Part 76 (2/2)

~147~~ THE rapid succession of novelty in a Life in London where the scenes like those of a Pantomime are constantly changing

”From grave to gay, from lively to severe,”

scarcely required those attentions which the Hon. Tom Dashall continued to enjoy on the score of arrangements for the gratification and information of his cousin. He was ever watchful of opportunities to furnish new views of Real Life and character to Tallyho, and who never failed to profit by his observations upon Men and manners: for Tom, notwithstanding the gaiety of his disposition, was an acute and discerning companion, who having mingled in all ranks and degrees of Society, was able to a.s.sociate himself with the high or the low, as circ.u.mstances might require, and to form tolerably accurate estimates of those by whom he was surrounded.

It was, therefore, with his usual view to the accomplishment of his cousin as a votary of Real Life in London, that he had proposed a visit to a fancy dress Ball at Almack's, and preparations had accordingly been made between them.

”A Fancy dress Ball,” said Tom, in order to give his cousin an idea of the entertainment he was to partake, ”bears some similitude to a Masquerade, with two important exceptions: first, Masks are not general; and second, ~148~~ No practical Jokes are expected or admitted. Dress however, is left wholly to the taste or inclination of the visitors, and the amus.e.m.e.nts consist princ.i.p.ally of dancing and cards. The Rooms are of the most splendid description, and the company generally of the first order; combining all that is elegant and fas.h.i.+onable in what is termed the higher ranks of society,--'Tis said

[Ill.u.s.tration: page148 Almacks]

”If once to Almacks you belong, Like monarchs you can do no wrong.

But banish'd thence on Wednesday night, By Jove you can do nothing right.

I hear (perhaps the story false is,) From Almacks, that he never waltzes With Lady Anne or Lady Biddy, Twirling till he's in Love, or giddy.

The girl a pigmy, he a giant, His cravat stiff, her corset pliant.

There, while some jaded couple stops, The rest go round like humming tops.

Each in the circle with its neighbour Sharing alternate rest and labour; While many a gentle chaperon As the fair Dervises spin on, Sighs with regret that she was courted, Ere this new fas.h.i.+on was imported.

Ere the dull minuet step had vanished, .

With jigs and country sc.r.a.pers banished.

But ---- whose energy relaxes No more revolves upon his axis, As sounds of cymbal and of drum Deep clanging from the orch'tra come, And round him moves in radiance bright Some beauteous beaming sattelite.

Nor ventures as the night advances, On a new partner in French dances, Nor his high destiny fulfilling Through all the mazes of quadrilling, Holds, lest the figure should be hard Close to his nose a printed card, Which for their special use invented, To beaus on entrance is presented.

A strange device one must allow, But useful as it tells them how To foot it in their proper places, Much better than their partners faces.

Mark how the married and the single, In yon gay groupes delighted mingle: Midst diamonds blazing, tapers beaming, Midst Georges, Stars, and Crosses gleaming.

We gaze on beauty, catch the sound Of music, and of mirth around.

And discord feels her empire ended At Almacks--or at least suspended.”

”Zounds,” said Dashall, ”I am happy to see the Rooms so well attended this evening, and particularly to find Mr. Maitland and his two lovely sisters. Do you observe,” continued he, ”that Gentleman in Regimentals on the opposite side?”

”I do, and is he in the Army?” enquired Bob ”No,” replied Tom, ”that is only an a.s.sumed character for the Evening, but I must introduce you to them, though the Ladies are considered to be sharp shooters with their eyes, therefore it will be necessary for you to be on your guard.”

”I've heard that by a single glance Strange witchery is sometimes done, And only by a look askance, Ladies have many a lover won.”

The elegant and tasteful illuminations of the Room, the sprightly sound of the music by a well selected band, and the gay movements of the well dressed circles, were attractive in the mind of Tallyho, and alternately rivetted his attention, while his cousin was as frequently addressed and congratulated by his friends.

”My Dear Tom,” said Maitland, who was lounging round the Room with his two sisters, and who seemed to consider himself the rose of the party by the affected levity of a military character, ”I am glad to see you--'pon Honor--just going to make up a quadrille--know you are a good dancer--list you in my Corps with Misa Maitland's permission--but can't be denied 'pon Honor.”

”That is very gallant, truly,” replied a lovely and interesting girl, his eldest sister. ”With my permission, and yet he won't be denied.”

”If Miss Maitland were to command,” said the Hon. Tom Dashall, ”denial were impossible, disobedience were disgrace and dishonor.”--bowing politely to the Ladies.

”Vastly pretty indeed Mr. Dashall, and to speak the truth I am very glad to find you here; for you know my brother is but a n.o.body, except when he shews himself off in Regimentals:” replied Miss Maitland.

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