d; since, he said, it was a condition, "no pipe, no Parr,"
previously known, and peremptorily imposed on all who desired his
acquaintance. Speaking of the honour once conferred upon him, of being
invited to dinner at Carlton-house, he always mentioned, with evident
satisfaction, the kind condescension of his present Majesty, then Prince
of Wales, who was pleased to insist upon his taking his pipe as usual.
Of the Duke of Sussex, in whose mansion he was not unfrequently a
visiter, he used to tell, with exulting pleasure, that his Royal
Highness not only allowed him to smoke, but smoked with him. He often
represented it as an instance of the homage which rank and beauty
delight to pay to talents and learning, that ladies of the highest
stations condescended to the office of lighting his pipe. He appeared to
no advantage, however, in his custom of demanding the service of holding
the lighted paper to his pipe from the youngest female who happened to
be present; and who was, often, by the freedom of his remarks, or by the
gaze of the company, painfully disconcerted. This troublesome ceremony,
in his later years, he wisely discarded.

The reader will probably recollect, in the well-known story, his reply
to the lady by whom he had been hospitably entertained, but who refused
to allow him the indulgence of his pipe. In vain he pleaded that such
indulgence had always been kindly granted in the mansions of the highest
nobility, and even in the presence and in the palace of his sovereign.
"Madam," said Dr. Parr to the lady, who still remained inexorable,
"you must give me leave to tell you, you are the greatest--" whilst she,
fearful of what might follow, earnestly interposed, and begged that he
would express no rudeness--"Madam," resumed Dr. Parr, speaking loud,
and looking stern, "I must take leave to tell you, you are the
greatest--tobacco-stopper in England." This sally produced a loud laugh;
and having enjoyed the effects of his wit, he found himself obliged to
retire, in order to enjoy the pleasures of his pipe.

Dr. Parr was accustomed to amuse himself in the evening with cards, of
which the old English game of whist was his favourite. But no entreaties
could induce him to depart from a resolution, which he adopted early in
life, of never playing, in any company whatever, for more than a nominal
stake. Upon one occasion only, he had been persuaded, contrary to his
rule, to play with the late Bishop Watson for a shilling,