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THE LORD MAYOR OF LONDON.
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Tiir. Minuet.
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 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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