it was capable of being.

"Doing himself (Smooth) up in his very best fixings, he chartered a
steamboat--that is, he got aboard a steamboat--and in the company of
our very gallant Secretary of Legation (who has since joined the very
excellent and honorable order of doubtful politicians), paid his
pennies and steamed away for Blackwall. Here he and his friend sought
the Brunswick, a very grand hotel, where now and then the vulgar do
dine, and console their love of fashion with much show of dishes and
very aristocratic prices. And now, to Smooth's utter astonishment, on
being bowed into a gorgeous hall by lackies in ordinary, who stood
like tailored mummies along the halls and passages, he found it taken
possession of by some hundred and fifty of both sexes, gaily attired,
and altogether presenting the brightness of a bridal party. There were
knights and baronets, great and small; some wore an insignia, but
nothing else to distinguish them from the very vulgar. And, too, there
was Sir William Busey, a good diner-out, and always ready to do such
noble deeds. All stiff and staid, sallied up and down Sir James Muke,
affecting to feel much annoyed because vulgar citizens would not
regard him in the same distinguished light in which he contemplated
himself. Indeed, were Sir James's manners taken in evidence of his
distinguished position, the verdict could not fail to be in favor of
his only being set down a very distinguished bore. However, on the
principle of forgiveness being sweet, did Smooth forgive Sir James,
and charge his manners to defect of early bringing up.

"And, too, there was, all reserve, smiling and dignified, Sir
Memberman Plenat, who wore no toy of rank, that article being largely
developed in his manly bearing. There were also, be it known, other
barons and baronets, some of whom were equally imbued with their own
importance, others quite modest and gentlemanly in their demeanor.
But, to make the greatness of the occasion complete, there was the
little Lord Mayor, who, like a mirror reflecting a sun-shower, loomed
forth in all the greatness of his own light. Of ladies there was no
lack. Some were of well established celebrity; others were decked in
costly fabrics to create a celebrity; a third were fair to look
upon. The English ladies seemed round of person, buoyant and joyous of
soul: the American queens of beauty (their faces sparkling of love and
gentleness) moved to and fro, like sylphs of some fairy l