first head, 
 but oddsflesh ! Herbert looks the bigger buck of the two 
 —ha ! ha ! " 
 
 And he burst into one of his uproarious fits of laughter. 
 
 " That was some time ago, sir — when I first came to 
 town," interposed Herbert, as soon as he could. " Trades- 
 cant is very much changed since then." 
 
 " So it seems," replied Winter. " And so you are very 
 much changed — but not in the same way — since you left 
 Yorkshire." 
 
 " I hope you don't disapprove of my style of dress, sir P '* 
 said Herbert. 
 
 " Humph ! — a la mode, no doubt — but I like Trades- 
 cant's better. Beg pardon, young gentleman, I'm taking 
 great liberty with your name — but it's my way." 
 
 " No liberty at all, Mr Winter. I look upon you as a 
 relation — as almost an uncle." 
 
 " Gad, sir, you do me great honour. I should be proud 
 to call you nephew. Herbert didn't speak half so favour- 
 ably of you as he ought." 
 
 " Sir, I beg — " cried the young man referred to. 
 
 *' Not half so favourably as Prue," pursued Winter, dis- 
 regarding the interruption ; " and I find she was much 
 nearer the truth." 
 
 " Did she give me a good character, sir ? " cried Trades- 
 cant. " I set the greatest value upon Prue's good opinion." 
 
 "I'll tell you what she said," rejoined Winter. "She 
 described you, as Herbert did, as a very fine gentleman, 
 somewhat addicted to gaming, and rather too fond of plea- 
 sure ; but she added — which Herbert didn't — that you were 
 certain to reform. And I perceive by the sobriety of your 
 dress and deportment that the girl was right." 
 
 " Sir," broke in Crutchet, unable to restrain himself, "I 
 have the pleasure to inform you that Mr Tradescant Lorimer 
 is entirely reformed. There isn't a steadier young gentle- 
 man than he is, or a better man of business, in Clieapside, 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 313 
 
 or in the whole city of London. I wish I could say as much 
 for your nephew and ward, Mr Herbert." 
 
 " Why, zounds ! you dog, — what's this I hear ? " cried 
 "Winter, turning to Herbert, wdth a comical expression of 
 anger. " Aren't you steady ? Don't you attend to business ? 
 — don't you stick to the shop, eh ? " 
 
 " I have made the discovery, sir, that a mercantile life is 
 not exactly my vocation," rejoined Herbert. " Nature never 
 intended me for a draper." 
 
 " And what the deuce did nature intend you for ? " de- 
 manded Winter, pretending to be still more enraged. " Eor 
 a useless, worthless, idle, trifling puppy, eh ? Is pleasure 
 your vocation, sirrah ? Why, you told me your worthy 
 uncle had taken you into the concern, and meant to make 
 you a partner if you conducted yourself properly." 
 
 " Very true, sir — so he did. I am still in the concern ; 
 but I own I don't like the business." 
 
 " Oh ! you're too proud for it, eh ? You've got some 
 fine acquaintances, I make no doubt, who twit you about 
 the shop — " 
 
 " That's it, sir— that's it," cried Crutchet. " No one 
 could promise better than Mr Herbert ; but he has rather 
 disappointed us of late. Mr Tradescant and I w^ere just 
 remonstrating with him when you came in." 
 
 " Never fear ! I'll work a change in him. I'll bring 
 him to his senses," cried Winter, winking at Herbert. 
 
 "I'm glad to hear you speak so confidently, sir," ob- 
 served Crutchet. " Nothing has been said to Sir G-resham. 
 If Mr Herbert will but attend, all may yet be right." 
 
 " Oddsflesh ! I'll make him," cried Winter, shaking his 
 stick at Herbert. " This is the argument I shall employ. 
 But whom have I the pleasure of addressing ? " 
 
 " Tobias Crutchet, at your service, sir — ^for many years 
 assistant to Sir Gresham." 
 
 " What, Old Bow Bells ! " exclaimed Winter. " Glad 
 to see you, sir. Shake hands." 
 
 " I think, sir, we've met before," said Crutchet, giving 
 his hand respectfully to the old gentleman; "but it must 
 have been a long time ago, since you've not been in London 
 — as I heard you remark just now — for upwards of forty 
 years, and I've never been out of it at all." 
 
 " If we ever have met before, Mr Crutchet, it must have 
 
314 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 been when we were a good deal younger than we now are, 
 that's certain," rejoined Winter; "but I have heard of you 
 from Prue. She told me of your nickname, and it tickled 
 my fancy amazingly. Is it possible you've never been out 
 of Lunnun, eh ? " 
 
 " Never beyond the sound of Bow Bells, sir," rejoined 
 Crutchet ; " and never shall be — if I can help it — to my 
 dying day. I'm a thorough Cockney, and persuade myself 
 there can be nothing half so pleasant as this crowded city. 
 But I grieve over some changes. Tor instance, I miss Stocks- 
 market." 
 
 " Ay, so do I, Bow Bells. Excuse me, but I like the 
 name. You remember the old statue over the conduit — 
 Charles the Second — Sobieski ? — ha ! ha ! ha ! I've often 
 laughed at it with Gresham — Zounds ! what am I talking 
 about ? " 
 
 " Have you been to Bucklersbury, sir ? " inquired Crut- 
 chet. 
 
 "Ay, to be sure — no — why do you ask ? " cried Winter, 
 getting very red in the face. 
 
 " I thought you would like to see the old house. It's 
 still there, sir." 
 
 Crutchet watched the effect of this remark, and secretly 
 enjoyed the old gentleman's confusion. Mr W^inter, how- 
 ever, made no reply, but turning to Herbert, said, "I 
 thought Prue was to be here. Isn't she coming ? " 
 
 "I expect her every moment," rejoined the young man. 
 " Ah ! here she is ! " he added, as the door was opened by 
 Tiplady, and Prue and Milly entered the room. 
 
 IX. 
 
 IN" WHICH TEADESCAIfT AND CEUTCHET ARE STILL MOEE 
 PUZZLED ET THE OLD GENTLEMAN. 
 
 Uttering an exclamation of delight, Prue fiew towards 
 the old gentleman, who caught her in his arms, and kissed 
 her affectionately. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 315 
 
 "How fond slie seems of her uncle, sir," remarked 
 Crutehet in a low voice to Tradescant. 
 
 " Her uncle ! hang me ! if I know what to think of it," 
 rejoined the young man. 
 
 " And so you are come at last, sir ? " said Prue, in a 
 tone of playful reproach, as she disengaged herself from the 
 old gentleman's embrace. " You ought to have been here 
 three months ago." 
 
 " I know I ought, lass," replied "Winter. " But I've 
 had so much to do at Sutton that I couldn't get away for 
 the life of me. And latterly there has been this confounded 
 election — that took up a month, besides costing a mint of 
 money." 
 
 ^ " You don't want excuses, I find, sir. However, I'm 
 enchanted to hear of your return for the East Eiding, and 
 not sorry you did delay your journey to town. My time 
 has passed most delightfully at the Mansion House — such 
 splendid banquets — such grand balls — such receptions — 
 such brilliant company — everybody you ever heard of, or 
 could desire to see — and the Lord Mayor is so kind and so 
 generous — and such a dear good uncle — and I love him so 
 much — he thinks of everything, even to one's very dresses. 
 This was his last present. 'Tis what we call an Italian 
 Polonese. How do you like it, sir ?" 
 
 " I can't tell," replied the old gentleman. " What you 
 say about the Lord Mayor makes my eyes water. I long 
 to see him, and thank him for all his goodness. How does 
 he look, lass ? — does he wear well, eh ? " 
 
 " Wear well ! Yes, sir. He looks as hearty as you do 
 — I can't say more." 
 
 " Ay, but I'm his senior by seven years — " 
 
 " Hush ! sir," exclaimed Prue, placing her fingers on 
 her lips. 
 
 " Zooks ! I was very near letting the cat out of the bag ! " 
 rejoined the old gentleman, with a laugh. 
 
 " Did you mark that, sir ? " whispered Crutchet to Tra- 
 descant. " Your uncle Grodfrey was just seven years older 
 than your father." 
 
 " Now I can look at you, lass," cried "Winter, examining 
 Prue's attire. " An Italian Polonese, eh ? By the maskins ! 
 but it's woundy fine. You'll astonish them when you go 
 back to Sutton HaU." 
 
316 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 "But I'm not going back to Sutton Hall — not at pre- 
 sent, at all events," she replied. " The Lord Mayor doesn't 
 want to part with me, and I can't tear mjself from the 
 Mansion House." 
 
 " I'm not surprised, considering its attractions," rejoined 
 "Winter ; " but in my opinion it's something stronger even 
 than the Mansion House attractions that makes you desire 
 to stay. But who's the lovely girl you've got with you? 
 Stay ! don't tell me ! let me guess — either I'm no judge, or 
 'tisMilly!" 
 
 " You are right, sir, it is Milly," replied the young lady 
 in question. " And very glad I am to see you." 
 
 " I felt sure I couldn't be mistaken," said Winter, kissing 
 her. " Excuse me, my dear. It's a way we old fellows have 
 in Yorkshire." 
 
 " Oh ! sir, you're quite welcome. I'm not at all offended," 
 replied Milly, playfully presenting her cheek to him. 
 
 " Zounds ! then I'll have another," he cried, kissing her 
 again. 
 
 " Miss Milly's in the plot. I told you so, sir. She 
 knows him," whispered Crutchet to Tradescant. 
 
 " You described Milly so exactly, Prue," pursued 
 Winter, '' that I knew her in a moment — but you said she 
 was rather timid and shy. Now, I don't find her so at all." 
 
 " I ought not to be shy with you, sir," said Milly, 
 smiling. 
 
 *' No, i' faith," cried Winter. " I'm a sort of uncle, you 
 know — your aunt's brother, that's it — ha! ha! I've ex- 
 plained the relationship to Tradescant," he added, with a 
 wink. 
 
 " Oh ! then he understands it ? " said Prue, laiigliing. 
 
 "■ Perhaps better than you think," mentally ejaculated 
 Tradescant. 
 
 •• I suppose, my dear, there would be no use in asking 
 you to come and see us in Yorkshire ? " observed Winter 
 to Milly. " You won't like such a dull life as ours, after 
 all the gaieties of the Mansion House. And yet we might 
 be able to offer you some amusement in the autumn. York- 
 shire is a fine county, and Sutton Hall is a beautiful old 
 place — though I say it that should not — embosomed in noble 
 woods — with the Ouse flowing through the park — and we're 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 317 
 
 only ten miles from York — so you can drive there as often 
 as you please." 
 
 " Wiiat the deuce does he mean ? " muttered Crutchet. 
 " Grodfrey Lorimer could never be member for the East 
 Eiding of Yorkshire, have an old hall, and a well-timbered 
 park with the Ouse flowing through it. I'm perplexed 
 again." 
 
 " Will you come and see us at Sutton, my dear ? " said 
 the old gentleman to Milly. 
 
 " With the greatest pleasure," she replied. " Your de- 
 scription of the place enchants me. Prue has often talked 
 to me about the old house, and has made me long to behold 
 it. I've never tried the country, but I'm sure I should like 
 it better than town." 
 
 " Ay, that you will," cried Winter. " Oddsflesh ! you 
 don't know half the pleasures of a country life ; but I'll give 
 you a taste of them. I'll find you plenty of recreation. 
 You shall hunt, course, practise archery, angle — manage the 
 flower-garden, and the bees, and the poultry and doves, and 
 have an easy-going nag to ride upon." 
 
 " Charming ! " exclaimed Miliy. " Everything you men- 
 tion is to my taste. I quite long to be at Sutton." 
 
 " What ! can you tear yourself away from the Mansion 
 House?" 
 
 " Country life and country enchantments, such as you 
 paint them, would please me infinitely more, sir." 
 
 " Then as soon as the session is over, if the Lord Mayor 
 will spare you, you shall go down with me. Since Prue is 
 so enamoured of the Mansion House, she may remain behind, 
 but as Herbert doesn't like business, he shall go with us." 
 " You must excuse me, sir. I can't leave town.'' 
 " Heyday ! what's this ! " cried Winter. " Not leave 
 town — but you shall, sir. What's the meaning of that 
 smile ? You've got some scheme afoot." 
 
 " Eight, sir. I'm thinking of marrying." 
 
 " Marrying! " exclaimed Winter. " You'll ask my consent, 
 
 I hope. And pray, sir, who are you thinking of marrying ?" 
 
 " The daughter of a wealthy hosier in St Mary-axe, 
 
 Alice Walworth by name. A very pretty girl, with a plum 
 
 to her fortune." 
 
 "Pretty, certainly," observed Prue, " but a downright 
 
318 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 coquette, as Herbert knows from experience, since lie has 
 already been jilted by her." 
 
 " Ha ! bow was tbat ? " inquired "Winter. 
 
 " It's too long a story to tell now, sir," rejoined Prue, 
 " but the sum of it is, that after encouraging Herbert, Alice 
 AYalworth engaged herself to Tradescant, who had a narrow 
 escape of being made miserable for life ; and now Herbert 
 has been foolish enough to renew his suit, chiefly by the 
 representations of a silly old alderman. Sir Felix Bland." 
 
 " I see ! I see ! the plum is the sole attraction, eh ? The 
 dog is a fortune-hunter." 
 
 " Let him deny it if he can," said Prue. 
 
 " I shan't attempt to deny it, sir," rejoined Herbert. 
 " I don't profess any extraordinary affection for the girl. 
 But my excellent friend Sir Pelix Bland — a very shrewd, 
 sensible man of the world, whatever Prue may allege to the 
 contrary, and who knows Alice intimately — assures me she 
 has many charming qualities, and is decidedly the greatest 
 catch in the City." 
 
 " A fiddlestick's end for her charming qualities ! She 
 may be a great catch, but she shan't catch you. You shan't 
 marry her, sir." 
 
 "Pray don't be so peremptory, sir. Suspend your 
 judgment till you see her." 
 
 " Not a moment. I have other views for you." 
 
 Here Sir Pelix Bland was announced by Tiplady. 
 
 "I'm glad Sir Pelix is come," cried Herbert. "He'll 
 soon make you alter your opinion, sir." 
 
 " No, he won't," replied the old gentleman, resolutely 
 "You shan't have her, I tell you." 
 
 IN WHICH TEADESCANT APPEALS TO ME WINTER. 
 
 The little alderman was in raptures at beholding the 
 young ladies, and of course directed his first attentions to 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OP LONDON. 319 
 
 them, overwiielmiiig them with high-flown compliments and 
 adulation. 
 
 " Upon my word, Miss Prue," he said, " I have to 
 charge you with great cruelty. You inflict wounds with 
 those bright eyes that can't be cured — except by yourself. 
 A score of my friends are dying for you, and they all de- 
 clare you won't take compassion upon them. I can't tell 
 how it is that so many of your admirers come to me. They 
 will have it that I possess an influence with you, though I 
 assure them to the contrary." 
 
 " There you are wrong. Sir Pelix. You have great in- 
 fluence with me, and if I could be persuaded to listen to 
 any of those gentlemen it would be by you." 
 
 " Then let me be the deputy of three deputies — to wit, 
 Mr Deputy Hodge, Mr Deputy "Wadling, and Mr Deputy 
 Sidebottom. May I give one of them a hope ? " 
 
 " No, Sir Pelix— not the slightest." 
 
 " Ah ! I see how it is — heart pre-occupied. I must find 
 out the fortunate individual. Whoever he may be he ia 
 greatly to be envied." 
 
 " A very gallant old gentleman," observed "Winter, who 
 had been listening to the discourse. 
 
 " A stranger, I perceive," said Sir Eelix, noticing Win- 
 ter. " Who is he ? " 
 
 " Mr Winter, my uncle and guardian," replied Prue. 
 ** Permit me to present him to you." 
 
 And she did the honours accordingly. 
 
 " Most happy to make your acquaintance, my dear Mr 
 Winter," said Sir Pelix, after the introduction had taken 
 place. " Prom the country, I presume, sir ? " 
 
 ■ "Prom Yorkshire, sir," replied the old gentleman — 
 "just arrived — come to Lunnun to take my seat in parlia- 
 ment, and look after these young folks — ha ! ha ! " 
 
 " Very right, my dear sir — very right. I am sure it 
 must gratify a kindly nature like yours — for your nature is 
 evidently kindly, Mr Winter — to find them looliing so well. 
 Your niece is greatly admired, and has made a hundred 
 conquests, and as to your nephew, I might say more in his 
 praise if he weren't present. Allow me to offer you a pinch 
 of snuff", my dear Mr Winter. Your nephew is destined to 
 cut a fii^ure in the world. A fortune lies before him — a 
 
320 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 great fortune. He's likely to make an excellent match — to 
 carry off one of the wealthiest of our City belles. D'ye 
 take, my dear sir ? " 
 
 " Yes, I take," replied the old gentleman, rather gruffly. 
 " All this sounds very fine, Sir Eelix. But there happens 
 to be a material objection. I've got some one else in view 
 for him." 
 
 " Pooh ! my dear sir, this is straining your power as 
 guardian rather too far. Your nephew will have a right to 
 complain. You must allow him to decide for himself on a 
 point where his happiness is concerned." 
 
 " Why, so he shall, but if he doesu't decide as I wish 
 him, I'll dis—" 
 
 " Hold, sir," cried Herbert, checking him. " All I ask 
 you is to see Alice "Walworth and judge." 
 
 "Yes, see her and judge," said Sir Eelix. "I know 
 what your verdict will be. A testy old curmudgeon," he 
 added, walking aside with Herbert. " But we'll get over 
 his objections. But how comes it you never told me you 
 had a guardian — and such a guardian as this old fellow — a 
 member of parliament, eh ? " 
 
 "I'll explain all at a more convenient opportunity," re- 
 plied Herbert. 
 
 " And so you have made a great many conquests, eh, 
 Prue ? " said Winter, turning towards her. 
 
 "More than Sir Felix has mentioned, sir," observed 
 Tradescant, joining them. 
 
 " Ah, indeed ! " exclaimed the old gentleman, looking 
 hard at him. "Whom has Sir Pelix neglected to men- 
 tion ? " 
 
 " Perhaps Prue will tell you herself, sir." 
 
 " Nay, I'm sure I don't know," replied the young lady, 
 laughing. " Several persons have tried to persuade me 
 they are in love with me, but I didn't believe them." 
 
 " Oddsbobs, girl ! " exclaimed Winter, " I believe you 
 are growing a coquette." 
 
 "Not I, in truth, sir," she rejoined. "You mustn't 
 blame me if I don't believe all I hear. I don't trifle with 
 any one's affections." 
 
 " There I must flatly contradict you, Prue," said Trades- 
 cant. " You trifle sadly with mine. You won't give me 
 an answer." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 321 
 
 " How can I give you one, when I can't make up my 
 mind?" she replied. "You would not be content with 
 * No,' and I'm not prepared to say ' Yes.' " 
 
 " Then I must appeal to your guardian to bring you to 
 a decision," said Tradescant. " When he learns how 
 devotedly attached I am to you, and how anxiously I have 
 striven to approve my love, I am sure he will espouse my 
 cause." 
 
