might have
happened to those even the most guarded against deception, she consoled
instead of recriminating. The most perfect unanimity now prevailed
between the two relatives; and the evening passed on with increased
pleasure. The unexpected migration of the new suit led to conversation
on the frauds of London, when Dashall justly observed, that if the
ingenuity exemplified in depredation was exercised in honest industry,
in place of being now the pest, many of those men might have been the
ornaments of Society.

CHAPTER XVIII

"Tho' village delights may charm for a time,
With hunting, with cricket, with trap-ball and such,
The rambles in London are bang-up and prime,
And never can tire or trouble us much;
Tis a life of variety, frolic, and fun:
Rove which way you will, right or left, up or down.
All night by the gas, and all day by the sun,
Sure no joys can compare with the joys of the town."

~~241~~~ Our two friends, in consequence of some allusions made by
the company at the Finish, on a preceding day, to a house of great
theatrical celebrity in Drury-lane, resolved on a visit the following
evening; and it may here be necessary to introduce such of our readers
as are not in the secret, to the same.

The Harp, opposite Drury-lane Theatre, is well known as the resort
of theatrical amateurs and professors; but those who have not had an
opportunity of visiting its interior, can scarcely form an idea of
the mirth, wit, and humour constantly displayed within its walls. The
circumstance here alluded to, though not exactly introduced in point of
time, is one which generally takes place once in three years; viz. the
election of a Mayor to represent the now City of Lushington, an event
which is attended with as much of bustle, interest, and whimsicality,
as a popular election for a member of Parliament. The generality of the
persons who are frequent visitors to the house are termed _Harponians_,
and by due qualification become citizens of Lushington. Although we
cannot give a true and circumstantial history of this ancient city, we
doubt not our numerous readers will discover that its title is derived
from an important article in life, commonly called Lush. The four wards
are also appropriately titled, as symbolical of the effects which are
usually produced by its improper application. On entering the room,
the first corner on the ri