Part 110 (2/2)

I do confess them nurs'ries of the arts, In which they flourish most; where, in the beams Of warm encouragement, and in the eye Of public note, they reach their perfect size.

Such London is, by taste and wealth proclaim'd The fairest capital of all the world; By riot and incontinence the worst.

~~428~~~ The arrival of the day for separation was antic.i.p.ated, and the morning arose upon Dashall with a gloomy aspect, originating in the temper of his mind; for he was by no means pleased with the adventure of Laconic, which operated to prevent his departure with his friends. Sparkle and Tallyho were, however, upon the alert, and determined on pursuing their original intentions. Tom had none of his usual vivacity about him.

In vain he tried to muster up his spirits, his attempts at wit were pointless and did not escape the notice of Sparkle, who secretly enjoyed his chagrin, feeling a.s.sured that as it was created by their departure, he would not delay joining them longer than necessity absolutely required. ”Why how now, Tom,” said Sparkle, ”you are out, and seem to be in queer stirrups, as if you had an uneasy saddle. You seem to part with your cousin as a young man would with the beloved of his heart.” ”I confess I am disappointed,” replied Tom.

”But since grieving's a folly, Why let us be jolly.”

~~429~~~ ”I am determined to spend the last moments with you--so start off the rattle traps, the upper toggery's and travelling caps, we will take a last turn together, and a parting dinner and gla.s.s of wine at the Bull and Mouth, and I'll warrant you I won't be long behind. All I regret is, I can't accompany you at present.” Upon this intimation, the remainder of their luggage and clothing were despatched by a servant, with an order to provide a good dinner for them at half past five.

Things were now all m a fair train, and this business being despatched, all was anxiety for the arrival of the moment, though with different sensations; Sparkle to meet his wife, Bob to return to his native home, and Tom displeased and disappointed in every way, although he determined to be as agreeable as he could under existing circ.u.mstances. Time however being heavy on their hands, but as Bob was anxious to make a few more purchases for presents on his return home, they started early for the Bull and Mouth.

”You have now,” said Dashall to his cousin, ”had some experience in REAL LIFE IN LONDON, and I have reason to think you will not return to the country a worse man than you left it. Variety is charming, and the change from one to the other will give additional zest and pleasure.”

”I have reason,” replied Bob, ”to feel myself under a very particular obligation to you for the excellent care, kindness and attention, as well as information I have derived, and it cannot easily be obliterated from my recollection; but I at the same time must observe, that I have no very great relish for London as a continual residence. When you arrive in the country I will try if I cannot be as explanatory and amusing. At all events I expect you will give me the trial.

”I'll give you a chevy over the hills, a pop at the pheasants, and a pick at them afterwards; besides which, you know, we have some very pretty la.s.ses in our neighbourhood, to whom you have already been introduced, and to whom you shall be better known.”

”I know, I know,” said Tom, in a hurried manner, which strongly indicated some other motive for regret than that which arose from mere disappointment at not being a partner in their journey, and from which Sparkle did not fail to draw an inference, that some roguish eyes had been darting their beams into the bosom of his friend.

~~430~~~ ”I see how it is now,” cried Sparkle, ”Tom is not cut but caught, and I'll sport a fifty, that the Evergreen Tom Dashall, of London, will be transplanted to entwine with some virgin blossom of the country, before another twelve months.”

Tom was silent.

Tallyho smiled in accordance with the sentiment of Sparkle, and declared he would not take the bet.

”It's of very little use,” cried Dashall, recovering himself after a short pause, ”I may as well make a merit of necessity. I confess I have a sort of a liking for the gay and sprightly Lydia Forcetext, the parson's daughter; and if--but curse if's--I hate if, I wish there was no such word in the English language.”

”Ha, ha, ha!” exclaimed Sparkle, ”I thought we should find you out--but come, I think I may say there is not much for you to fear--if you are but serious.”

”It is a serious subject, and if we continue, this conversation I shall grow downright sentimental--so no more at present--we have not much time to spare--and as I mean to make use of every minute, let us look around for any novelty that may occur before your departure.”

”Well,” said Sparkle, ”I must say I do not know of any thing so new to me as the very subject we were upon--but as you wish it dropped--why e'en let it be so--I have no desire to be either particular or personal.”

And as London's the object we've long had in view, As long as we can, we'll that object pursue.

And as visions we know have been for an old grudge meant, We'll make ours a view--not a vision of--judgment.

”Good,” said Tom, ”and as the lines are extemporaneous we will not be over-nice in the criticism.”

”At least,” continued Sparkle, ”you will admit it is better to be a bad poet--than a bad man.”

”Agreed--agreed,” replied Tom.--”But who in the name of wonder have we here--the emperor of hair-dressers and head-cutters turned print-seller--Why, this was Money's, where I have, before now, had a clip.”

~~431~~~ ”Nay, nay,” said Sparkle, ”don't be in a hurry to form your judgment--his ingenuity is at work, and really it will be worth while to have a cut all round; for I find he gives a portrait, displaying the most fas.h.i.+onable Parisian dresses to every customer. Some you know present bank, or, more properly speaking, flush notes upon these occasions; but certainly this is a less exceptionable plan.--What say you?”

”With all my heart:” and into the _Magazin de Mode_ they marched; to which they were welcomed by the artist himself--ushered up stairs with all due politeness, and in two minutes Sparkle was under his incomparable hands, while Tom and Bob amused themselves with a peep at the newspapers and the Gazette of Fas.h.i.+on.

<script>