 "Ay, that I will— heartily," replied Winter. "You 
 speak out like a man. Prue's not the girl 1 take her for, if 
 she doesn't decide in your favour." 
 
 " But you have always indulged me, sir, and let me 
 have my own way — so I must have it now," she rejoined, 
 playfully. 
 
 " This is ever the case, sir," cried Tradescant, with a 
 look of disappointment. " Impossible to bring her to the 
 point. Your authority may do it, sir — nothing else can." 
 
 " The girl has some object, I can see," thought Winter. 
 " I mustn't interfere with her. My authority," he added 
 aloud. " Oddsflesh ! I've no control over her. She always 
 does what she likes. But thus much I'll say, if she won't 
 have you, she shall have uo one else — with my consent, at 
 all events." 
 
 " That's saying a great deal too much, sir," rejoined 
 Prue, laughing. " You exercise undue coercion." 
 
 " Why not give the lad a direct answer ? " demanded 
 Winter. 
 
 " I'm not bound to oiFer reasons for anything I do," she 
 replied. " I claim my sex's privilege of irresponsibility. If 
 I am pressed now, my decision may be unfavourable. 
 Leave me to myself, and my consent may possibly — mind, 
 I only say possibly — be won. But a good deal depends — " 
 
 " Upon what ? " cried Tradescant. 
 
 " Upon Herbert. If he marries Alice Walworth, I 
 shan't marry at all." 
 
 "If that's the only difficulty, I'll answer for its re- 
 moval," observed Winter. 
 
 At this momen-t the door again opened, and Mr Candish 
 entered the room. He stopped on seeing it so full of com- 
 pany, and seemed half inclined to withdraw. 
 
322 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 XI. 
 
 DISCLOSTJEES. 
 
 " GrAD a, mercy ! " exclaimed Winter, staring at Candish 
 as if thunderstruck, " who's that ? " 
 
 " One of my father's household," replied Tradescant. 
 " Do you want me, Mr Candish ? " 
 
 "Yes, sir," replied the person addressed. "I have 
 been to the counting-house, and was told you were in Mr 
 Herbert's room, so I came here in search of you. I've a 
 '•lote for you from the Lord Mayor." 
 
 " Give it me," replied Tradescant. 
 
 Candish stepped towards him, but on perceiving Mr 
 "Winter he started, and stood as if transfixed. The note 
 dropped from his grasp. 
 
 On his part, Winter looked equally surprised, and they 
 remained gazing at each other for some moments in speech- 
 less astonishment. 
 
 At last, by a great effort, and as if shaking off some 
 potent spell which had chained his faculties, Candish moved 
 away, and, going up to Herbert, said, in a low voice, " Tou 
 told me your father was dead. Who, then, is this ? " 
 
 " The old gentleman, you mean. He is Mr AVinter — 
 my mother's brother." 
 
 " Are you quite sure of it ? " demanded Candish. 
 
 "Tou ask me a question, and I give you an answer," 
 rejoined the young man. " If you doubt me, address Mr 
 Winter himself" 
 
 Meantime, Winter having in some measure recovered 
 from his astonishment, interrogated Tradescant about Can- 
 dish, but learnt nothing to satisfy his curiosity. 
 
 " I should like to have a word with him," he said. 
 
 " By all means," replied Tradescant. " Mr Candish," 
 he called, " here is a gentleman, Mr Winter, who desires to 
 speak to you." 
 
 " I am at Mr Winter's service," replied Candish, com- 
 ing towards them. By this time he had quite regained his 
 composure. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 323 
 
 "Pray excuse my carelessness,'* he added, picking up 
 the note and delivering it to Tradescant. " I don't know 
 what came over me just now." 
 
 "We'll leave you together," said Tradescant, retiring 
 with the rest. 
 
 " You call yourself Candish," said ojie o^ gentleman to 
 the other, " but it won't do. I know who you are." 
 
 " And you call yourself Winter," rejoined the other old 
 gentleman. " But I know who you are." 
 
 " What's the motive of this disguise ? " demanded 
 Winter. 
 
 " What's 1/our motive ? " rejoined the other. 
 
 " Mine is the gratification of my daughter's whim," said 
 Winter. 
 
 " Mine is no whim — but I don't care to divulge my mo- 
 tive," said Candish. 
 
 " I thought you were dead," observed Winter. 
 
 " x^nd I made sure you were," rejoined Candish. 
 
 " How has the world used you ? " inquired Winter. 
 
 " Very badly until of late," replied Candish. " To judge 
 from appearances, it has used you well enough." 
 
 " Ay, ay, I married, well — a Yorkshire heiress — mistress 
 of Sutton Park — and changed my name." 
 
 " And dropped all your old friends and relations. Not 
 surprising — 'tis the way of the world. I changed my name, 
 too, — not because I was ashamed of my relations, but be- 
 cause they might reasonably enough have been ashamed of 
 me. 
 
 " You do me an injustice, Lorry. Heaven knows I was 
 never ashamed of my relations. But my wife — rest her 
 soul ! — was a very proud woman, and I never dared talk tc 
 her of my kinsfolk." 
 
 " Then you really are called Winter ? '* 
 
 " Don't I tell you I took my wife's name ? — I'm God 
 frey Winter, known in my own country as Squire Winter^ 
 of Sutton Park, and am just returned for the East Eiding 
 of Yorkshire." 
 
 " Indeed ! You're much too great for me. Now mark 
 me, Mr Winter. Henceforth, we must be strangers to each 
 other — that is, you are not to treat me as if there were any 
 relationship between us, and be assured I shan't forget my- 
 self towards you. To Sir Gresham— Grod bless him !— I 
 
324 THE LORD MAYOll OF LONDON. 
 
 have never admitted ray identity, and probably never shall. 
 With yoa I shall be equally reserved. I have weighty 
 reasons," he added, gravely and almost sternly, '* for main- 
 taining my incognito." 
 
 " Don't be afraid. Lorry. I shan't betray you. Mercy 
 onus! what a, strange meeting this is! When I entered 
 into my mad girl's scheme I didn't calculate on this as part 
 of it." 
 
 "The scheme is now apparent to me," said Candish. 
 "As chief actors in it, I must say your son and daughter 
 have played their parts admirably. They have taken us all 
 in. Believing them to be poor relations, Sir Gresham has 
 treated them with the greatest kindness ! " 
 
 " So I find," replied Winter. " His heart is made of the 
 right stuif. Prue's object was to test Sir Grresham's good- 
 ness of heart, and nobly he has stood the trial." 
 
 " He is the kindest and best man in the world," rejoined 
 Candish, warmly. 
 
 " And to think that I have kept aloof from him all this 
 time ! " cried Winter, in accents of self-reproach. " 'Sdeath ! 
 I shall never forgive myself" 
 
 " Ay, ay, there's no excuse for yow," rejoined Candish. 
 ** You ought to have made yourself known to him long ago. 
 However, yours is the greatest loss." 
 
 " I feel it — I feel it," said Winter, with a half groan. "I 
 have been much to blame. Eirst of all, I was wrong to yield 
 to my wife, and then I became stupidly insensible myself. I 
 might never have made myself known at all but for Prue. 
 However, the past cannot be remedied. We must be wiser 
 in future. Won't you shake hands with me. Lorry ? " 
 
 " Not before this company. It would awaken suspicion. 
 And pray don't call me Lorry. With you, as with every one 
 else, I must be merely Hugh Candish." 
 
 " Well, as you please," replied Winter, with a sigh. 
 
 " My father asks me in this note to come to the Mansion 
 House," said Tradescant, approaching Winter. "Would 
 you like to be presented to him ? If so, come with me." 
 
 "With the greatest delight," replied the old squire. 
 ** Herbert was to have presented me to his lordship, but I 
 would rather have your introduction, for many reasons." 
 
 " The arrangement will suit me extremely well, sir, since 
 I have a call to make with Sir Felix Bland," said Herbert 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 325 
 
 to the squire. "I'll follow jou to the Mansion House 
 anon." 
 
 " I guess where you're going, sir," cried Winter. "But 
 it will come to nothing. You'll never have my consent. 
 Mind that." 
 
 "With this he offered his arm to Milly, while Prue natur- 
 ally fell to the care of Tradescant, and they all four went 
 down-stairs, followed by Candish and Crutchet. 
 
 Sedan-chairs Avere in waiting in the hall, and the ladies 
 entering them, the w^hole party, with the exception of 
 Crutchet, who returned to business, proceeded towards the 
 Mansion House. 
 
 XII. 
 
 ^HE MEETING OP THE BUOTHEIIS. 
 
 Half a dozen gorgeously-arrayed footmen were stand- 
 ing at the grand portal as the chairs containing the young 
 ladies were borne up the lofty steps, and deposited at the 
 entrance of the saloon. A bulky hall porter advanced to- 
 wards the party. 
 
 " Where's the Lord Mayor, Mr Jollands ? " said. Trades- 
 cant to this personage. " In the justice-room ? " 
 
 " No, sir," replied Jollands. " You'll find his lordship 
 in the swordbearer's room. He went there about five minutes 
 ago. Ah! there he is," he added, as Sir Grresham came forth 
 from the room in question, accompanied by the sheriffs, three 
 or four aldermen, and as many common-councilmen. 
 
 In a minute or two the assembly broke up, and the 
 sheriffs and the others, bowing to the Lord Mayor, departed. 
 Leaving Mr Winter where he was for the moment. Trades- 
 cant then went up to his father, who was moving towards 
 a room on the left of the vestibule, and told him he desired 
 to present a gentleman to him. 
 
 The Lord Mayor at once assented, but desired his son 
 to bring the gentleman to him, and proceeded to the cham- 
 ber whither he was bound. Tradescant and Winter followed 
 
826 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDOTT. 
 
 still accompanied by Prue and Milly, both of -svlioni were 
 anxious to witness the meeting. 
 
 Just as they reached the door of the room into which 
 the Lord Mayor had passed, Winter stopped, and said in a 
 low voice to Prue, " 1 don't think I can go in. My courage 
 3ompletely fails me. I shall never be able to sustain my 
 part." 
 
 " Oh ! you mustn't give way thus," she rejoined, in an 
 encouraging tone ; " I'll help you." 
 
 " "Well, well, I must go through with it, I suppose," said 
 the old gentleman. 
 
 " Go on, sir — go on," said Candish, pushing him into 
 the room, and closing the door after him. 
 
 The apartment in which Mr AVinter found himself was 
 large and lofty, but heavily furnished, and had a somewhat 
 sombre air. The old squire did not dare to raise his eyes 
 towards Sir Grresham, who was standing in the centre of the 
 room, but kept back, shading his face with his cocked-hat. 
 
 " Who is this you have got with you?" inquired the 
 Lord Mayor of Tradescant. 
 
 " Mr Winter — a Yorkshire gentleman, sir," replied his 
 son. 
 
 " Well, I shall be very happy to make his acquaintance. 
 But why doesn't he come forward ? " 
 
 "Pray excuse him," said Prue, in an under-tone ; "he 
 is very much in awe of your Lordship." 
 
 " In awe of me ! nonsense ! " rejoined Sir Grresham, 
 laughing. " Bring him forward, Tradescant. Say I shall 
 be delighted to receive him." 
 
 " Pray come on, Mr Winter," said Tradescant. " His 
 lordship will be very glad to know you." 
 
 " Now go on. Don't you hear what they say ? " cried 
 Candish, pushing him forward. 
 
 Thus forced to advance. Winter lowered his hat, and for 
 the first time his features became fully revealed to the Lord 
 Mayor. 
 
 Sir Gresham looked at him as if doubting the evidence 
 of his senses, and at last directing an inquiring glance at 
 Prue, who tried to avoid his gaze, said, " Did you not tell 
 me your father was dead ? " 
 
 What answer she might have returned it is impossible to 
 say, for Winter did not give her time to make any, but roared 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 327 
 
 out, " I can't keep up the deception any longer. ISfo, Sir 
 Gresham, I'm not dead. I'm alive, and hearty as yourself." 
 
 " Gracious powers ! " exclaimed Sir Gresham. " Can 
 this be my brother Godfrey ? " 
 
 "Ay, ay, it's Godfrey himself, and heartily glad he is to 
 see you again, brother." 
 
 " I am very glad to see you, Godfrey," replied the Lord 
 Mayor, who was very much agitated, and spoke rather 
 faintly. " I never expected we should meet again on earth. 
 Excuse me. The surprise is somewhat too much. You ought 
 to have prepared me," he said, in a half-reproachful tone, to 
 Tradescant. 
 
 " I could not do so, sir," replied his son ; " for though I 
 half suspected who it was, I was not quite sure." 
 
 " It was my fault, dearest uncle, and I now see the 
 mistake," said Prue, in a voice of much concern. " I hope 
 you are not ill ? " 
 
 "A momentary faintness," he replied, sinking into a 
 chair. " It will soon pass." And he covered his face with 
 his hands. The others gathered anxiously round him, and 
 "Winter looked reproachfully at Prue. 
 
 " If anything happens, I shall never forgive myself," he 
 said in a low tone to her. 
 
 " Let assistance be called," said Milly, alarmed. 
 
 " Leave him alone," said Candish. " He will be better 
 soon. Tou have carried this matter too far." 
 
 " I see it — I see it," replied Prue. " How do you feel, 
 dearest uncle ? Speak — say you forgive me ! " 
 
 " I have nothing to forgive," replied Sir Gresham, rais- 
 ing his head, and showing that his eyes were filled with 
 moisture. " It is joy that overpowers me. Believing, as I 
 did, that the grave had closed upon your father — that we 
 should meet no more on earth — what must my emotions be 
 to see him standing before me ? " 
 
 " I quite conceive them, dearest uncle, but don't excite 
 yourself — don't dwell upon them." 
 
 " JN'o ; let us be thankful we are both spared for this 
 meeting," cried Winter, " though I didn't mean it to be so 
 serious as it has turned out ; but I ought to have considered 
 that where the heart is warm — as yours is — the feelings are 
 not to be trifled with. Give me your hand, Gresham ! — 
 give me your hand ! And so you knew me, eh ? " 
 
328 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Kuew you ! to be sure I did ! " exclaimed Sir Grres- 
 liam, shaking hands with him affectionately, and gazing at 
 him through his misty eyes. " But do you know how long 
 it is since we've met ? — Eorty-two years, sir— forty-two 
 years ! What have you been about not to let me hear from 
 you during all that time ? If I wasn't so glad to see you I 
 should be very angry." 
 
 " My conduct is unpardonable, brother," rejoined Win- 
 ter ; " and yet I know you'll forgive it. Such excuse as I 
 have to offer — and it is a very poor one I will frankly admit 
 — will best be made by telling you what has happened to 
 me. I won't make a long story of it. When I left Lunnun 
 in 1719, while you were still a 'prentice to old Tradescant, 
 and working your Avay steadily on, I went dov/n into York- 
 shire, and started a small business in Scarborough, but I 
 made little out of it — scarcely enough to support myself — 
 and I don't know what might have become of me if I hadn't 
 been lucky enough to marry an heiress, Arabella, daughter 
 of Mr Wymond Winter, of Sutton Park. Her brother, 
 Ambrose, broke his neck when out hunting, and it was 
 after that event that the lady married me. My wife was a 
 very proud woman, though the marriage she had made 
 would seem to be but little in accordance with such notions, 
 and she not only required me to take her name — to which 
 I had no objection — but insisted upon my completely sun- 
 dering all connection with my own family, to which I ought 
 to have objected. Several children were the fruit of the 
 union, but I lost them all except the two youngest, Herbert 
 and Prue. During my wife's lifetime you will see, brother, 
 that there was some reason for my not keeping up any in- 
 tercourse with you ; but I have now been a widower for more 
 than a year, and ought to have taken immediate steps to 
 repair the wrong I had committed. But I know not what 
 withheld me — false shame, perhaps. During their mother's 
 lifetime, neither of my children had been aware of their re- 
 lationship to you, and it Avas with infinite surprise they 
 learned that the distinguished citizen. Sir Gresham Lorimer, 
 was their uncle. When the news of your election as Lord 
 Mayor came down to us, nothing would content them but 
 that they should go up to town and pay you a visit. To 
 this I at first objected — don't ask me why ? — but at last 
 Prue proposed that she and her brother should visit you in 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 329 
 
 tbe guise of poor relations, and the notion chimed so well 
 with my own humour that I agreed to it. The plofc was 
 then concocted by Prue, which has since been carried out. 
 Perhaps 1 ought never to have permitted such a scheme to 
 be practised, and yet I cannot regret doing so, as I should 
 otherwise have not been fully aware of your noble quali- 
 ties." 
 
 " Say no more, brother — I am quite satisfied," cried the 
 Lord Mayor, who had listened with deep interest to the re- 
 cital. " I won't ask you whether you have ever thought of 
 me during this long interval ; but I have often thought of 
 you. The fact is, we have been both to blame. If I had 
 made proper inquiries I should have found you out, but I 
 was engaged in business, and time passed on." 
 
 " Ay, I understand," replied Winter. " It's all right 
 now. By the maskins ! it's a strange thing for brothers to 
 part almost when boys, and not to meet again till they are 
 grown old fellows." 
 
 " Strange indeed ! " said the Lord Mayor. " And so 
 you are the contriver of this plot, eh, hussy ? " he added, 
 turning to Prue. 
 
 " Yes, uncle, I am," she replied. " And I hope I shan't 
 incur your displeasure by what I have done." 
 
 "But suppose I hadn't received you, what would you 
 have done then ? Gone back, eh ? " 
 
 " I can't say, uncle," she replied. " But I had no doubts 
 whatever about it, and you behaved just as I expected — 
 most nobly. I may now tell you that Herbert was so of- 
 fended by the treatment he experienced from my aunt and 
 from my cousins, Lady Dawes and Mrs Chatteris, that I 
 had great difficulty in preventing him from throwing up his 
 part." 
 
 " Don't omit me, Prue," remarked Tradescant. " I be- 
 haved as badly as any of them. My rudeness to Herbert 
 was inexcusable." 
 
 "You have made ample amends since," replied Prue. 
 " However, uncle, the complete success of my plot is attri- 
 butable to darling little Milly here, whom I at once made 
 my confidante. Without her aid I could not have gone on. 
 She helped me to keep up the deception." 
 
 "I see it all, you little rogues," said Sir Grresham; 
 **you have imposed upon me finely." 
 
330 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Ah ! brother, you don't know what Prue can do,*' 
 cried Winter, with one of his boisterous laughs. " The 
 cunning jade can twist me round her little finger — ha! 
 ha ! " 
 
 " I don't doubt it," replied the Lord Mayor, with a 
 good-humoured smile. " If I had not been very stupid, 
 niece, I must have suspected something from your sudden 
 change of manner when you came to the Mansion House. 
 It certainly perplexed me." 
 
 " So it did me, sir," observed Tradescant. " I could in 
 no way account for it." 
 
 " Well, I suppose you can both understand it now,'* 
 she rejoined. 
 
 "Yes, yes; I have got the key to the enigma now," 
 said Tradescant. " And I also understand some things in 
 Herbert's conduct which before appeared inexplicable." 
 
