solitary exception only, in the person of
Miss Judith Macgilligan. It unfortunately happened that an
opportunity offered not for the display of her graces in the
dance. She then became peevishly taciturn, complained of
indisposition, and expressing a desire of returning home,
the gentlemen consequently assented, and the party left the
Mansion-house at an earlier hour than they had either
anticipated or desired.

VOLUME II. Part 2

CHAPTER XV

"All London is full of vagaries,
Of bustle of splendour and show,
At every turn the scene varies,
Whether near, or still further we go.
Each lane has a character in it,
Each street has its pauper and beau:
And such changes are making each minute,
Scarce one from the other we know.
The in and out turnings of life,
Few persons can well understand;
But in London the grand source of strife,
Is of fortune to bear the command.
Yet some who are high up to day,
Acknowledged good sober and witty,
May to-morrow be down in decay,
In this great and magnanimous city."

~~203~~~ "Apropos," said the Hon. Tom Dashall, laying down the Times
newspaper after breakfast, "a fine opportunity is offered to us to day,
for a peep at the Citizens of London in their Legislative Assembly, a
Court of Common Council is announced for twelve o'clock, and I think I
can promise you much of entertaining information, by paying a visit at
Guildhall and its vicinity. We have several times passed it with merely
taking a view of its exterior, but the interior is equally deserving of
attention, particularly at a period when it is graced by the personages
and appendages which constitute its state and dignity. London is
generally spoken of as the first commercial city in the known world, and
its legislators, as a corporate body, becomes a sort of rallying post
for all others in the kingdom. We have plenty of time before us, and
may lounge a little as we march along to amuse or refresh ourselves at
leisure." "With all my heart," said Tallyho, "for I have heard much
about the Lord Mayor, the Sword Bearer, and the Common Hunt, all in a
bustle,--though I have never yet had an opportunity of seeing any of
them."

~~204~~ "They are interesting subjects, I can assure you, so come along,
we will take a view of the