Part 17 (1/2)
Old Drury immortalized the name of Garrick, and has also established the fame of Mr. Kean; and the House at the present moment has to boast of a combination of histrionic{1} talent, rich and excellent.”
”Come along, come along,” said Tom, interrupting him, ”leave these explanations for another opportunity--here is the Saloon. Now for a peep at old particulars. There is no seeing nor hearing the Play--I have no inclination for histories, I am just alive for a bit of gig.”
On entering the Saloon, Bob was additionally gratified at viewing the splendour of its decorations. The arched ceiling, the two ma.s.sy Corinthian columns of _vera antique_, and the ten corresponding pilasters on each side, struck him as particularly beautiful, and he was for some moments lost in contemplation, while his friends Sparkle and Tom were in immediate request to receive the congratulations of their acquaintance.
”Where the d----l have you been to?” was the first question addressed to Dashall--”rusticating, I suppose, to the serious loss of all polished society.”
”You are right in the first part of your reply,” said Tom; ”but, as I conceive, not exactly so in the inference you draw from it.”
”Modesty, by Jove! well done Dashall, this travelling appears to improve your manners wonderfully; and I dare say if you had staid away another month, your old friends would not have known you.”
This created a laugh among the party, which roused Bob from his reverie, who, turning round rather hastily, trod with considerable force upon the gouty toe of an old debauchee in spectacles, who, in the height of ecstasy, was at that moment entering into a treaty of amity with a pretty rosy-faced little girl, and chucking her under the
1 The names of Elliston, Pope, Johnston, Powell, Dowton, Munden, Holland, Wallack, Knight, T. Cooke, Oxberry, Smith, Bromley, &c. are to be found on the male list of Performers, and it is sincerely to be hoped that of Mr. Kean will not long be absent. The females are, Mrs. Davison, Mrs. Glover, Miss Kelly, Mrs. Bland, Mrs. Orger, Mrs. Sparks, Miss Wilson, Miss Byrne, Miss Cubitt, &c.
~138~~chin, as a sort of preliminary, to be succeeded by a ratification; for in all probability gratification was out of the question. However this might be, the pain occasioned by the sudden movement of Tallyho, who had not yet learned to trip it lightly along the _mutton walk_,{1} induced the sufferer to roar out most l.u.s.tily, a circ.u.mstance which immediately attracted the attention of every one in the room, and in a moment they were surrounded by a group of lads and la.s.ses.
[Ill.u.s.tration: page138 Tom and Bob at Drury Lane]
”Upon my soul, Sir,” stammer'd out Bob, ”I beg your pardon, I--I--did not mean--”
”Oh! oh! oh!” continued the gouty Amoroso. Mother K----p{2} came running like lightning with a gla.s.s of water; the frail sisterhood were laughing, nodding, whispering, and winking at each other; while St----ns,{3} who pick'd up the spectacles the unfortunate victim of the gout had dropp'd, swore that fellow in the green coat and white hat ought to be sent to some dancing-school, to learn to step without kicking people's s.h.i.+ns.
Another declared he was a Johnny-raw,{4} just catched, and what could be expected.
Tom, who, however, kept himself alive to the pa.s.sing occurrences, stepping up to Bob, was immediately recognized by all around him, and pa.s.sing a significant wink, declared it was an accident, and begged to a.s.sist the Old Buck to a seat, which being accomplished, he declared he had not had his shoe on for a week, but as he found himself able to walk, he could not resist the temptation of taking a look around him.
Over a bottle of wine the unpleasant impressions made by this unfortunate occurrence appeared to be removed. In the mean time, Tom received a hundred congratulations and salutations; while Sparkle, after a gla.s.s or two, was missing.
Dashall informed the friends around him, that his Cousin was a pupil of his, and begged to introduce him
1 Mutton Walk--A flash term recently adopted to denominate the Saloon.
2 A well known fruit-woman, who is in constant attendance, well acquainted with the girls and their protectors, and ready upon all occasions to give or convey information for the benefit of both parties.
3 St----ns--A very pretty round-faced young lady-bird, of rather small figure, inclining to be l.u.s.ty.
4 Johnny Raw--A country b.u.mpkin.
~139~~as a future visitor to this gay scene. This had an instantaneous effect upon the trading fair ones, who began immediately to throw out their lures. One declared he had a sweet pretty brooch; another, that she knew he was a trump by the cut of his jib; a third, that he look'd like a gentleman, for she liked the make of his mug; a fourth, that his hat was a very pretty shaped one, although it was of a radical colour; and while Tom and the ladybird{l} were soothing the pains of the grey-headed wanton, Bob was as busily employed in handing about the contents of the bottle. A second and a third succeeded, and it was not a little astonis.h.i.+ng to him that every bottle improved his appearance; for, though not one of his admirers remained long with him, yet the absence of one only brought another, equally attracted by his look and manner: every one declared he was really a gentleman in every respect, and in the course of their short parley, did not fail to slip a card into his hand. By this time he began to grow chatty, and was enabled to rally in turn the observations they made. He swore he lov'd them all round, and once or twice hummed over,
”Dear creatures, we can't do without them, They're all that is sweet and seducing to man, Looking, sighing about, and about them, We doat on them--do for them, all that we can.”
The play being over, brought a considerable influx of company into the Saloon. The regular covies paired off with their covesses, and the moving panorama of elegance and fas.h.i.+on presented a scene that was truly delightful to Bob.
The Ladybird, who had been so attentive to the gouty customer, now wished him a good night, for, said she, ”There is my friend,{2} and so I am off.” This seemed only to increase the agony of his already agonized toe, notwithstanding which he presently toddled off, and was seen no more for the evening.
”What's become of Sparkle,” enquired Tom. ”Stole away,” was the reply.
”Tipp'd us the double, has he,” said Dashall. ”Well, what think you of Drury-lane?”