 " Oddsflesh ! I can't help laughing when I think of 
 Herbert attending to business — ha ! ha ! " roared Winter. 
 " That's the best part of the joke — ha ! ha ! " 
 
 " He did very well for a week or two," observed Prue ; 
 " but after that time I had great difficulty with him. You 
 ought to have been here long ago, papa." 
 
 " So I ought," replied Winter. " And this reminds me, 
 brother, that you have been at a very considerable expense 
 for these young folk, which you must permit me to repay 
 you." 
 
 " Nothing of the sort, Godfrey," replied the Lord 
 Mayor. " It has been a great happiness to me to do what 
 1 have done." 
 
 " Ay, that would be all very well if they were really 
 poor relations ; but as that is not exactly the case, I must 
 insist upon reimbursing you." 
 
 "Not another word on the subject, Grodfrey, if you 
 would not offend me," said the Lord Mayor. " Nay, nay,'* 
 he continued, seeing that Winter was not altogether satis- 
 fied, " if your son and daughter will play the part of poor 
 relatives, they must take the consequences." 
 
 "Oddsbobs! that's true," cried Winter. "I never 
 thought of that. Well, if I must be under an obligation, I 
 would rather be so to you than to any one else." 
 
 " I shall never be able to discharge half the obligations 
 I owe to my uncle," said Prue. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 331 
 
 " Yes you will — he'll show you how to do it," rejoined 
 the Lord Mayor. " I tell you what, Godfrey, you'll have 
 \o go back empty-handed. You must leave Prue behind. I 
 shan't be able to part with her." 
 
 " If I do, I must take Milly in exchange, brother," re- 
 joined Winter. 
 
 " We must hear what Milly says to that," observed Sir 
 Gresham. 
 
 "Oh! I'm quite ready to go with my uncle," she an- 
 swered. 
 
 " Egad ! I suspect this plot has a good many ramifica- 
 tions," observed the Lord Mayor. *'Presh lights burst 
 upon me each moment." 
 
 " Since you have announced your intention of detaining 
 Prue, sir," said Tradescant, " I hope you mean to provide 
 her with a husband." 
 
 " Most certainly I do," replied the Lord Mayor. " She 
 has already had several offers — some which appeared advan- 
 tageous enough to me, though they might not appear 
 equally so to you. I now understand why you refused 
 young Cracraft, niece. You looked higher." 
 
 " 'No, uncle, that was not exactly the reason," she re- 
 plied, demurely. 
 
 " I know why she refused him," rejoined Winter, with 
 a great laugh. " Don't you perceive the real state of 
 the case, brother? She likes some one else a vast deal 
 better." 
 
 " Oh ! if I dared to think that I was the favoured per- 
 son ! " exclaimed Tradescant. " You cannot be unaware^ 
 sir," he added to his father, " that my affections have long 
 since been fixed upon Prue. It is im.possible to be so much 
 with her, as I have been, and not to love her. Sometimes I 
 have persuaded myself that my passion was returned — but 
 again the indifference she displays towards me has raised 
 fearful doubts in my mind. 1 trust she will trifle with me 
 no longer. If my hopes must be crushed, better they should 
 be so at once than I should be kept in such a state of sus- 
 pense. Her father is now with us. In his presence, and in 
 your presence, I ask her hand. My future happiness en- 
 tirely depends upon the answer I may receive." 
 
 " There, girl, what do you say to that ? " cried Winter. 
 
332 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " That's to the purpose, I fancy. You know my wishes. I 
 don't care to make them commands." 
 
 " No, no coercion. Prue must decide for herself," said 
 the Lord Mayor. " Though I could wish for no better wife 
 for my son, and though I truly believe he would now make 
 her an excellent husband, yet unless there is mutual love 
 they had better not come together." 
 
 " You are good enough, uncle, to say you would not 
 have me coerced," observed Prue. " Papa hints at laying 
 his commands upon me, but I can assure you he lets me do 
 just what I please. To be sure, I don't often disobey him, 
 but in a matter of this kind, which concerns me more than 
 any one else, I must really have my own way. Doubt of 
 Tradescant's sincerity would be impossible after what he has 
 just said. I may appear to trifle with him and to torment 
 him needlessly, but I cannot help it. I have made up my 
 mind that I won't consent unless — " And she paused. 
 
 " Unless what, niece ? " demanded the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " I must confide it to you in a whisper, uncle," she 
 said, placing her lips to Sir Grresham's ear, and saying some- 
 thing in a low tone that made him laugh heartily. 
 
 " Well, let it be so," he said. " The arrangement pleases 
 me. But where is Herbert ? " 
 
 " He is gone with Sir Felix Bland to call on Alice Wal- 
 worth," replied Prue. " He has renewed his intimacy with 
 that coquette. He talks of her in much the same strain that 
 Tradescant once did." 
 
 " Oh ! that will never do ! " said the Lord Mayor. 
 " Alice AValworth won't suit your son, brother." 
 
 " He shan't have her ! " cried Winter. " I've told him 
 so already. Zounds ! if I can't coerce Prue, I will coerce 
 him." 
 
 " Mr Walworth is a very decent old fellow, but Alice 
 would never do for a country gentleman's wife," observed 
 the Lord Mayor. *' I now see why Sir Pelix Bland wished 
 the Wal worths to be invited to the Easter ball." 
 
 " But have you invited them, papa ? " inquired Milly, 
 with some anxiety. 
 
 " Of course," replied Sir Grresham. " So solicited, I 
 couldn't do otherwise. But never mind. There is no great 
 likelihood that the match will come off.'* 
 
 " None whatever," added Winter, emphatically. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 333 
 
 At this moment Sir Felix Bland and Herbert entered the 
 room. 
 
 "Why, you are back earlier than I expected," cried 
 Winter. " Ton must have paid but a short visit." 
 
 " The ladies were out," replied Herbert, carelessly. 
 
 " They have gone to the Tower with young Cracraft," 
 said Sir Felix, " and left word for us to follow them, but 
 Herbert didn't seem inclined to do so." 
 
 " Are you talking of Alice Walworth and her mother ? " 
 inquired the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " Yes, my lord ; your nephew is in high favour there," 
 replied Sir Telix. 
 
 " One jilting doesn't seem enough for him," remarked 
 the Lord Mayor. " He must take care young Cracraft 
 doesn't supersede him. That young fellow is very hand- 
 some, and a great favourite with the sex, though Prue 
 doesn't appreciate his merits." 
 
 " Hang young Cracraft ! " exclaimed Herbert. " I'll cut 
 his throat." 
 
 "Nay, you ought to be obliged to him," said Prue. " If 
 he opens your eyes to your folly in regard to Alice, he will 
 do you infinite service. However, I am sorry for you. It 
 is mortifying to be so coolly turned off." 
 
 " Don't tease him any more, Prue," said Milly. " He 
 looks vexed." 
 
 " Yes, I am vexed," replied the young man. " Well, sir,'* 
 he added to his father, " I suppose full explanations have 
 taken place between you and Sir Gresham ? " 
 
 "Ay, ay, your uncle knows all," replied Winter. 
 
 " Concluding it would be so," rejoined Herbert, " I have 
 let Sir Pelix into the secret." 
 
 " And very much surprised I have been by the informa- 
 tion, my dear Mr Winter," observed Sir Felix. " Permit 
 me to say, sir, that had I been aware Herbert was the son 
 of a wealthy country gentleman, I should not have en- 
 couraged him to pay court to Alice Walworth ; but looking 
 upon him as a young man who had to make his way in the 
 world, I thought a girl with such a fortune a most desirable 
 match." 
 
 " Under the supposed circumstances, you were quite 
 right, Sir Felix," replied Winter; "but I should be glad if 
 you could undo what you have done." 
 
834 THE LOED MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Undo it ! — well, I'll try," replied the little alderman. 
 
 " Harkye, Godfrey," said the Lord Mayor, taking Winter 
 apart, " when we were last together there were three of ua. 
 You haven't inquired after the third." 
 
 "I didn't need to do so. I have seen him. Nay, I see 
 him now," glancing over his shoulder at Catidish. "I 
 knew him at once. But why does he deny his name ? I 
 hope there's nothing wrong." 
 
 "I do not think there is," replied the Lord Mayor. 
 " But there is some mystery which I cannot unravel." 
 
 At this moment the door was opened by an usher, who 
 announced Mr Alderman Beckford. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 IN WHICH AN IMPOETANT YISITOE IS ANNOUNCED. 
 
 " Good day, my lord," cried Beckford, as he entered. 
 *' I have news for you. Ah ! Mr Winter ! " he exclaimed, 
 catching sight of that personage. "I didn't expect to see 
 you here. When did you arrive in town ? " 
 
 " Only last evening, sir, or I should have paid my respects 
 to you," replied the other. 
 
 " What, are you acquainted with Mr Winter ? " said the 
 Lord Mayor to Beckford. 
 
 " To be sure," replied the alderman. " He and I are old 
 friends." 
 
 " You amaze me ! " exclaimed Sir Glresham. " Why, I 
 never heard you allude to him." 
 
 "Very likely not. I was not aware you knew him. 
 Well, sir," he added to Winter, " I have to offer you my 
 congratulations on your triumphant election. You came in, 
 in spite of ministerial opposition. I did you some service. 
 I got Mr Pitt and Lord Temple to write to some influential 
 friends, and they helped you." 
 
 " They brought me in," replied Winter. 
 
 " Why, surely you're not the Mr Winter who has just 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 335 
 
 been elected for tlie East Eiding of Yorkshire, eh ? " cried 
 Sir Gresham. 
 
 " Of course he is," replied Beckford ; " why, who else 
 did you take him for ? Mr Winter is a great gain to us — 
 as staunch a supporter of the Great Commoner as your 
 lordship, and as strongly opposed to the PaVourite." 
 
 " Ay, that I am," said Winter. 
 
 " Who would have thought it ? " exclaimed the Lord 
 Mayor. " Why, you never said a word to me about your 
 election?" 
 
 " We have had so many family matters to discuss that I 
 haven't had time," replied Winter. 
 
 " family matters ! " exclaimed Beckford, surprised in 
 his turn. " Are you connected with Sir Gresham, Mr 
 Winter ? " 
 
 " Pretty closely, sir," replied the old gentleman. " He 
 is my brother — that's all." 
 
 " Poh ! poh ! you are jesting ! Your brother. How 
 can that be ? " 
 
 "Easily enough," replied Winter. "I married the 
 heiress of Sutton Park, and took her name. I am Sir 
 Gresham's elder brother, Godfrey." 
 
 "Surprising indeed ! But I remember a circumstance 
 that occurred on the Lord Mayor's Day — a circumstance 
 that produced a very strong impression on me — when two 
 young persons, describing themselves as children of a 
 deceased brother, presented themselves to Sir Gresham, and 
 were most kindly received by him. Pray who are they ? " 
 
 " My son and daughter, sir. There they are to speak 
 for themselves. I'm the deceased brother — ha ! ha ! The 
 whole thing was a hoax, sir — an experiment upon Sir Gres- 
 ham's goodness of heart. You saw how he acted, you say ? " 
 
 " I did, and shall never forget it. No man could have 
 behaved better than Sir Gresham did on that occasion." 
 
 " But your news, my good sir — your news ? " demanded 
 the Lord Mayor. " You said you had something to com- 
 municate." 
 
 " So I have — something highly important," replied Beck- 
 ford. " But the surprise of seeing Mr Winter put it out of 
 my head. I came to prepare you for a visit from a person 
 of the greatest consequence — " 
 
336 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " There are so many persons of great consequence in 
 town just now that I shall never be able to guess whom 
 you mean," said the Lord Mayor. "Is it the Great 
 Commoner? " 
 
 " No ; some one even greater than he. His Majesty is 
 coming to the Mansion House this morning. The visit will 
 be strictly private. A plain coach, and no escort, as is the 
 way when the King has any little matter of his own to 
 transact. My information is obtained from a reliable source.. 
 His Majesty is certainly coming, and Lord Melcomb wdU 
 attend him. I thought it best to apprize you of the visit, 
 though the King designs to take you by surprise." 
 
 At this moment the door was suddenly opened by the 
 usher, whose excited looks showed he had something more 
 than ordinary to communicate. 
 
 " My lord ! my lord ! " exclaimed the bewildered official, 
 " his Majesty has just arrived at the Mansion House. I'm 
 sure it's the King, because he has got his hat on, and every- 
 body is bowing to him. His Majesty is crossing the vestibule, 
 attended by some gentlemen of your lordship's household. 
 What shall I do, my lord ? " 
 
 " Stay where you are, Tremantle," replied Sir Gresham, 
 with a calmnes-s that confounded the usher. 
 
 In another moment a gentleman of the household ap- 
 peared at the door, and in a low but distinct voice announced 
 " The King." As he retired, his Majesty stepped quickly 
 and unceremoniously into the room. 
 
 XIY. 
 
 THE king's PEIYATE YISIT TO THE MANSI02f HOUSE. 
 
 The King was plainly attired in a blue cloth coat, and 
 was only distinguished by the star upon his breast. He 
 wore top-boots, a tie-wig, and a cocked-hat, which of course 
 he did not remove, and carried a cane in his hand. He 
 stood erect, with a glowing cheek and a healthful look. 
 
 His Majesty was attended by Lord Melcomb, who 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. . 337 
 
 seemed, if possible, to have increased in bulk, wore a richly- 
 embroidered cherrj-coloured silk coat, striped silk breeches, 
 spotted silk hose, deep ruffles, a diamond solitaire, and an 
 immense periwig, loaded with powder. 
 
 "Where's the Lord Mayor?" cried the King, in a 
 quick voice. " Ah ! I see ! — I see ! " he added as Sir Gres- 
 ham advanced towards him, and made a profound obeisance. 
 "No one need leave the room," continued the King, as all 
 those assembled within drew back, awaiting an intimation 
 from his Majesty to withdraw, it being contrary to etiquette 
 to retire without permission. " Quite an unceremonious 
 visit, my lord," he went on. "I wouldn't even give you 
 notice of it. I hope I don't interrupt you in any way." 
 
 " Interrupt me, sir ! " exclaimed the Lord Mayor ; " that 
 would be impossible. I am ever ready to attend on your 
 Majesty, but it so chances that you have arrived at a moment 
 when I am quite unoccupied. Most of the persons present 
 are relatives, and we were merely talking of family matters." 
 
 " Odd ! — something connected with your family hag 
 brought me here," observed the King. " So, since you tell 
 me most of the company are your kinsfolk, there can be no 
 objection to their remaining. But where's the Lady 
 Mayoress ? I don't see her among them." 
 
 " She is within, sir, and shall be instantly summoned, if 
 you desire it." 
 
 " No ! no ! no need to do that," cried the King, some- 
 what hastily. " I hope she's well — I hope she's well — a fine 
 woman !— -a very fine woman — but wears too lofty a head- 
 dress. I shall never forget how it stuck fast in her chariot 
 window — ha! ha ! — very droll ! — very ridiculous— ha ! ha ! " 
 
 "While he was laughing heartily and the company were 
 participating in the royal merriment, the door opened, and 
 the Lady Mayoress, followed by her two elder daughters, 
 entered the room as majestically as she could, for the door 
 not being wide enough for her ample hoop, she had to raise 
 her dress on one side to effect a passage. Her ladyship 
 wore a sacque of dark lilac satin, trimmed with chenille 
 silver, made very low behind, and falling off" the shoulders. 
 Her head-dress, though not so monstrous as on the occasion 
 that had provoked the King's merriment, was still lofty 
 enough, the back hair being enclosed in a puff'-bag, with slab 
 curls above it, intermixed with white tiffany and beads. 
 
33S • THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Both her daughters were richly and elegantly attired — Lady 
 Dawes in a pearl-green sacque, trimmed with flowers and 
 deeply flounced, and a Eanelagh tippet of fine blond ; while 
 Mrs Chatteris wore a sky-blue riding- dress, braided with 
 silver, and a fantail hat. As soon as she had cleared the 
 door, the Lady Mayoress advanced towards his Majesty, 
 and, when within the prescribed distance, curtseyed to the 
 ground, while her daughters imitated her example. 
 
 " Glad to see you, madam," said the good-natured mon- 
 arch, acknowledging their obeisances by touching his hat in 
 military fashion, " and you, too, ladies. I was just inquiring 
 about you." 
 
 " Your Majesty does me infinite honour," exclaimed the 
 Lady Mayoress, enchanted. 
 
 "No more accidents, I hope, with your head-dress, 
 madam ? " said the King, 
 
 " None whatever, sir," she replied. " I followed your 
 Majesty's judicious advice, and lowered it considerably. It 
 makes me proud that you should deign to remember the 
 circumstance." 
 
 " I'm not likely to forget it," replied the King, laugh- 
 ing. " And now, my Lord Mayor," he added to Sir Gres- 
 ham, " I'll tell you what has brought me to the Mansion 
 House. I have already intimated that it is on a matter con- 
 nected with your family. On the occasion of your grand 
 banquet at Guildhall, I interrogated a man whom you sup- 
 posed to be a long-lost brother, but who could not be in- 
 duced to admit the relationship." 
 
 "I tremble at this commencement," muttered the Lady 
 Mayoress, becoming agitated, and having recourse to her 
 fan. 
 
 " The incident was a singular one," continued the King, 
 " and my curiosity was excited about that man. You 
 promised to ascertain the truth concerning him, and to ac- 
 quaint me with the result of your investigations, but you 
 have never yet done so." 
 
 " If I have appeared remiss, it is because I have had no 
 information to lay before your Majesty," replied Sir Gres- 
 ham. 
 
 " Have you taken any trouble at all in the matter, my 
 lord ? " demanded the King. 
 
 " Not much, I confess, sir," replied Sir Gresham, " being 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 339 
 
 perfectly satisfied that my suspicions were correct. I am 
 sure the person is my hrother." 
 
 " Oh no ! your Majesty, it is not so," exclaimed the 
 Lady Mayoress. " The wretch is a vile impostor." 
 
 " How can he he an impostor, madam, in the sense you 
 meau," said the King, sharply, " since, as I understand, he 
 still disclaims all relationship to Sir Gresham ? " 
 
 " It is all his cunning, your Majesty. He works upon 
 Sir Gresham's good feelings. He is no more Sir Gresham's 
 brother than he is Pope of Eome. Both Sir Gresham's 
 brothers died many, many years ago." 
 
 " How do you know that, madam ? " demanded the 
 King, quickly. 
 
 " I haven't proof positive, your Majesty," she replied, 
 " but Sir Gresham has often told me so himself. He was 
 quite sure they must be dead, he said, or he should have 
 heard from them." 
 
 " That was his impression at the time, no doubt," re- 
 joined the King. " But he appears to have altered his 
 opinion since." 
 
 " Entirely altered it, sir," replied the Lord Mayor. " I 
 am now satisfied that both my brothers are living." 
 
 "Eh, eh, what, both ? " cried the King. 
 
 " Both, your Majesty," rejoined Sir Gresham. 
 
 "Very odd! — very odd, indeed!" cried the King. 
 "Both supposed dead! — both coine to life again, eh ? But 
 about the one who was brought before me — you are con- 
 fident, you say, that he is your brother ? " 
 
 " Quite confident, sir." 
 
 " Then what can be the man's motive for persisting in a 
 denial of the relationship ? " 
 
 "I am unable to conjecture, sir." 
 
 " Have you never pressed him for an explanation ? '* 
 
 " Not of late, sir. I have forborne to do so, because my 
 inquiries seemed to pain him." 
 
 " Perhaps with reason. What has become of him ? 
 Where is he now ? " 
 
 " LTnless I am very much mistaken, sir, the man is in 
 the room at this moment," observed Lord Melcomb. 
 
 " He is, my lord," replied Sir Gresham. 
 
 "Let him stand forward," cried the King, seating him* 
 «elf in a large arm-chair. 
 
340 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 Thus enjoined, Candish stepped into the presence, and 
 made a low obeisance. He looked exceedingly pale, but 
 his bearing, though profoundly respectful, was firm. 
 
 "Ay, ay, this is the man," cried the King, eyeing him 
 sharply. "I recollect him, though he's greatly improved 
 in appearance." 
 
 " Owing to Sir Gresham's kindness, your Majesty," said 
 Candish. " Thanks to him, I have entirely recovered from 
 my abject condition. He has made a new man of me." 
 
 " What has he done for you, eh ? " demanded the King. 
 
 " Appointed me to an office of trust and responsibility 
 in his household, your Majesty," replied Candish. 
 
 " And he has been satisfied with your conduct, eh ? " 
 
 " Perfectly satisfied, sir," interposed the Lord Mayor. 
 "He has had entire control of the expenditure, and has 
 managed matters admirably." 
 
 "And you have never had any doubts of his honesty, 
 my lord ? " pursued the King. 
 
 " Of his honesty ? " exclaimed Sir Gresham, surprised 
 and hurt. " None whatever, sir. I would trust him with 
 untold gold. I would stake my life upon his honesty." 
 
 " You might place yourself in jeopardy, sir," said the 
 King. " I must now tell you that this man, whom you 
 have so blindly trusted, and for whom you would be re- 
 sponsible with your life, is a convicted felon." 
 
 "A felon ! " exclaimed the Lord Mayor, starting, while 
 a shudder pervaded the assemblage. 
 
 All eyes were directed towards Candish, who appeared as 
 if struck by a mortal blow, and caught at a chair for support. 
 
 " Look at him ! — his agitation proclaims his guilt," said 
 the King. 
 
 "I cannot — will not believe him guilty, sir," said the 
 Lord Mayor, in a voice of anguish. " Speak, brother, and 
 defend yourself." 
 
 Candish raised his head for a moment, and then let it 
 fall again, as if stunned. 
 
 "With your Majesty's permission," remarked Lord 
 Melcomb, " I will lay before the Lord Mayor the result of 
 inquiries which by your commands have been made into 
 this wretched man's history ; and I may observe in the 
 commencement — without seeking to impute blame to his 
 lordship — that it would have been better if he had satisfied 
 
THE LORD :MAY0R OF LONDON. 311 
 
 himself of the man's character before making him controller 
 of his household." 
 
 Here Candish again raised his livid countenance, and 
 looked almost vacantly at the speaker. Dews as of death 
 liad gathered thickly on his brow. 
 
 " Proceed, my. lord," said the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " I am sorry to have to tell your lordship," pursued 
 Lord Melcomb, with ill-disguised malice, " that there is no 
 doubt whatever that this wretched man is your brother — " 
 
 " Oh no, no, no ! " cried Candish. " I am not his 
 brother." 
 
 " Peace ! " said Sir G-resham, authoritatively. " Tou 
 will convince no one by this denial." 
 
 " No one," said Melcomb. " It is, unhappily, too true. 
 The fact has been elicited. Had there been any doubt, I 
 would gladly have spared your lordship the pain of a public 
 disclosure — " 
 
 " Spare me nothing, my lord," said Sir Gresham^ " but 
 go on." 
 
 " I will not task your lordship's patience too strongly," 
 pursued Lord Melcomb, who seemed to enjoy Sir Gresham's 
 trouble, " but in order to explain matters fully, it will be 
 necessary to go back to the year 1720, when the person 
 now before us left London and proceeded to Chester, where 
 he entered the employment of an Irish linen-draper named 
 Newton, by whom he was much trusted, and by wdiom, if 
 he had not wronged him, he would have l3een made a part- 
 ner — " 
 
 "As Heaven shall judge me I never wronged him!" 
 exclaimed Candish earnestly. " I never w^'onged any 
 man." 
 
 " Unluckily," continued Lord Melcomb, Avithout no- 
 ticing the interruption, "the clerk in w^hom Mr Newton 
 placed confidence was not proof against the temptation of 
 the large sums of money passing through his hands. Several 
 remittances by country dealers were abstracted, but Mr 
 Newton's suspicions never attached to his confidential 
 clerk, whom he could not believe capable of dishonesty, but 
 were rather directed towards another clerk, named James 
 Archer. At last, however, the guilt was fixed upon the 
 right party. In this way. A bank bill for a considerable 
 sum — £500, I think — was sent by letter to Mr Newton. 
 
81.2 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 This bill was missing. All the clerks were examined, and 
 the strictest investigations made ; but at last — at the sug- 
 gestion of Archer, who still unjustly laboured under his 
 master's suspicions — the confidential clerk's desk was 
 searched, and the bill was found secreted within it. A- 
 gainst such damnatory evidence as this no defence could be 
 offered, yet the culprit vehemently protested his innocence. 
 However, he was tried, found guilty, and narrowly escaped 
 hanging, but owing to the intercession of his worthy mas- 
 ter, and his previous good character, sentence of death was 
 commuted into imprisonment for life. That confidential 
 clerk — the villain who robbed his master, and whose real 
 name I will not pronounce — now stands before us." 
 
 "Yes, I am that unfortunate man," cried Candish, fall- 
 ing on his knees, and clasping his hands ; " but, as I hope 
 for mercy hereafter, I am innocent of this terrible charge. 
 I was always faithful to Mr Newton. I never wronged 
 him of a farthing." 
 
 "Ay, so you said in the dock at Chester, but few 
 believed the assertion," rejoined Lord Melcomb. "My 
 story, however, is not done. The criminal clerk — I again 
 spare his name — was imprisoned in Chester Castle, where 
 he was kept in durance vile for more than two years, at the 
 end of which time — though the gaol is tolerably strong — he 
 contrived to break out, and effect his escape. We have had 
 some difficulty in tracing the fugitive's subsequent career, 
 but have ascertained that he went first to Liverpool, and 
 thence to Dublin, and eventually passed over to Prance. 
 Probably the account he gave of himself on his previous 
 examination by his Majesty was correct, and we may believe 
 that he really did remain for a lengthened period on the 
 Continent, since it is only within the last three years that a 
 person answering to his description, and calling himself 
 Candish, appeared at Bristol. There he seems to have led 
 an idle, vagabond life, and to have associated with strolling 
 players, showmen, and other disreputable characters. At 
 one time he was drawer at a tavern, at another croupier at 
 a gaming-house, and after that a quack doctor and a merry- 
 andrew at country fairs." 
 
 " I could do no better — I could get no other employ- 
 ment," cried Candish. "I was a broken-down, dispirited 
 man." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 343 
 
 " "What have you to say to this accusation ? " demanded 
 the King, in a severe tone. 
 
 " Simply to repeat my innocence of the charge brought 
 against me, sir," said Candish. "I know I shall not ob- 
 tain credence — but I speak the truth. A\^ere I put to the 
 rack I should still declare my innocence — and, indeed, no 
 torments could be greater than those I now endure. I 
 have been falsely accused — punished for a crime I never 
 committed — have endured obloquy and unmerited suffering 
 — ^have been branded as a felon, compelled to fly from my 
 own country, and return to it covertly — but I have never 
 suffered half so much as I now suffer in bringing shame and 
 dishonour upon my noble-hearted brother, and in giving his 
 enemies an opportunity of triumphing over him." 
 
 " If my advice had been taken, this dreadful exposure 
 would never have occurred," said the Lady Mayoress. 
 
 "A dreadful exposure indeed," said Lady Dawes. "I 
 shall never survive it." 
 
 " That a high and honourable name, such as my brother 
 bears, should be sullied by any supposed act of mine, would 
 be intolerable, but I cannot believe that such will be the 
 case," pursued Candish. " His conduct towards me is such 
 as can only redound to his credit in the opinion of all 
 worthy men. I was brought before him, as your Majesty 
 knows, in the most abject state of distress, yet he did not — 
 *even in his day of pride — even in your august presence, sir, 
 he did not hesitate to own me." 
 
 " Quite true ! " cried the King, somewhat moved. 
 " Quite true ! The Lord Mayor behaved nobly. I have 
 always said so." 
 
 " But for my good brother's kindness — but for his timely 
 assistance," pursued Candish, " that day would have been 
 my last on earth. Driven to despair, I should have buried 
 my sufferings in the river that flows through your city, sir. 
 But he took me by the hand. He gave me back some of 
 the self-respect I had lost. I thought the worst was over — 
 that the few years remaining of my troubled life would be 
 passed in peace. But it was not so ordained. Misery, as 
 usual, was dogging at my heels. When the sky appeared 
 cloudless comes this terrible clap of thunder, and I ana 
 stricken down again — never more to rise." 
 
 The old man's passionate eloquence powerfsdly affected 
 
344 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 all his auditors. Many of tliem, as may well be conceived, 
 were painfully moved, and but for the presence of the King 
 Bome stronger manifestation of their sympathies would have 
 been made. Lord Melcomb took out his magnificent 
 diamond snuff-box, and applied himself to it. The King 
 remained thoughtful for a moment, and then remarked to 
 Lord Melcomb, " I can't believe this man is guilty." 
 
 " I'm sorry to say there can be no doubt about it, sir," 
 replied the stout nobleman, shaking his head. 
 
 At this juncture Mr Beckford stepped forward, and 
 making a profound obeisance to the King, said, "I have 
 allowed the matter to proceed thus far, sir, because I wished 
 to hear what my Lord Melcomb had to bring forward, and 
 because I thought it would be most to the interest of the 
 unfortunate man that he should be allowed to speak for 
 himself before anything was said for him. No one who has 
 listened to him — I will not even except your Majesty — 
 could, I think, doubt his innocence. But I am happy to 
 say I am in a condition to prove it." 
 
 "Eh! eh! what! — to prove his innocence!" cried the 
 King, quickly. "I'm glad of it. But how, sir, — how? " 
 
 " By this letter, sir, which I received this very morning 
 from Chester. It is from old Mr Newton. He encloses a 
 duly certified confession of James Archer, his former clerk, 
 who has recently expiated a long catalogue of crimes on the 
 gallows. Archer confesses that he abstracted the bank-bill,* 
 and, in order to avoid certain detection, hid it in Lawrence 
 Lorimer's desk. Tor this vile act, and for its deplorable 
 consequences to his victim, the wretch seems to have felt due 
 compunction. Old Mr Newton, also, as your Majesty will 
 see, if you will deign to cast your eye over his letter, ex- 
 presses the greatest grief for poor Lawrence Lorimer's un- 
 merited sufferings. Such was the opinion he entertained of 
 him, he says, that he never could believe him guilty, and 
 would not have prosecuted if he had not been compelled to 
 do so." 
 
 " You have come forward most opportunely, and I am 
 glad of it, Mr Beckford," said the King. " But how happens 
 it that Mr Newton addressed that letter to you ? " 
 
 " Shrewdly observed, your Majesty," said Lord Melcomb. 
 ** How did that chance ? " 
 
 " I will tell you, sir," replied Beckford. " Having re- 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 345 
 
 ceived information that Lord Melcomb was making inquiries 
 about Lawrence Lorimer, and fancying they might be with 
 no very friendly intent, I set to work myself, with what 
 result you see. It is right to say that I acted entirely with- 
 out the Lord Mayor's knowledge or concurrence." 
 
 With this he handed the letter to the King, who pro- 
 ceeded to read it carefully through, and then examined the 
 confession enclosed in it. 
 
 "Hum ! " muttered Lord Melcomb, while his Majesty 
 was thus employed. " My agent has betrayed me. Beck- 
 ford must have learnt that the King was coming here, and 
 have brought that letter with him, waiting an opportunity 
 to produce it with most effect." 
 
 Meanwhile, Winter had approached his unfortunate 
 brother, and assisted him to rise. The sudden revulsion 
 of feeling had been almost too much for the old man, and 
 for a few moments he remained sobbing on his brother's 
 shoulder. 
 
 Poor fellow ! give him a chair," said the King, com- 
 
 "I do not need one, sir," replied Lawrence Lorimer, 
 mastering his emotion, and bowing gratefully to his Majesty. 
 
 "Then learn from my lips, sir," rejoined the monarch, 
 " that you are completely exculpated. At the same time, I 
 must express the deep concern I feel that you should have 
 experienced so much unmerited suffering." 
 
 " Oh, sir, let me thank you on my knees for those gra- 
 cious words," cried Lawrence Lorimer, prostrating himself 
 before the King. " They requite me for all the misery I 
 have endured." 
 
 " Eise, sir, rise ! " cried the King, kindly aiding him as 
 he spoke. "Henceforth you may bear your own name 
 without blushing for it. 'Tis an honoured name," he added, 
 looking round, " and I hope all who bear it will keep it 
 spotless." 
 
 " It shall be my aim to do so, your Majesty," cried 
 Tradescant. 
 
 " Eh ! eh ! who spoke ? " demanded the King. 
 
 " My son, sir," replied the Lord Mayor. " Since I last 
 had the honour to present him to your Majesty, he has 
 raised himself greatly in my estimation." 
 
 " I am glad to hear it," replied the King. " Let him go 
 
346 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 on in the same course. But who is that old gentleman," 
 lie added, indicating Winter, who was standing beside hia 
 brother Lawrence — " from the country, eh ? " 
 
 " That, sir, is Mr Winter, of Sutton Park, Yorkshire, 
 the newly-elected member for the East Eiding," replied 
 Beckford. 
 
 " Present him — present him," cried the King. " Glad 
 to see you, Mr Winter. How d'ye do ? Just come to 
 town, eh ? " 
 
 " Arrived last night, please your Majesty," replied 
 Winter. 
 
 " Pound your way to the Mansion House abeady, eh ? 
 Well, sir, you've been present at a very interesting scene." 
 
 " I wouldn't have missed it for half my estate," said 
 Winter. " It has terminated in a most satisfactory manner 
 to us all." 
 
 " True — very true ! But why particularly satisfactory to 
 you, Mr Winter ? Are you a relation of the Lord Mayor ? " 
 
 " A very near relation, please your Majesty." 
 
 *' Harkye, my Lord Mayor ! " cried the King. " You 
 eaid that both your brothers, whom you supposed dead, had 
 come to life again. One we have just found. What haa 
 become of the other ? " 
 
 " Should he chance to be in a humble position of life, the 
 Lord Mayor is too high-minded to disown him," observed 
 Lord Melcomb, with a sneer. 
 
 " That I am sure he would not," said Winter. " He haa 
 given proof enough of his superiority over mere worldly con- 
 sideration. My position, my lord," he added proudly, "ia 
 but little inferior to your own." 
 
 " Your position, Mr Winter, I never questioned it. 
 We were speaking of the Lord Mayor's brother, sir." 
 
 "Well, my lord," replied Winter, "I am the Lord 
 Mayor's brother." 
 
 " The deuce you are ! '* exclaimed Lord Melcomb, dis- 
 concerted. 
 
 " But how comes your name to be Winter ? " asked the 
 King. 
 
 " I married a Yorkshire heiress, please your Majesty, 
 and took her name. Before that event I was Godfrey Lori- 
 mer. Until I entered this room. Sir Gresham was not aware 
 that I was still in the land of the living." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 347 
 
 " Indeed ! " exclaimed the King. " Why practise such a 
 tfick upon him, eh ? " 
 
 *' It was my daughter's doing, sir," replied "Winter. 
 
 " Tour daughter ! Where is she ? " 
 
 " Here, sir," replied Winter, leading Prue forward, who 
 made a profound inclination to his Majesty. 
 
 "What's this I hear, young lady?" demanded the 
 King. " You have been contriving a plot, eh ? " 
 
 "A very harmless one, I trust, sir," she replied, "and I 
 think your Majesty will scarcely blame me for what I have 
 done, when you learn to what a display of goodness on my 
 uncle's part it has led. On the day of Sir Gresham's in- 
 stallation, while he was surrounded by important personages, 
 my brother and myself presented ourselves to him in the 
 guise of poor relations, and though he might well have acted 
 otherwise, he Melcomed us in the kindest manner ; and being 
 led to suppose that we had no parents living, and no friends 
 in town, insisted on our taking up our abode with him. 
 More than this, he at once offered to place my brother in 
 his business. From that day to this he has shown us un- 
 varying kindness, treating us in every respect like his own 
 childreii." 
 
 " Please your Majesty," said the Lady Mayoress, step- 
 ping forward, " I think my niece has used me very ill in not 
 letting me into the secret, though she could take my young- 
 est and least experienced daughter into her confidence. Had I 
 known the real truth, that her father was a wealthy York- 
 shire squire, I should have felt very differently towards her 
 and her brother, and comported myself accordingly. But to 
 come before me as a poor relation, and degrade me in the pre- 
 sence of great folks, was more than human nature could bear." 
 
 "Yet Sir Gresham bore it, madam," said the King, 
 laughing. 
 
 " Ah ! but, your Majesty, if my niece wished to try him, 
 there was no necessity to try me. I don't pretend to be 
 as soft hearted as Sir Gresham, and I can't abide to be de- 
 ceived . If people are rich and pretend to be poor, they 
 mustii't blame me for taking them at their word. My niece, 
 I say^ shouldn't have kept me in the dark. At first she 
 lowered me, and now she makes me look ridiculous." 
 
 ''I can't relieve you from the dilemma in which you 
 have unwittingly placed yourself j madam," replied the King. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 ** If you had imitated your worthy husbaud, you would have 
 been right on both occasions. In future, I recommend you 
 to model your conduct on his conduct. You will find your 
 account in doing so. And now, my Lord Mayor," he added 
 to Sir Gresham, " a word in parting to you. I certainly 
 did not visit you with any design of assisting at the denoue- 
 ment of the little comedy played off by your pretty niece, 
 but with a different object, which has happily been set at 
 rest. But I am glad to have been present, since it has 
 given me an opportunity of testing your deserts. As a 
 loyal subject — and I know you are one — you will not be in- 
 different to your sovereign's commendation. You have it. 
 You have behaved very well throughout — better, I firmly 
 believe, than most men would have done under circum- 
 stances so peculiar. Your brothers will know how to ap- 
 preciate your conduct, and I don't think, after what has 
 occurred, that you are likely to lose sight of them again. 
 Thus much for the estimation in which I hold your private 
 character. In your public capacity, as chief magistrate of 
 this great City, I hear nothing but praise of you. I am 
 told — and I can easily believe it from what I have myself 
 seen — that since the days of the immortal Whittington, the 
 municipal chair has never been more worthily filled ; that 
 all your duties have been most efficiently discharged, and 
 that this house has never known such hospitality as is now 
 practised within it." 
 
 " Such gracious words as your Majesty has been pleased 
 to let fall," replied the Lord Mayor, in a voice of deep emo- 
 tion, " are a reward for a life of exertion. I trust I shall 
 never forfeit your good opinion." 
 
 " No fear of that," said the King. " Go on as you have 
 hitherto done, and I will not fail publicly to mark my appro- 
 bation." 
 
 " Your Majesty is too good," said the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " Your son, you say, is well-conducted, and gives you 
 perfect satisfaction? " said the King. 
 
 " He is all that I could wish, sir," replied the Lord 
 Mayor, emphatically. 
 
 " That's right ! " exclaimed the good-natured monarch. 
 " Let him follow his sovereign's example, and marry. 'Tis 
 the best thing he can do, and I dare say he'll have no objec- 
 tion." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 349 
 
 ** ^one whatever, your Majesty,'* cried Tradeseant. 
 
 " "Why not wed him to your niece ? " pursued the King, 
 smiling at the young man's eagerness. "She would make 
 him a capital wife, I'm sure." 
 
 " Such an arrangement would be in entire accordance 
 with my wishes, sir," responded the Lord Mayor. 
 
 " And with mine," added Winter. 
 
 " His Majesty doesn't deign to consult me,'* thought the 
 Lady Mayoress. " I am nobody in his estimation." 
 
 " And what says the young lady ? " pursued the King. 
 " Before you answer, let me add that you will get a title, for 
 the Lord Mayor will have a baronetcy." 
 
 " I do not need that inducement, sir," replied Prue. " My 
 cousin Tradeseant has long been master of my heart, and ii 
 I have hitherto declined to give him a decided answer, it has 
 been because I have a pet project which I wish to carry out 
 at the same time." 
 
 " Another project ! ** exclaimed the King, smiling. 
 *' Why, you are as full of them as a soubrette in a play. 
 Well, you have been lucky hitherto, I dare say your scheme 
 will succeed." 
 
 " After your Majesty's assurance I am sure it will. So 
 when my cousin Tradeseant asks again he shall have an 
 answer." 
 
 " All happiness attend you both ! " said the King, " and 
 may the marriage be productive of comfort to you, my Lord 
 Mayor — and to you, too, Mr Winter. And if there should 
 be a double marriage in the family, as I suspect there will be, 
 and another Lorimer take the name of Winter, may that 
 union be equally propitious. And so good day, my Lord 
 Mayor — good day to you all ! " 
 
 Grraciously saluting the company, who all inclined rever- 
 entially, he then passed forth with Lord Melcomb, and 
 attended by the Lord Mayor, Sir !Felix Bland, and Mr Beck- 
 ford, crossed the vestibule, where by this time all the officers 
 of the household, with the splendid retinue of servants, were 
 arrayed, and entering the plain carriage that had brought 
 him, drove back to St James's Palace. 
 
 (Snlr af t\t ImtrtI] §O0L 
 
BOOK V. 
 EASTER MONDAY, 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 353 
 
 THE EPPIN& HTMT. 
 
 Easter Monday had now arrived, a notable day in the 
 almanack of the Corporation of London. 
 
 On this morning, attended by his chaplain, swordbearer, 
 and macebearer, robed in scarlet, and wearing his insignia of 
 office, the Lord Mayor proceeded to Christ Church, of which 
 he was governor ecc officio, to hear a sermon. 
 
 Here he was met by the president and the other governors 
 of the ancient hospital, founded by Edward VI., while a 
 procession, consisting of the Elue-coat Boys, beadles, masters, 
 and other officers of the school, entered the church at the 
 same time. In itself Christ Church is by no means remark- 
 able for beauty, but it occupies the site of a very majestic 
 edifice, unfortunately destroyed by the remorseless confla- 
 gration of 1666. The ancient fabric was one of the most 
 superb conventual churches in the city of London, and had 
 been, till despoiled by Henry YIIL, very richly endowed. 
 Possessing shrines, reputed of peculiar sanctity, the church 
 was coveted as a place of burial by the great. Many illus- 
 trious personages were interred within its walls — four queens, 
 amongst whom was Isabella, the " she-wolf of France," four 
 duchesses, four countesses, earls, barons, and knights with- 
 out number. Its splendid monuments of marble and ala- 
 baster were pulled down, at the dissolution of the monastery 
 in 1545, by Sir Martin Bowes, then Lord Mayor, and the 
 materials sold for the insignificant sum of £50. 
 
 "We cannot say that any regrets for this ancient convent- 
 ual church filled the breast of Sir Gresham, or that he felt in- 
 dignant at the wanton desecration practised by his predecessor 
 Sir Martin Bowes ; perhaps, indeed, he might have preferred 
 the modern pile to the ancient, but unquestionably he looked 
 
 23 
 
854 THE LOED MAYOR OP LONDON. 
 
 very tranquil, and listened patiently to the discourse pro- 
 nounced by the Eev. Dr Dugdale, now and then glancing 
 at the Blue-coat Boys thronging the galleries, and admiring 
 their quick and intelligent countenances. 
 
 The sermon over, a statement was read by Dr Dugdale 
 of the income and expenditure of the hospitals under the 
 Lord Mayor's j urisdiction. At the conclusion of the service, 
 Sir Gi-resham and the other civic dignitaries repaired with 
 the president and governors to Christ's Hospital, where a 
 splendid collation awaited them. Both on entering the 
 school and on leaving it the Lord Mayor was lustily cheered 
 by the Blue-coat Boys. 
 
 And here we may mention that on the following day 
 (Easter Tuesday), according to custom, these Blue-coat 
 Boys, before going to church, marched through the Mansion 
 House, each receiving from the Lord Mayor, who was sta- 
 tioned with a large party in the saloon to see them pass, a 
 glittering silver coin fresh from the Mint, two plum cakes, 
 and a glass of wine. Needless to say, they all drank his 
 lordship's health. 
 
 On the same day, according to a well-known custom, there 
 was a stag-hunt in Epping Eorest, though the Lord Mayor 
 was too much occupied to attend it. 
 
 Liberty to hunt in the royal forests in the vicinity of 
 London was granted to the civic authorities by Henry III., 
 and hence the appointment of the officer styled the Common 
 Hunt, whose business it was to take care of a pack of hounds 
 belonging to the Lord Mayor and citizens, and to attend 
 them in those forests wherein they were authorized by royal 
 charter to hunt. 
 
 On the Easter Monday in question there was a numer- 
 ous meeting in an open and picturesque part of the forest 
 adjacent to the pleasant little town of Epping. Eortunately 
 the day was fine, promising to be propitious to the sport. 
 Various and grotesque were the costumes of these cockney 
 sportsmen, some being in scarlet coats bedizened with lace, 
 some in green, and others in coats that seemed to belong to 
 the days of Queen Anne. The Common Hunt was arrayed 
 in a scarlet coat laced with gold, with a large hunting-horn 
 slung from his shoulder, and wore a black velvet cap and 
 top-boots. With him, besides his man, who was equipped 
 like himself, were four foresters habited in a green, two hunts- 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. .355 
 
 men, and a couple of wliippers-in. The latter had charge of 
 a capital pack of stag-hounds. With the Common Hunt 
 were a great number of fat citizens. Amongst these were 
 Mr Winter and Herbert, both of whom, owing to the provi- 
 dence of the Lord Mayor, were remarkably well mounted. 
 Herbert wore a scarlet riding-dress, which set off his fine 
 figure to great advantage, and being a first-rate horseman, 
 was one of the most noticeable personages on the field. 
 
 Though so near London, at that time wild stags were 
 to be met with in Epping Forest, and the covert having been 
 drawn, a fine roebuck was speedily roused, whereupon the 
 Common Hunt winded his horn blithely, and the hounds 
 were immediately cast off, and the whole field started in the 
 chase. 
 
 " Hark forward ! gentlemen ! — hark forward ! " shouted 
 the Common Hunt. 
 
 "Ay, hark forward! — hark forward! tantivy!" roared 
 the squire. 
 
 The scene that ensued was so supremely ridiculous, and 
 so provocative of merriment, that old Winter absolutely roar- 
 ed with laughter. Such shouting was there ! — such cracking 
 of whips ! — such rushing here and there ! — such jostling — 
 such swearing — such confusion — as never was seen the like ! 
 
 Half the fat citizens recently gathered round the Common 
 Hunt were unseated — others, having lost their hats and 
 wigs, were clinging to their horses' manes like John Grilpin, 
 and roaring lustily for help. Some were carried back, against 
 their will, towards Epping. Others were borne off into the 
 thickest part of the forest, and did not reappear till the chase 
 was over. Hundreds of riderless horses were seen flying 
 about, and some of these, excited by the shouts and clatter, 
 followed the hounds. 
 
 As the chase went on, fresh disasters occurred, and more 
 citizens were left on the ground, and unable to regain their 
 steeds. In less than a quarter of an hour the field was di- 
 minished to a third of its original number, but even then 
 there was a great throng, and so much pressing and strug- 
 gling that even a good horseman was in danger from the 
 clumsiness and bad riding of his companions. 
 
 At first, as we have said, the old squire laughed im- 
 moderately at the mishaps of the citizens, but when they 
 dashed against him or got in the way, he soon began to lose 
 
356 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 his temper, and swore in a style worthy of an old fox-hunt- 
 er. Finding, however, it was impossible to keep them off 
 either by voice or whip, he extricated himself as speedily as 
 he could from the press, and shouted to Herbert to join him. 
 
 They had not ridden far together, when a stoutly -built 
 man, in a chocolate-coloured riding-dress, and mounted on a 
 thorough-bred bright bay, joined them. No sooner did the 
 old squire cast eyes on this personage than he recognized 
 him. 
 
 "By the Lord Harry! 'tis he!" he cried. " 'Tis the 
 Flying Highwayman, who took ten guineas from me t'other 
 day near Barnet. Zounds! sirrah," he added to the man, 
 " have you the impudence to show yourself on an occasion 
 like this?" 
 
 " Why not?" replied the other. "I have as much right 
 to be here as you. I attend all meetings and races. But 
 you are mistaken in saying I robbed you. I've not been at 
 Barnet for months." 
 
 " I might be mistaken about you," rejoined the squire, 
 "but I'll swear to your horse. I knew him again in a 
 moment." 
 
 " But my prancer doesn't prove me to be a highwayman, 
 old cock. This is a well-known horse, Heg'lus. I bought 
 him from the Lord Mayor's son, Mr Tradescant Lorimer, 
 when that young gem'man left the turf." 
 
 "The deuce you did!" exclaimed the squire, in surprise. 
 **'Well, he's a fine horse, I must say." 
 
 " Is this Eegulus ?" cried Herbert, glancing admiringly 
 at the animal. 
 
 " Yes, sir," replied the rider, proudly. " This is Eeg'lus, 
 and a reg'lar good 'un he is." 
 
 " Will you sell him?" demanded AVinter. 
 
 " Not if you'd give me his weight in gold," replied the 
 man. 
 
 " Then I'll have him and you too," rejoined the squire, 
 Bnatching at the bridle. 
 
 " No you woa't, old blade," replied the highwayman, 
 eluding him, and spurring Eegulus, who bounded forward. 
 "There isn't a hors#in this field that can catch me." 
 
 " I'll try what I can do," rejoined Herbert, starting 
 after him. 
 
 The squire also set off in pursuit, bellowing out at the 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 357 
 
 top of his voice, " A highwayman — a highwayman!" But 
 though at other times such a cry might have produced tlie 
 desired effect, it was now, in the tumult and excitement, 
 almost unheeded. Many thought it a hoax — and almost all 
 preferred hunting the deer to chasing a highwayman. Only 
 half a dozen followed the old squire and his son, and these 
 speedily dropped off, and returned to the hounds. It was 
 evident, indeed, that there was but little chance of capturing 
 the highwayman, who had not overrated the powers of his 
 steed. He led his pursuers into the forest, carrying them 
 over sweeping glades towards Harlow, and finally plunging 
 into a thicket, was lost. 
 
 " That E-egulus is a devilish fine horse," cried the squire, 
 as they rode back. " I wish Tradescant had sold him to me 
 instead of to that saucy knave." 
 
 "Ay, he's a beauty," replied Herbert. "Tradescant 
 offered him to Tom Potter, member for Aylesbury, but, as 
 Tom wouldn't buy, he sold him for an old song to the first 
 bidder. That rascal only gave a hundred for him." 
 
 "And he's worth a thousand," rejoined the squire, with 
 something like a groan. " But where are the hounds ? " he 
 added, pausing to listen. " Ha ! I hear them. They are 
 coming this way." 
 
 As he spoke, the lordly hart, distinguishable by his 
 noble antlers, burst into the glade along which they were 
 riding, about a mile off, and speeded along it. Presently, 
 the hounds, who were close upon him, and giving tongue 
 loudly, came in view ; and then the Common Hunt and his 
 man, both of whom were excellently mounted, and rode 
 well ; and after them as many of the field as had been able> 
 to keep up with the hounds. Finding that the hart was 
 coming straight up the glade, the old squire and his son 
 drew to one side, beneath the covert of the trees, in order 
 not to turn the flying animal out of his course, and from 
 this post of observation they enjoyed the animating spec- 
 tacle exceedingly. "When within a quarter of a mile of 
 them, however, the stag turned off to the right, and hounds 
 and huntsmen of course went after him. On this the two 
 Winters instantly quitted the covert, and crossing the glade, 
 took a course which they thought would bring them upon 
 the field. And so it chanced. They had not proceeded 
 far, when they again caught sight of the hart, and, clapping 
 
858 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 spurs to tlieir horses, soon came up with the huntsmen. 
 They were just in time, for, now being sore pressed, the 
 hart, having found a favourable position among the trees, 
 stood at bay, and gored three or four hounds who rushed 
 upon him. The cries of the wounded dogs checked the 
 others, and they stood baying in front of him as he menaced 
 them with his horns, but, warned by the fate of their com- 
 panions, none of them ventured to attack him. 
 
 " Kill him!" shouted the squire. " Kill him, or he'll 
 maim half the pack." 
 
 "He's dangerous," said the huntsman, not liking the 
 looks of the infuriated animal. 
 
 " Give me your knife," cried Herbert, " and I'll despatch 
 him." 
 
 The huntsman hesitated, but, a couple more hounds 
 being hurt, he gave his long woodman's knife to Herbert, 
 who, dismounting, warily approached the hart through the 
 trees, and while the animal was staring at the hounds, sud- 
 denly dealt him the mortal blow. 
 
 The mort was then sounded, and Herbert received the 
 compliments of the Common Hunt and the others on his 
 prowess. The buck was not flayed and broken up on the 
 spot as used to be the case in good old times, but was placed 
 on boughs, and borne in triumph on the shoulders of the 
 foresters to Eppiug, where a covered cart was waiting to 
 convey the carcase to town. 
 
 After refreshing themselves at the comfortable hostel 
 known as Epping Place with a glass of amber-bright ale, 
 the squire and his son rode off to town, having to dine with 
 the Lord Mayor at the Mansion House. 
 
 YII. 
 
 AS" OLD TOEKSHIEE SEETANT. 
 
 SiE GrEESHAM had insisted upon his eldest brother taking 
 up his abode at the house in Cheapside, saying there were 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 359 
 
 plenty of unoccupied rooms at his disposal, and "Winter de- 
 lightedly availed himself of the offer. To Cheapside there- 
 fore father and son repaired on their return to town, and 
 consigning their horses to the care of the groom who had 
 attended them, they entered the house and went up-stairs 
 together. The squire had brought with him an old servant 
 from Yorkshire, whose livery, uncouth manners, and appear- 
 ance, were sources of great amusement to Tiplady. The 
 shrewd old Torkshireman, however, was quite a match for 
 the coxcombical town valet. 
 
 On reaching the landing, the squire and his son found 
 Tiplady and Sam Liptrap, the old Yorkshire serving-man in 
 question, seated together in a small back-room, amusing 
 themselves with a game at cards. Certainly a greater con- 
 trast could not be found than these two servants presented ; 
 the one hard, dry, ungainly, and attired in an old-fashioned 
 livery ; the other easy, airy, foppish, and quite as smart as 
 his master. Old Liptrap looked somewhat confused at being 
 thus discovered, but Tiplady was not in the slightest degree 
 disconcerted. 
 
 "What are you about, Sam?" cried the squire; "losing 
 your money at cards ?" 
 
 " Na, na, yer honour," replied Sam Liptrap, " I be win- 
 ner of these two half-crowns." 
 
 "Yes, sir," cried Tiplady, "the luck has been entirely 
 with Mr Liptrap. But he has promised to give me my re- 
 venge." 
 
 " If he does I'll discharge him," cried Winter. " Hark- 
 ye, sirrah, I'll have no gambling among servants. When 
 you go to Sutton, Herbert, you must leave this puppy be- 
 hind you." 
 
 " If you refer to me, sir," said Tiplady, " that direction 
 to Mr Herbert is entirely superfluous. Under no circum- 
 stances would I consent to bury myself in the country. 
 And I should expire outright if such a livery as Mr Lip- 
 trap's were offered me. I should, upon my honour, sir." 
 
 " The clothes be good enough, I'm quite sure," said 
 Sam Liptrap. " I find no fawt wi' un." 
 
 "I should hope not, or you'll get no more from me,*' 
 cried Winter ; " but don't stand chattering there, but come 
 with me to my room and help me to dress for the Lord 
 Mayor's dinner." 
 
8G0 THE LOED MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " Lord, your honour, I should so like to see the grand 
 dinner at the Mansion House, and the fine folk, and the 
 plate. Mr Tip has been tellin' me abowt it." 
 
 " I'll take him, sir, if you will permit me," said Tiplady. 
 
 " Well, well, you may go, Sam. But you don't get 
 drunk and make a fool of yourself. And now come along, 
 or I shall be late." 
 
 So saying, he marched off to his room, followed by the 
 old servant, while Herbert proceeded in another direction, 
 attended by Tiplady. 
 
 Though often pressed by the Lord Mayor to dine at the 
 Mansion House, Crutchet, with characteristic modesty, had 
 hitherto refrained from doing so, but the Easter banquet 
 held out such irresistible temptations, especially when Tra- 
 descant told him that all the family were to be assembled 
 on the occasion, and that, being looked upon as one of them, 
 he could not, with propriety, be left out, that he yielded, 
 and prepared himself for the important event. Arrayed in 
 a handsome suit of black, expressly ordered for the occasion, 
 he went up-stairs about half-past five — the dinner-hour at 
 the Mansion House being six o'clock — and proceeded to the 
 drawing-room, where he was shortly afterwards joined by 
 Tradescant and the two Winters. 
 
 The old squire wore a cinnamon- coloured velvet coat 
 garnished with lace, a rich brocade waistcoat, a laced stein- 
 kirk folded broadly over his chest, and a peruke arranged by 
 the skilful hands of M. Le Gros. Tradescant was also 
 elegantly and even richly, dressed in dark velvet, but was 
 quite eclipsed in show and splendour by Herbert, who was 
 now, beyond all question, the beau of the family. On see- 
 ing Crutchet, for whom he had a great liking, Mr Winter 
 went up to him, and shaking him cordially by the hand, said, 
 " I'm delighted you are going with us to the Mansion House, 
 Eow Bells. If you had been absent to-day, the dinuer 
 would have been incomplete." 
 
 "That's what I told Mr Crutchet, uncle," said Trades- 
 cant. " I said we should all — from the Lord Mayor down- 
 wards — be greatly disappointed if he stayed away. But I 
 had hard work to persuade him. Would you believe it, he 
 has never yet dined either at Gruildhall or the Mansion 
 House." 
 
 " I can believe anything odd of him," said Winter. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 361 
 
 "Eut what's your reason for such strange conduct, Eow 
 Bells ? It can't be because you've not been invited ? " 
 
 " No, that's not it, sir," replied Crutchet. " The Lord 
 Mayor has repeatedly asked me. But I'm not fit company 
 for such great folks as dine with his lordship." 
 
 "Pshaw! you underrate yourself, Bow Bells. You're 
 fit company for anybody. However, I'm glad you've made 
 up your mind to dine with us to-day. You'll have a famous 
 dinner, I can tell you — plenty of venison and turtle — ha I 
 ha!" 
 
 " Why, sir, you talk of the venison and turtle with as 
 much gusto as an alderman," observed his son. 
 
 " Oddsflesh ! " exclaimed the old gentleman, chuckling, 
 " there isn't an alderman amoug them, or a Mazarine either, 
 who will bring a better appetite to the feast than I shall. 
 I'm as hungry as a hunter, and shall do ample justice to all 
 the good things the Lord Mayor may set before me. Follow 
 my example, Bow Bells, and you'll do well." 
 
 " Your ride to Eppiug has been of service to you, uncle,'* 
 observed Tradescant, laughing. " Pray how did the stag- 
 hunt go off"? " 
 
 " Wonderfally," replied the old gentleman. " Never 
 was at such a meeting in my life — ha ! ha ! Such cattle ! 
 such riders — why, sir, five minutes after the start the ground 
 looked like a field of battle, strewn with prostrate cits — • 
 Culloden was nothing to it — ha ! ha ! ha ! " 
 
 "And who should we come upon but the Plying High- 
 wayman ! " observed Herbert. " We gave him chase, but 
 he got away from us. However, you won't be surprised at 
 that, when I tell you he rode Eegulus." 
 
 " Eegulus ! is it possible ? No wonder, then, he per- 
 forms such wonderful feats." 
 
 " I shall get Begulus when the rascal is hanged," laughed 
 the squire. 
 
 At this moment, Tiplady announced that the carriage 
 was ready. "Whereupon all the party went down-stairs and 
 got into the conveyance, which was drawn up at the private 
 door in Queen-street, and Tiplady and old Liptrap having 
 climbed up behind, the coachman drove towards the Mansion 
 House. 
 
 By this time Cheapside was filled with a long line of 
 splendid equipages, proceeding in the same direction. By 
 
362 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 tTie aid of a peace-officer, the carriage containing our frienda 
 was at once admitted into the line, otherwise they might 
 have been long in reaching their destination. As it was, 
 they proceeded so slowly that it was full a quarter of an 
 hour before they arrived at the Mansion House. 
 
 III. 
 
 THE EASTER BANQUET. 
 
 The approaches to the grand portal were covered with 
 awnings. Both flights of steps were so crowded with richly- 
 dressed persons of both sexes, that access to the great door- 
 way was a work of some difficulty. However, our friends 
 reached it at last. 
 
 Here were stationed on either side the Lord Mayor's 
 beadles in their state liveries, holding their silver-headed 
 staves, other stavesmen, some officers of the City militia, 
 and two officers of the household, bearing white wands. 
 Within the portal, and at the entrance to the vestibule, 
 stood the senior City Marshal in his full habiliments, the 
 junior City Marshal, various officers of the household in 
 full dress, the Lord Mayor's barge-master in his state dress, 
 the watermen carrying their colours, seven trumpeters in 
 embroidered frocks, holding clarions fringed with gold, the 
 Lord Mayor's three carvers, the Lord Mayor's coachman, 
 Mr Keck, in his state-livery, the postilions in their tight 
 buckskins and black velvet caps, adorned with Sir Grresham's 
 crest, and a whole array of tall footmen in state-liveries. 
 
 Besides these, and many others whom we have not time 
 to particularize, there was a grand military band, with a 
 guard of honour, consisting of a company of Grenadiers, in 
 their tall caps and full regimentals, drawn up in two lines 
 along the vestibule. 
 
 What with the numerous guests constantly pouring in 
 and passing on, the various functionaries belonging to the 
 Lord Mayor's household, and the guard of honour, with the 
 officers belonging to it, the saloon, spacious as it is, looked 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 3G3 
 
 thronged, and presented a very imposing spectacle. To those 
 who had never seen it on a similar occasion, as was the case 
 both with Mr Winter and old Crutchet, it was peculiarly 
 striking. Here might be seen a portly alderman in his 
 scarlet gown and chain ceremoniously welcoming the prime 
 warden of the Merchant Tailors' Company, and his wife and 
 daughters ; here was another alderman, likewise in his robes, 
 and wearing his badges of office — in this case it was our ac- 
 quaintance, Sir Felix Bland — paying his devoirs, in his 
 usual adulatory style, to some charming court ladies ; here 
 was a group of deputies and common-councilmen in their 
 mazarine blue robes, talking and chatting together, and pass- 
 ing remarks on the company as they passed in review before 
 them ; but these were only parts in the brilliant scene, 
 which it would require time to examine fully. 
 
 Above the general buzz proceeding from the crowd, and 
 resounding from the dome, arose the loud voices of the ushers 
 as they announced the guests. The old squire gazed around 
 him with wonder, not unmingled with admiration. Prepared 
 as he was for a showy scene, this display of civic pomp and 
 splendour far exceeded his expectations, and he began to 
 have a higher notion of the dignity and importance of his 
 brother's office than he had previously entertained. The 
 sight of so many personages rather bewildered him, and he 
 moved on with the stream in silence, gazing with a sort of awe, 
 that rather surprised himself, at the numerous civic digni- 
 taries and grandly-arrayed officers of various degrees by 
 whom he was surrounded. Poor Crutchet was so dazzled by 
 the splendour of the scene that he scarcely dared to look 
 round. 
 
 Descrying the party as they moved along, and chancing 
 to be disengaged at the moment, Sir Pelix Bland immediately 
 made up to them, and seizing Mr Winter by the hand, said, 
 " My dear sir, I'm so very happy to see you — and you too, 
 my dear Mr Crutchet — delighted to see you here, sir — first 
 time I've had that pleasure. Been to the Epping Hunt, I 
 hear, my dear Mr Winter — droll scene, isn't it ? But you 
 must use your eyes, my good sir, and look around you. 
 There's the Chamberlain, and that's the prime warden of the 
 Goldsmiths' Company with his wife, and that's the City Ee- 
 membrancer, with the Comptroller and the two Secondaries, 
 and there's Sir Nathaniel JN'ash, one of the sheriffs — the 
 
364 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 other sheriff, Sir John Cartwright, has just gone in." Tnus 
 he rattled on, without waiting for a reply. 
 
 In another minute the party had arrived at the entrance 
 of a large room on the left of the saloon, which forms an 
 ante-chamber to the principal apartments on this floor. 
 Here a number of persons, who had been presented, were 
 assembled, and here the guests, as they arrived, delivered 
 their titles or names to an usher, who, marching to the door 
 of an inner room, proclaimed them aloud, and the announce- 
 ment was again and again repeated, until the presence-cham- 
 ber was reached. 
 
 In the middle of this noble room, arrayed in his full robes, 
 with the collar of SS. round his neck, stood the Lord Mayor, 
 and so full of dignity was his deportment, that even his brother 
 when he approached him, preceded by the usher, was impressed 
 by it. On his lordship's left stood the Lady Mayoress, in a 
 rich brocade dress, having a stomacher of diamonds and other 
 ornaments. Her head-dress, which, in spite of the royal re- 
 proof, again towered aloft, was adorned with pearls, and nod- 
 ded with ostrich plumes. "With her were her two favourite 
 daughters, both of whom were attired with their customary 
 taste and splendour. Indeed, as the Duke of York was ex- 
 pected. Lady Dawes had heightened her charms to the utmost, 
 and really looked very fascinating. However, neither she 
 nor Mrs Chatteris could compare in point of positive beauty 
 with Milly and Prue ; and though they far outshone the 
 younger graces in splendour of attire, they fell short in the 
 essentials of personal attraction. Though not occupying so 
 prominent a place as the favourites, Milly and Prue formed 
 part, of course, of the Lady Mayoress's entourage. Dressed 
 precisely alike, in white satin ornamented with pearls, they 
 were distinguished by a taste and simplicity tjiat lent therii 
 an indescribable charm. 
 
 " No ceremony with me, my dear brother," cried the 
 Lord Mayor, holding out both hands to Mr Winter, and 
 preventing the formal bow which the latter meditated* 
 " No ceremony," he repeated. " Delighted to see you. You 
 must take care of yourself, for I shan't have much time to 
 attend to you till later on in the evening." 
 
 " Don't give me a thought, brother," replied AYinter. " I 
 shall do very well, I'm sure, and if I should be at a loss for 
 anything, I can apply to Tradescant. Oddsflesh ! how well 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 365 
 
 you look," he added, in a lower tone. " It's a very fine 
 thing to be brother to a Lord Mayor, and I feel myself of 
 more consequence than I did a short time ago." 
 
 " It's a very pleasant thing to have you and Lawrence 
 with me on this occasion, my dear Grodfrey," replied the 
 Lord Mayor, " and I can assure you that all the homage I 
 liave paid me to-day doesn't yield me half the satisfaction 1 ex- 
 perience at the sight of you both. And now go to her lady- 
 ship, for Crutchet is waiting to be presented." 
 
 "With this "Winter passed on, and made his bow to the 
 Lady Mayoress, who received him graciously, while his two 
 nieces, who stood near, smiled upon him most sweetly, essay- 
 ing to make him believe they were enchanted to see him. 
 But they were far too fine ladies to please the plain old 
 gentleman, who abominated affectation and pretension as 
 much as he liked simplicity and modesty, and he was, there- 
 fore, very glad to escape from them to his daughter and 
 Milly, of whose sincerity he had no doubt, and whose man- 
 ner and appearance yielded him unmitigated satisfaction. 
 
 He was still with them when Crutchet came up. As 
 may be supposed, the worthy old fellow had been most 
 kindly received by the Lord Mayor, who did everything he 
 could to set him at his ease, and quite succeeded in doing 
 so ; but the next moment the poor fellow's self-satisfaction 
 was destroyed by the Lady Mayoress, who turned away 
 disdainfully as he approached her, not even acknowledging 
 his profound obeisance, while her elder daughters imitated 
 her ladyship's example. He was smarting under this rude- 
 ness when he came up to Mr Winter, who, having noticed 
 the previous occurrence, would not allow him to go on till 
 he had spoken to Prue and Milly, and their amiability and 
 good nature speedily set him right. In another minute 
 Tradescant and Herbert joined them, and then Sir Pelix, 
 who had been showering his compliments upon the Lady 
 Mayoress and her two elder daughters, came up, and was 
 equally fervent in his expressions of admiration of the 
 younger ladies. 
 
 Meanwhile, the company was arriving fast, and present- 
 ation after presentation took place. After several distin- 
 guished personages had been proclaimed by the usher, his 
 Grace the Duke of Newcastle was announced, and the 
 little withered, sharp-featured old peer, richly attired, and 
 
366 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 wearing tlie blue riband and star, tottered forward, and 
 made his bow, with the grace of a courtier of G-eorge the 
 Second's day, to the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress. 
 Scarcely had Newcastle retired when he was succeeded by 
 the Eight Hon. Greorge Grrenville, principal secretary of 
 state. Next came the Marquis of E-ockingham, chief lord 
 of the bedchamber, and then there were dukes in succession 
 — namely, Devonshire, Bolton, and Portland. 
 
 Then came a number of commoners, all of whom were 
 distinguished in some way or other, and amongst whom 
 were our acquaintances, Wilkes, Tom Potter, Sir William 
 Stanhope, Sir Francis Dashwood, and Sir Thomas Stapleton. 
 
 Then came more peers and peeresses, pre-eminent 
 among the latter being the three court beauties whom, 
 earlier in our story, we had the pleasure of introducing as 
 visitors to Gruildhall — namely, the Duchess of Eichmond 
 and the Countesses of Pembroke and Kildare. All three 
 were superbly attired, and radiant with pearls and precious 
 stones, and still maintained their supremacy for grace and 
 beauty, for no one in that large assemblage — and there 
 were many charming women present — could for a moment 
 compare with them. Three creatures more ravishingly 
 lovely cannot be imagined, and on their appearance all eyes 
 were irresistibly drawn towards them. The Lord Mayor's 
 polite attentions to them at Guildhall on the occasion of 
 their visit, had made a very agreeable impression upon all 
 three, and they showed by their manner how much pleased 
 they were to see him. On his part, Sir Grresham could not 
 fail to be highly gratified by their presence, and he said so 
 in terms which he could not have employed had not the 
 beauty of his guests called forth his admiration. 
 
 " Your lordship has been taking a lesson in the art of 
 compliment from that arch-professor. Sir Pelix Bland, since 
 we had last the pleasure of seeing you," said the Duchess 
 of Eichmond, smiling ; " but we really are more indebted 
 to you than we can express for giving us an opportunity of 
 witnessing another grand civic entertainment. We have a 
 most agreeable recollection of the first, I can assure you.'* 
 
 And the duchess's assurance was confirmed by the 
 smiling looks of her lovely companions. 
 
 " I am enchanted to see your grace and their ladyships 
 at the Mansion House," replied the Lord Mayor ; " and 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 367 
 
 thougli I cannot offer you the attractions held out by the 
 presence of their Majesties on the former occasion, nothing 
 shall be wanting on my part to render your visit agreeable, 
 and evince my sense of the honour, and, I may add, the 
 extreme pleasure you confer upon me." 
 
 Acknowledging this speech with a smile that a syren 
 might have envied, the duchess and her companions went 
 on ; but though they were received by the Lady Mayoress 
 and her elder daughters with an assiduity amounting to 
 obsequiousness, they were haughty and distant, and the 
 duchess completed the Lady Mayoress's dismay by inquir- 
 ing who those two very pretty girls were behind her — 
 meaning Milly and Prue — and on being informed, at once 
 addressed them, saying, in the most affable manner, that she 
 felt sure she had seen them before, but couldn't exactly tell 
 where, adding some other complimentary remarks on the 
 improvement in their appearance, extremely gratifying to 
 all who heard^them, save, perhaps, to Lady Dawes and Mrs 
 Chatteris. 
 
 While this was passing, other distinguished guests had 
 arrived, the Duke of Manchester, her Majesty's chamber- 
 lain ; Lord Cantilupe, vice-chamberlain ; and the Earl of 
 Harcourt, master of the horse. Amongst the peeresses 
 were the Duchesses of Ancaster and Hamilton, and the 
 Countesses of Effingham and Egremont. Next came Lord 
 Sandwich, and then some eminent lawyers ; after which a 
 general sensation was created by the arrival of the Earl of 
 Eute, who had just obtained the post he had so long 
 coveted, of first lord of the treasury. 
 
 The new prime minister attracted all eyes as he entered 
 the room. Attired, as usual, in black velvet trimmed with 
 silver, and wearing the blue riband and star. Lord Bute 
 presented a very stately appearance, and as if conscious of 
 the additional importance he had recently acquired, he 
 advanced very majestically and slowly towards the Lord 
 Mayor, as if expecting his lordship to come forward to meet 
 him. But Sir Gresham did not move, but awaiting the 
 earl's approach, returned his ceremonious bow with a 
 dignity equal to his own. With the prime minister came 
 his confidant, Lord Melcomb, who had helped him to his 
 present eminent position, and who looked even more self- 
 sufficient and contemptuous than the Eavourite. 
 
368 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 " I am happy to tell you, my Lord Mayor," observed 
 Bute, " that I have reached the City without molestation. 
 From former experience, I was under some little appre- 
 hension of rude treatment on this side of Temple-bar. But 
 I have met with none. Mr Pitt, I believe, does not dine 
 with your lordship. Perhaps," he added, with some signifi- 
 cance, " his absence may account for the quietude of the 
 mob." 
 
 "If Mr Pitt had honoured me with his company, my 
 lord, he might have been cheered on his way hither," re- 
 joined the Lord Mayor, *' since it is utterly impossible to 
 repress the enthusiasm my fellow-citizens feel for him. But 
 I am glad to learn from your lordship that they are better 
 able than they were to control their feelings of displea- 
 sure." 
 
 To this rejoinder, though secretly annoyed by it, Bute 
 didn't deem it advisable to make a reply, but turning to 
 the Lady Mayoress, bowed to her in a stiff and stately 
 manner, while Lord Melcomb shook out a cloud of powder 
 from his enormous periwig, as he bent ceremoniously to Sir 
 Gresham. 
 
 A seasonable relief was offered at this moment by the 
 arrival of the royal Dukes, as was proclaimed by the striking 
 up of the national anthem by the military band stationed 
 in the saloon, as well as by the grounding of arms by 
 the guard, the sound of which could be distinctly heard. 
 "Whereupon the Lord Mayor, attended by the sheriffs and 
 some of the aldermen, went to meet his royal guests, and 
 encountered them in the vestibule. 
 
 The Duke of Cumberland looked somewhat better than 
 he did when he visited Guildhall, but his features were still 
 bloated and distorted, and he walked with difficulty. His 
 speech being slightly affected, it was difficult to make out 
 what he said, and his gruff tones and sullen manner left it 
 generally doubtful whether he was pleased or tlie reverse. 
 This was certainly the case on the present occasion, for he 
 put out his hand to the Lord Mayor, and then drew it 
 quickly back as if hurt by the pressure, growling at the 
 same time like a mastiff with a sore paw. 
 
 Very different from that of his uncle was the deport- 
 ment of the Duke of York. Shaking hands heartily with 
 the Lord Mayor, he bowed graciously to the sheriffs and 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 369 
 
 aldermen, and conversed most affably with every one around 
 him. He was magnificently dressed in a coat of gold bro- 
 cade, turned up with silk, and embroidered with large 
 flowers in silver and colours, and having diamond buttons. 
 His rufiles were of the finest point-lace ; and he wore a 
 diamond solitaire, with brilliants at the knee and in hia 
 shoes. 
 
 Conducting his royal guests to the inner chamber, the 
 Lord Mayor presented them to the Lady Mayoress, and as 
 soon as this ceremony was gone through, the gallant young 
 Duke addressed himself to Lady Dawes, who was now 
 made supremely happy. Little time, however, was allowed 
 for conversation of any sort, for dinner being announced, 
 the doors communicating with the saloon were thrown 
 open, w^hereupon the Lord Mayor offered his arm to the 
 Duchess of Eichmond, and led her forth. 
 
 The Duke of Cumberland followed with the Lady May- 
 oress, and Lady Dawes, to her infinite delight, fell to the 
 care of the Duke of York. 
 
 Before this, all the guests had been informed by the 
 master of the ceremonies and other officials whom they 
 were to take to dinner, and where they were to sit, so that 
 no delay or confusion occurred, but all went according to 
 their degrees, and in the order prescribed. Prue, we may 
 mention, was consigned to Tradescant, and Milly to Her- 
 bert ; but no lady was allotted to Mr "Winter, a deprivation, 
 we are sorry to say, that did not give him much conceru. 
 
 Preceded by the trumpeters blowing lively flourishes, 
 by ushers and gentlemen of the household bearing white 
 wands, by the swordbearer and macebearer, the Lord 
 Mayor ushered his guests into the Egyptian Hall, and 
 proceeded towards the upper table at the eastern end of 
 the room. 
 
 Besides the elevated table appropriated to the Lord 
 Mayor, his most important guests, and the chief civic 
 dignitaries, three other tables, allotted to the general com- 
 pany, ran down nearly the whole length of the hall. In the 
 midst of the upper table, and opposite the throne-like chairs 
 destined for the Lord Mayor and the Lady Mayoress, stood 
 a large silver-gilt plateau, comprising a beautiful group of 
 figures, the chief of which, a very graceful woman, crowned 
 with turrets, and bearing a shield graven with the City 
 
 24 
 
370 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 arms, was intended to represent the city of London. Be- 
 sides this splendid centre-piece the whole table was covered 
 with costly dishes, salvers, and flagons, of rare workman- 
 ship. On a high beaufet at the back was another grand 
 display of gilt salvers, plate, and drinking vessels. 
 
 The three lower tables were also handsomely ornament- 
 ed, though they could not, of course, be compared in point 
 of splendour with the upper. E/ichly decorated for the 
 occasion, splendidly illuminated by girandoles and lustres 
 dependent from the ceiling, and by candelabra set on the 
 tables, filled with company, the grand banqueting-chamber 
 presented a most imposing coup-d'oeil, and as the old squire, 
 who was placed at the upper table, among the illustrious 
 guests, looked down it, noted the immense Corinthian pillars 
 on either side, the decorations, and the superb appoint- 
 ments, he thought he had never beheld so magnificent a 
 sight. 
 
 By this time all the principal guests had been mar- 
 shalled to their places. The two large chairs we have re- 
 ferred to were of course occupied by the Lord Mayor and 
 the Lady Mayoress. On his lordship's left sat the Duchess 
 of Richmond, and next to her grace was the Duke of York, 
 and beside him Lady Dawes. The Lady Mayoress was 
 supported by the Duke of Cumberland, next to whom sat 
 the Duchess of Ancaster with Lord Bute. All the mem- 
 bers of the Lord Mayor's family had places at the upper 
 table, and his two brothers sat together. 
 
 Grace having been pronounced by the chaplain, in tones 
 that resounded through the hall, the banquet commenced. 
 It is scarcely necessary to say that the entertainment was 
 of the most sumptuous description, but we may add what 
 Sir Felix Bland declared, that he had never seen anything 
 like it. In fact, it was universally admitted to have been 
 the grandest banquet and the most splendidly served that 
 up to that period had been given in the Mansion House. 
 Every delicacy that could be obtained was set before the 
 guests, and no distinction was made between the upper and 
 lower tables, the latter being served in precisely the same 
 manner as the other. The wine was of the finest vintages, 
 and poured forth in flowing cups. The old squire enjoyed 
 himself immensely, and did ample justice to the turtle and 
 venison of which he had spoken, while Lawrence, though he 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 371 
 
 could not boast of his brother's appetite, proved himself no 
 despicable trencherman. 
 
 In the intervals of the repast, Mr Winter looked about 
 for Old Bow Bells, and at last discovered him seated near 
 the bottom of the central table, and, managing to catch his 
 eye, raised his glass, and drank to him. The old fellow was 
 in a state of perfect elysium. To him it was a scene of fairy 
 splendour, such as his imagination had not conceived. 
 
 Familiar as they had now become with such entertain- 
 ments, both Tradescant and Herbert were struck by the 
 extraordinary splendour of the banquet ; and indeed the 
 universal opinion was that it could not possibly be sur- 
 passed. But feasts, however sumptuous they may be, must, 
 like everything else, come to an end, and guests, albeit in- 
 satiable, must, however reluctantly, leave off carousing, and 
 so the Easter Banquet given by our Lord Mayor, though 
 longer than such feasts usually are, was at last brought to 
 a close. 
 
 Grace being said, and the Loving Cup having gone round, 
 the health of their Majesties was proclaimed by the crier, 
 and drunk amidst immense cheering. The Duke of York 
 then arose, and in graceful terms proposed the health of the 
 Lord Mayor, whom he highly eulogized for his noble quali- 
 ties. The toast was rapturously received, and drunk with 
 an enthusiasm rarely witnessed, proving the estimation in 
 which Sir Gresham was held. Hearty and long-continued 
 were the cheers. In acknowledging the distinguished hon- 
 our paid him, the Lord Mayor, who was deeply moved, spoke 
 briefly and modestly of his own career, showing how he had 
 risen to his present distinction, and proving that a similar path 
 was open to all his fellow-citizens. " I shall not, I am sure," 
 said his lordship, " be misunderstood when I hold myself 
 up to a younger generation as an example and an encourage- 
 ment. It is from no feeling of vain-gloriousness that I do 
 so, but from the earnest desire to stimulate them to honour- 
 able exertion. I have shown how I have risen. They may 
 rise in like manner. Throughout my career I have dis- 
 charged my duties to the best of my ability, and have now , 
 abundantly reaped my reward. Such manifestations as 
 yours would be enough. But I am proud to be able to de- 
 clare to this distinguished assemblage that the title I have 
 acquired by no unworthy means will be transmitted to my 
 
372 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 son, since I have this day received from my gracious sove- 
 reign a patent of baronetcy." 
 
 With these words he sat down amid the general plaudits 
 of the company. 
 
 Other toasts followed, but it will not be necessary to 
 particularize them. It may be mentioned, however, that in 
 speaking of the House of Commons, Mr Beckford took oc- 
 casion to refer to the new member for the East Hiding, Mr 
 "Winter, explaining that gentleman's relations to the Lord 
 Mayor. He also alluded to Lawrence Lorimer, and without 
 entering into any details, described how strangely the three 
 brothers had met after so many years' separation. The 
 health of the Lady Mayoress, gracefully proposed by the 
 Duke of York, who contrived to mix up with it many com- 
 pliments to her daughters, closed the list of toasts ; and the 
 Lord Mayor having responded to it, the company arose at a 
 signal from the crier, and adjourned to the ball-room. 
 
 IV. 
 
 THE BALL. 
 
 The ball-room, a splendid apartment, corresponding in 
 length though not in breadth with the Egyptian Hall, was 
 situated in the upper storey. Surrounded by a gallery for 
 spectators, and possessing a large orchestra, it was appropri- 
 ately adorned with panels representing musical instruments 
 of every variety. On the present occasion it was brilliantly 
 lighted up, festooned with flowers and otherwise decorated, 
 while a cordon of uncoloured lamps ran round the gallery. 
 The floor was chalked with devices in varied colours, and a 
 square space was preserved for the dancers by means of 
 silken ropes attached to brass rods. Connected with the 
 ball-room was a large and handsomely-furnished withdraw- 
 ing-room, and to this room, on quitting the Egyptian Hall, 
 the Lord Mayor and his guests repaired. There tea was 
 served ; and there the Lady Mayoress received such of the 
 guests as had only been invited to the ball. Very numerous 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 373 
 
 the J were, and extremely amusing it was to see so many- 
 City beaux and belles tricked out in all their finery. 
 
 As may be supposed, the Lady Mayoress, surrounded as 
 she was by great folks, and heartily ashamed of such an ad- 
 dition as this to her party, received them most haughtily, 
 and sometimes even moved her fan impatiently to intimate 
 to them to pass by. But Sir Grresham was as affable as 
 ever, bowing courteously to all, and smiling a welcome 
 when too far off to utter it. 
 
 Her ladyship had now no support from her elder daugh- 
 ters, both of whom were otherwise occupied — Lady Dawes 
 with the Duke of York, and Mrs Chatteris with Lord Sand- 
 wich, who, failing with one sister, had transferred his atten- 
 tions to the other. But she had much better assistance 
 than they would have afforded in the persons of Milly and 
 Prue, who stood beside her, and by their amiable deport- 
 ment mitigated in some degree the effect of her rudeness. 
 
 Some hundreds of guests had flocked in, and had been 
 subjected to the terrible ordeal of passing the Lady Mayoress, 
 when the usher at the door bawled out the familiar names 
 of Mr, Mrs, and Miss Walworth, and the party came on, not 
 without misgiving as to the reception they should meet with. 
 Strange to relate, the Lady Mayoress was remarkably gra- 
 cious, and seemed to have quite forgotten her former mis- 
 understanding with them. She graciously saluted Mrs 
 "Walworth, and even shook hands with Alice. Close behind 
 them was a tall, handsome, but somewhat effeminate-looking 
 young man, whom the usher had announced as Mr Charles 
 Cracraft. As soon as he bowed to the Lady Mayoress, this 
 gay-looking spark joined Alice, who took his arm. 
 
 " There she is, my dear Mr Winter," cried Sir Pelix 
 Bland, who was standing near the old squire ; " that's Alice 
 Walworth. What d'ye think of her ? " 
 
 " Humph ! " exclaimed Winter. " She's well enough to 
 look at. But who's that young coxcomb who has just given 
 her his arm ? " 
 
 " Oh, that's Charley Cracraft," replied Sir Pelix. 
 
 " Charley Cracraft, is it ? " cried Winter. "Then, in 
 my opinion, Alice is likely to be Mrs Charles Cracraft. 
 What do you think, Herbert ? " he added to his son, who 
 was standing by with Tradescant. 
 
 "As likely as not," replied the young man, with affected 
 
374 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 indifference, though it was plain he was piqued. " I'll go 
 and speak to her," he added. 
 
 And he was making his way towards that part of the 
 room whither the Walworths had gone, when he was stop- 
 ped hy "Wilkes and Tom Potter, who caught hold of him and 
 detained him. 
 
 " That girl will never do for Herbert," said "Winter to 
 Tradescant. " I can see that at a glance." 
 
 " You are quite right, sir," replied his nephew. " And 
 I hope, before the evening is over, to convince him that he 
 has to do with an arrant coquette, who cares nothing about 
 him." 
 
 " I hear what you say," cried Prue. " Come this way, 
 I want to whisper a word to you." And then she added, in 
 an under-tone, " Eree Herbert from that coquette ; bring 
 him to Milly's feet ; and you shall fix the wedding-day as 
 Boon as you please." 
 
 "I'll do my best," he replied; "but you must all help 
 me. Harkye, Sir Felix," he added, "I want your assist- 
 ance." And he took the little alderman aside. " I know 
 I can depend upon your friendship," he said. 
 
 "That you can, my dear sir — entirely. Anything to 
 prove it." 
 
 On this Tradescant whispered a few words in the little 
 alderman's ear, to which Sir Eelix replied, " I'll do it, my 
 dear sir. Eely on me." 
 
 At this moment the doors of the ball-room were thrown 
 open, and the master of the ceremonies, accompanied by two 
 gentlemen of the household, advanced towards the Lord 
 Mayor. At the same time the military band, which now 
 occupied the orchestra, struck up, enlivening the company 
 with their inspiriting strains. 
 
 " Will it please your Eoyal Highness to dance a min- 
 uet ?" said the Lord Mayor to the Duke of York. 
 
 " Shall I have the supreme felicity, madam?" said the 
 Duke, bowing ceremoniously to Lady Dawes. 
 
 "Your Eoyal Highness does me infinite honour," she 
 replied, dropping a profound curtesy as she gave him her 
 hand. 
 
 Preceded by the master of the ceremonies and the other 
 officials the Duke then led her to the ball-room, and as she 
 marched with stately step her mother's eyes followed her 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 375 
 
 with pride and admiration. A good many other female eyes 
 followed her too, but with most of the owners of them she 
 was rather an object of envy than of admiration. After the 
 royal Duke and his charming partner walked Lord Sand- 
 wich and Mrs Chatteris, and they were succeeded by Tra- 
 descant and Prue. The greater portion of the company 
 flocked after them quickly, filling all that part of the room 
 outside the reserved space. One of the cords being un- 
 hooked by the master of the ceremonies, those about to 
 dance took their places, when two other couples presented 
 themselves, and, as there was plenty of room, were admitted. 
 These, to Tradescant's surprise, proved to be Herbert and 
 Alice, and Mr "Wilkes and Milly. The music then struck 
 up, and the minuet began. The stately dance was ad- 
 mirably executed by all those engaged in it, and even 
 Wilkes, whose friends drew near the ropes to laugh at him, 
 came off with ^clat. Alice Walworth also acquitted herself 
 exceedingly well, and the old squire, who looked on, was 
 obliged to own that she was an uncommonly pretty girl. 
 He fancied, however, from the direction occasionally taken 
 by her glances, that she w^as displaying her graces to young 
 Cracraft, who was standing just in front of him, near the 
 ropes. At the Guildhall ball it was thought that the best 
 dancers were the Lady Mayoress's elder daughters, but 
 now the palm was universally accorded to her ladyship's 
 youngest daughter and niece, the latter of whom enchanted 
 all the assemblage by her graceful movements. 
 
 The minuet was succeeded by a cotillon, in which a 
 great many young persons took part ; a jig came next, and 
 then a rigadoon, and after that a Scotch reel. If the beaux 
 of the east were not as polished and well-bred as their rivals 
 of the west, they were quite as fond as the others of footing 
 it on the light fantastic toe, while the belles of the City, not 
 being worn out by incessant routs, drums, and ridottos, like 
 the languid fair ones of St James's, compelled their part- 
 ners to greater exertion. Hence it followed that the Man- 
 sion House ball, though comprising, as might be expected, 
 a very mixed assemblage (which to our thinking is by far 
 the pleasantest kind of assemblage), was a very agreeable 
 entertainment, and remarkable for life and spirit. The 
 dancers were indefatigable, and were incited to constant 
 exertion by the Lord Mayor, who was as active as the mas- 
 
876 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 ter of tlie ceremonies in providing his guests with partners. 
 Kind-hearted Sir Gresham liked, above all things, to see 
 young people happy, and strove by every means in his 
 power to promote their happiness. Thus nothing afforded 
 him more unmixed satisfaction than to witness the gaiety 
 pervading the assemblage. Everybody seemed to enjoy 
 themselves. If not dancing, they were laughing and chat- 
 ting, and nothing but mirth and good humour seemed to 
 prevail. There was no stiffness, no formality, and in this 
 respect the ball differed greatly from a grand entertainment 
 given at the more fashionable quarter of the town, which, 
 though very stately and imposing, would have been the 
 stiffest and dreariest affair imaginable. Attached to the 
 withdrawing-room there were card-rooms, where play was 
 going on, and besides these there were refreshment-rooms, 
 and a supper-room, in which, at twelve o'clock, a magni- 
 ficent repast was served. As at the previous banquet, the 
 guests were regaled with the choicest delicacies, and the 
 exhausted dancers were re-invigorated by bumpers of cham- 
 pagne. Among those who partook of this splendid supper 
 were young Cracraft and Alice Walworth, and so engrossed 
 were they by each other, that they were wholly unconscious 
 of the looks fixed upon them from the opposite side of the 
 table, where Prue and Milly, with Tradescant and Herbert, 
 were stationed. Calling her brother's attention to the 
 couple, Prue said to him, 
 
 " Surely, Herbert, you cannot be blind to what is going 
 on there ! JExcept the minuet, which she amiably conceded 
 to you, Alice has danced every other dance with Charles 
 Cracraft, and he has never left her for a moment. You see 
 how assiduous he is to her, how he whispers tender speeches 
 in her ear, and how encouragingly she smiles upon him. If 
 you have any engagement with this girl, break it off at once. 
 Her present conduct warrants you in doing so." 
 
 " I have no positive engagement with her," he rejoined. 
 
 " You have engagement of some kind, i perceive," sho 
 rejoined. "You owe it to yourself to put an end to it. 
 See ! they are quitting the room together. She has never 
 once east her eyes this way." 
 
 " I'll bring it to an issue at once," said Herbert. 
 *' Either she shall give up young Cracraft, or she shall give 
 up me." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 377 
 
 So saying, he started in pursuit, but the crowd was very 
 great, and ere he could get to the other side of the long 
 table, the amorous couple had disappeared. While puzzling 
 himself whither they could have gone, and trying to keep 
 down the angry feelings which prompted him to pick a 
 quarrel with his favoured rival, he perceived Sir Pelix, who 
 was evidently making his way towards him, and who, as soon 
 as he came up, said, in a loud voice, " I've found it out, my 
 dear fellow. She won't do." 
 
 " If you refer to Alice Walworth, I'm very much of your 
 opinion, Sir Felix," replied Herbert. " But why won't she 
 do? Let me hear?" 
 
 " I can't tell you all now, but you may trust to the cor- 
 rectness of my information. You know I recommended 
 Alice to you on the score of her fortune — not entirely, of 
 course, but principally. A girl with a plum to her fortune 
 is a great catch — I told you so." 
 
 " You did ; and I agreed with you, Sir Felix. I'm sorry 
 to say the plum proved a lure I couldn't resist." 
 
 " Then between ourselves, my dear fellow, it's all a flam. 
 Old Walworth can't give her a plum — not half the amount 
 — not a fourth. Perhaps he may come down with a thou- 
 sand. But that's the utmost. Will you take her with a 
 thousand ?" 
 
 " Not with a hundred thousand, as originally proposed," 
 cried Herbert. 
 
 "Delighted to hear you say so!" exclaimed the little 
 alderman chuckling. "Let Charley Cracraft have her. 
 She'll do very well for him." 
 
 " AVhere the deuce is she ? " cried Herbert. " I must 
 settle this matter at once." 
 
 " Ay, ay, the sooner the better," exclaimed Sir Eelix 
 eagerly. " Let's go and look for them. We shall find them 
 in some retired nook, I'll be sworn — billing and cooing like 
 a couple of turtles — he! he! he!" 
 
 AVith this, Herbert and the little alderman quitted the 
 supper-room, and as they were proceeding towards some of 
 the smaller apartments, they encountered Wilkes and Tom 
 Potter, of whom Sir Felix at once inquired whether they 
 had seen anything of Alice Walworth. 
 
 " Seen her! yes, and in very good company, too," cried 
 Wilkes, with a laugh. " She is gone into that room on thu 
 
378 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 right — there — beyond the card-room. Tom Potter and I 
 were there when the pair entered, but we soon perceived w© 
 were de trop, and discreetly left them to themselves." 
 
 " Yes, we didn't like to spoil sport," laughed Potter. 
 
 " Harkye, Herbert," said Wilkes. " I know youVe been 
 thinking of that girl of late, but I've too much friendship 
 for you to allow you to throw yourself away upon her with- 
 out remonstrance. Take my word for it, she's a coquette, 
 and will make you miserable. Have done with her at once." 
 
 " I give you the same advice," said Potter. " Marry her 
 and your fate is sealed ! " 
 
 " If you want to marry, I'll point out to you the most 
 charming person in the world," pursued Wilkes, " to whose 
 merits you seem most unaccountably blind. I mean your 
 cousin Milly. That's the girl to make you happy." 
 
 " I'm sure she is," cried Sir Pelix ; " and a good fortune, 
 too." 
 
 " Hang the fortune ! " cried Wilkes. " The girl is a 
 treasure in herself, and such as doesn't fall to every man's 
 lot to possess. But I'll tell you more, she loves you." 
 
 " Loves me ! " exclaimed Herbert. " How do you know 
 that?" 
 
 " Tou shall hear," replied Wilkes. " A friend of mine, 
 whose name I won't mention, made her an offer of his hand 
 — not an hour ago — and she replied that her affections were 
 already engaged, and your sister afterwards told my friend 
 that you were the fortunate individual." 
 
 " Be off with the old love before you be on with the new,'* 
 laughed Tom Potter. " Pirst get rid of Alice." 
 
 " Ay, if I could only satisfy myself of her inconstancy, I 
 should have no hesitation." 
 
 " You have had proof enough to satisfy most people," 
 said Wilkes ; " but if you require evidence still stronger, I'll 
 show you how to obtain it. Come with me." 
 
 And he entered the card-room, followed by the others. 
 Here, somewhat to Herbert's surprise, he found the Lord 
 Mayor, who was standing near a card-table, at which four 
 persons were seated, playing whist — the players being no 
 other than his own father, his uncle Lawrence, Mr Beckford, 
 and Crutchet. No other person was in the room at the 
 time. Sir Gresham, who appeared very much interested in 
 the game, merely nodded to the party as they entered. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 379 
 
 Signing to Herbert to follow him, Wilkes stepped towards 
 a side-door, evidently communicating with a room beyond, 
 and opened it softly. It then appeared that a screen was 
 so placed in the inner room, that any one standing where he 
 and Herbert now did, could hear what passed, without being 
 themselves perceived. Subdued and tender accents were 
 heard ; and Herbert, though he could not see the speakers, 
 who were seated on a couch on the other side of the screen, 
 instantly recognized the voices. Eearing the young man 
 might betray himself by some exclamation, Wilkes raised his 
 finger to his lips to enjoin silence. 
 
 Herbert had arrived at a critical moment. Not only did 
 it appear that the impassioned swain had extorted from his 
 mistress's lips an avowal that she loved him, but he was now 
 questioning her as to the state of her feelings towards Her- 
 bert himself, of whom he was apparently jealous. 
 
 " Then you positively assure me you don't care for him ? " 
 he cried. 
 
 " I protest I don't," she replied. " This is the twentieth 
 time I've told you so. I certainly liked him a little, and, if 
 you had not appeared, might have yielded to his importunities, 
 and married him." 
 
 " Then there is no sort of engagement between you ? " 
 demanded the lover. 
 
 " None that I regard as binding," she replied. " It ia 
 true he gave me this ring as a pledge of his fidelity.'* 
 
 " Why not return it to him ? " inquired the lover. 
 
 " I mean to do so on the first opportunity," she replied. 
 " I see you doubt me. Why, you are more stupidly jeal- 
 ous than Herbert himself. There, take the ring. Do 
 what you please with it. I neither care for it, nor for the 
 donor." 
 
 " Thanks ! thanks ! my angel ! '* cried the inamorato, 
 evidently from the sound covering her hand with kisses. 
 
 " Have you heard enough ? " whispered Wilkes. 
 
 " Quite," replied Herbert. " Ahem ! " And he coughed 
 aloud. 
 
 The sound startled the amorous pair. 
 
 " Some one is listening — behind the screen, cried Alice, 
 in alarm. 
 
 " I'll see who it is," said her lover. And pulling back 
 the screen he disclosed Herbert and Wilkes, the latter of 
 
880 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 "whom burst into a loud laugli, whicli was eclioed by Tom 
 Potter and Sir Eelix, who were close behind him. 
 
 " Oh ! Heavens ! support me, or I shall faint," exclaimed 
 Alice. 
 
 "Don't trouble yourself to do that," rejoined Herbert. 
 *'Tou will only inconvenience Mr. Cracraft." 
 
 " Have you been there all the time ? " she demanded. 
 
 " I have been here quite long enough to hear your can- 
 did opinion of myself, and the preference you avow for Mr 
 Cracraft," replied Herbert. " I congratulate him on the 
 prize he has won. He may rest assured he will find no ob- 
 stacle in me. All is at an end between us, madam." 
 
 " At least, take back your ring, Herbert ! " she cried. 
 
 " No ; let your lover keep it," he rejoined. 
 
 "Are these the last words we are to exchange ? " she 
 cried. 
 
 "The last,'* he replied, retiring and closing the door 
 upon the pair. 
 
 What was his surprise to find, on turning round, that 
 the company in the room had been increased, not only by 
 Tradescant, Milly, and Prue, but also by the Lady Mayoress 
 and her two elder daughters. 
 
 "AVell, brother," cried Prue, advancing towards him. 
 *' Are you satisfied ? " 
 
 " Perfectly satisfied that I have been a fool," he replied. 
 ** You must laugh at me and despise me, cousin," he added 
 to Milly. 
 
 " No," she replied, "I won't laugh at you, but I can't 
 pity you, for you have had a great escape." 
 
 " That indeed he has," said Prue. 
 
 " Oddsflesh ! " exclaimed Winter, pushing forward. " If 
 he had married that girl I'd have disinherited him." 
 
 " But you wish me to marry, sir," responded Herbert. 
 
 " Ay, but not a coquette. I wish you to marry a quiet, 
 amiable girl, calculated to make you happy, and your home 
 respectable — who will bring up your family well — if you 
 have any." 
 
 " Such good qualities are concentred in one person of 
 my acquaintance," said Herbert. " My cousin Milly unites 
 them all, and if she will consent to be mine, my future 
 happiness and respectability will be ensured." 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 381 
 
 " How came you not to have discovered Milly's good 
 qualities before this, sirrah ? " cried the squire. 
 
 " My blindness is as inexplicable to myself as it can be 
 to you, sir," replied his son. " I can offer nothing in my 
 defence. But my eyes are wide enough open now. Your 
 
 answer, cousin 
 
 ?" 
 
 " You must have been very blind if you did not find out 
 long ago that you possessed my heart," said Milly, giving 
 him her hand, which he pressed to his lips. 
 
 " Well, don't scold him any more," said Prue," for I see 
 he's heartily ashamed of himself — as indeed he may well be. 
 Though he has been but a stupid lover, I venture to predict 
 he'll make a tolerable husband. My dearest wish is now ac- 
 complished. I had set my heart upon this union." 
 
 " Don't forget that another marriage is dependent upon 
 it, Prue ? " said Tradescant. 
 
 " I never break my promises," she replied. " On the 
 same day that Herbert and Milly are made one, and at the 
 same church, too, you and I will be bound by chains indis- 
 soluble — if such be your good pleasure ! " 
 
 " If such be my pleasure, Prue ! You know that my 
 life's happiness hangs on that event." 
 
 " Then it is for me to fix the day," said the Lord Mayor, 
 " and as delays are dangerous in such affairs, I shall name 
 an early one." 
 
 " Stay, stay, good folks ! " interposed the Lady Mayoress. 
 " You are going rather too fast, methinks. My consent has 
 never been asked, either by son or daughter." 
 
 " I won't pretend to say that I have been consulted, 
 madam," observed the Lord Mayor; "but both marriages 
 are so perfectly agreeable to me, that, as an Irishman might 
 say, my consent is given before it is asked. And I trust 
 your feelings are the same, for I'm sure you can raise no ob- 
 jections." 
 
 " No, I don't mean to say that I shall object," said the 
 Lady Mayoress, " quite the contrary. But there are pro- 
 prieties which ought never to be neglected — and I think 
 there has been a decided want of attention to me — on all 
 sides. However, let that pass. I never looked for anything 
 extraordinary for Milly, and she marries better than I ex- 
 pected. I wish her all happiness — and her husband too. 
 
382 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 She will do very well, I dare say, in the country — better 
 than in town. I had formed other views for Tradescant, but 
 he has disappointed me of late, and therefore I had no right 
 to raise my expectations too high. I have no doubt he has 
 chosen w^e'll, and, at all events, I shall reconcile myself to the 
 marriage." 
 
 "I shan't express any opinion upon either marriage," 
 said Lady Dawes. 
 
 " Neither shall I," added Mrs Chatteris. " I wonder what 
 my poor dear Tom would say if he were here," she mur- 
 mured. 
 
 " Oddsflesh ! madam," said Winter to the Lady Mayoress, 
 " you must be hard to please if you're not content with the 
 proposed family arrangement. Prue has been an excellent 
 daughter — an excellent daughter, madam, and I'll answer for 
 it will make your son an excellent wife. And as to Milly, 
 all I can say is she deserves a better husband than Herbert." 
 
 " Oh, don't say that, uncle," cried Milly. 
 
 " Well, perhaps I do him an injustice," said the squire. 
 " The lad has his good points, and I trust will make you 
 happy." 
 
 " I shall strive to do so," said Herbert. 
 
 "What say you, brother? " observed the Lord Mayor 
 to Lawrence. 
 
 " Ay, what say you, Lorry ? " demanded the old squire. 
 " Are you in favour of this double marriage ? " 
 
 " Heartily," he replied. " I have long hoped both unions 
 might come about, and have furthered them to the utmost 
 of my power." 
 
 " And as an old friend," remarked Beckford, " let me say 
 ,that I look upon both marriages as most auspicious." 
 
 " It would be an impertinence in me to make any remark,** 
 observed Wilkes, " or I should say that both Tradescant 
 and Herbert are particularly fortunate fellows, and I don't 
 know which of the two is most to be envied." 
 
 " Impossible to decide that point," added Tom Potter. 
 
 *' As an old and faithful servant of the family," observed 
 Crutchet, in a voice of deep emotion, " and as loving 3lr 
 Tradescant as dearly as a son, let me say how sincerely I re- 
 joice that he will be blest with so good a wife. I know her 
 Value. There are few like her, or, if there is any one like 
 her, it's Miss Milly. May Heaven bless the double union! " 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 383 
 
 " Well said, Old Bow Bells," exclaimed "Winter. I cry 
 •'"'Amen ' to that prayer with all my heart." 
 
 " Since both marriages are agreed on, I trust, sir, you 
 will name an early day for their celebration," said Tradescant 
 to his father. 
 
 " Ay, ay, put 'em out of misery quickly, brother, I beg 
 of you," said the old squire. 
 
 " I was about to do so, but was interrupted," said the 
 Lord Mayor. " The marriages shall take place on this day 
 week. AVill that day suit your ladyship ? " 
 
 " Don't appeal to me. Sir Gresham," rejoined the Lady 
 Mayoress. " Any day will suit me." 
 
 " Pray let the ceremonies take place at Bow Church ? " 
 said Crutchet. 
 
 " Ay, we must hear Bow bells ring on that day," laughed 
 Winter. 
 
 " It shall be so," said the Lord Mayor ; " and Cheapside 
 shall see such a wedding — two such weddings, I ought to 
 say — as it has rarely witnessed. Mind, you are all invited." 
 
 "And we'll come, depend upon it, my lord," replied 
 Wilkes. 
 
 And now, since we have arrived at the point at which a 
 genteel comedy generally concludes, let us crave the indul- 
 gence of a good-humoured audience, and make our bow as 
 the curtain falls. 
 
S84< THE LOED MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 (Bi^ilqut 
 
 We raise the curtain for a moment, to exhibit our actors 
 in a different scene. 
 
 The auspicious day on which the two weddings are to 
 take place has arrived. The weather is most propitious. 
 Everything wears a, bright, sunshiny aspect, that seems to 
 augur well for those chiefly concerned in the solemnities 
 about to take place. Crowds are assembled near the Mansion 
 House, before which the Lord Mayor's splendid private 
 carriage is drawn up, with the great Mr Keck in his state- 
 livery on the box, and four grand footmen behind it. Here, 
 also, is the Lady Mayoress's sumptuously appointed chariot, 
 and several other superb vehicles besides. 
 
 But not only is there a great crowd here, but the street 
 is thronged all the way from the Mansion House to Bow 
 Church. The windows and balconies of all the houses in 
 this part of Cheapside are filled with well-dressed spectators. 
 It is quite a gala- day. 
 
 Near the Mansion House and farther on, at intervals, a 
 few peace-officers are assembled, but the concourse, great as 
 it is, is so orderly and decorous, that the presence of these 
 functionaries seems almost superfluous. From the gladsome 
 expression of the countenances it is easy to discern that but 
 one sentiment pervades the assemblage, namely, that of re- 
 joicing in the events about to take place, coupled with an 
 earnest desire to evince respect for the worthy Lord Mayor.* 
 His honoured name is on every lip, and it is almost a pity 
 he cannot hear all the kind things said of him, and the sin- 
 cere good wishes uttered for the happiness of his family. 
 
 Certes, this double marriage will be a grand affair, for 
 now the sheriffs drive up in their gorgeous chariots ; next 
 come the aldermen, the foremost among them being Sir 
 Felix Bland and Mr Beckford; then comes the Prime 
 "Warden of the Merchant Tailors' Company ; with other 
 carriages containing important civic dignitaries. 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 385 
 
 And now a jocund train, all clad in gay attire, issues 
 from the grand portal of the Mansion House, and while 
 descending the lofty steps, can be fully viewed by the vast 
 concourse. First of all comes a bevy of bridesmaids, several 
 of them distinguished for personal attraction, escorted by 
 the groomsmen, one of whom is Sir William Stanhope, and 
 the other Mr Thomas Potter. 
 
 Then come the two bridegrooms, both of whom present 
 a very gallant appearance in their wedding habiliments ; the 
 Lord Mayor, leading his younger daughter, arrayed in bridal 
 attire, and then follows the old squire, conducting Prue, 
 who is attired in precisely the same manner as Milly. So 
 far as can be discerned both brides look charming. 
 
 Then comes the Lady Mayoress, who is quite a show in 
 herself, so splendid are her dress and head-dress, and with 
 her ladyship are her. two elder daughters, in dresses calcu- 
 lated, from their richness and elegance, to excite the envy 
 of the female beholders. Then come several gentlemen, 
 amongst whom we notice Lawrence Lorimer and old Crutchet 
 — the latter looking the picture of happiness. 
 
 Ushers bearing white wands, march in advance of the 
 bridal train, and gentlemen of the household bring up the 
 rear. 
 
 And now the bridesmaids have driven off, and the 
 groomsmen, and the bridegrooms, the first bride is placed 
 in the Lord Mayor's carriage by her father, and the tall 
 footmen climb to' their places, and Mr Keck puts his splen- 
 did horses in motion. 
 
 Another carriage soon follows, containing the second 
 bride and her good old f^ither, whose ruddy countenance 
 beams with satisfaction. Next comes the Lady Mayoress's 
 gorgeous chariot, succeeded by a long procession of carriages, 
 containing the chief civic dignitaries, not one of whom but 
 is anxious to be present on the occasion. 
 
 Impossible to describe the enthusiasm of the concourse 
 as the Lord Mayor passes slowly along. Cheers are given 
 to him, and heartfelt blessings invoked on the head of his 
 lovely daughter. As the Lord Mayor's niece, the second 
 bride is scarcely less an object of interest than the first, 
 and Prue's amiable looks prepossess all in her favour. " She 
 has a sweet face," is the general exclamation. And sweet- 
 ness is really the character of her beauty. Her father, too, 
 
 25 
 
386 THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 
 
 comes in for a share of the popular good will. Many think 
 him personally like the Lord Mayor, and all are struck by 
 the genial good humour of his countenance. 
 
 Amid a universal manifestation of regard, such as is 
 rarely shown even towards the most exalted personages, the 
 Lord Mayor and his daughter reach Bow Church, the 
 approach to which is kept clear, though the crowd is packed 
 densely on the opposite side of the street, and every window 
 of the adjoining habitations is occupied. 
 
 Around the church door are grouped an immense num- 
 ber of civic officials, among whom are the Lord Mayor's 
 beadles in their full dresses, with stavesmen, and watermen. 
 
 Alightiug, the Lord Mayor and his daughter are cere- 
 moniously conducted by gentlemen of the household in full 
 dress, ushers, and other officers of the household, towards 
 the altar, where the bridesmaids are grouped, and where the 
 two bridegrooms, with the groomsmen, are waiting. 
 
 Close behind the first bridal party come the second, and 
 after them marches the Lady Mayoress, with stately step. 
 Excepting the pews reserved for the civic dignitaries, the 
 entire body of the spacious old church is full, and even the 
 galleries are occupied. 
 
 A brief delay occurs, to allow the entrance of the numer- 
 ous important personages forming the procession, but at 
 last they have all taken their places and the marriage rites 
 commence, the service being performed by the Kev. Dr 
 Dugdale, of Christ Church, assisted by the Lord Mayor's 
 chaplain, Dr Dipple. 
 
 The assemblage at the altar forms a very charming pic- 
 ture. Earely have four persons stood together more richly 
 endowed by nature than these two youthful couples. "Well 
 matched also are their sires, both of whom, as we know, are 
 right goodly men. 
 
 A pretty sight it is to see the two brides given away, 
 but indeed the whole ceremony is interesting. Amongst 
 those who witness it, no one is so much pleased as Crutchet. 
 Eapture, indeed, can alone describe his feelings, and before 
 the ceremony is over his full heart finds vent in tears. 
 
 Another person is profoundly moved, though in a differ- 
 ent way. This is Uncle Lorry, as he is riow generally 
 called, and who, taking the most affectionate interest in his 
 nephews and nieces, loving them as dearly as if they wer« 
 
THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON. 387 
 
 children of his own, lowly murmurs a benediction on their 
 heads as they kneel before the altar. 
 
 The scene and place are both calculated to awaken 
 memories of the past within good Sir G-resham's breast. 
 Here he himself was united to the sole object of his affec- 
 tions, and though his married life has not been all he then 
 fondly hoped it might prove, he has been tolerably happy — 
 as happy, he tries to persuade himself, as most men are. 
 
 What emotions stir the Lady Mayoress's breast on the 
 occasion we shall not pause to inquire. 
 
 The wedding breakfast is not given at the Mansion 
 House, but at the Lord Mayor's private residence in Cheap- 
 side. Thither the two newly-married couples repair after 
 the ceremony, amid the shouts of the concourse still throng- 
 ing the streets, above which resound joyous peals from Bow 
 Church bells that gladden the honest heart of old Crutchet. 
 
 Thither come all the wedding guests, and though the 
 party, as we know, is large, room is found for all at the 
 ample and well-provided table. 
 
 The breakfast is worthy of such nuptials — worthy of Sir 
 G-resham's princely hospitality. All that is left of the 
 sumptuous repast is bestowed on the poor. Health and 
 happiness are drunk to the two couples, and earnest are the 
 wishes accompanying the toast. But every glass is emptied, 
 and loud and long are the cheers, as Mr Beckford, in terms 
 bespeaking his heartiness and sincerity, proposes healthy 
 long life, and continued prosperity to 
 
 THE LOED MATOE OE LONDON 1 
 
 THE END. 
 
 LONDON : 
 WHITING AND COMPANY, LIMITED, SARDINIA STREET, LINCOLN'S-INN-FIELDS. 
 
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