s seated one of his
majesty's most honourable privy council, the Earl of W-----d, with a
double Dollond's operatic magnifier in his hand, studying nature
from this most delightful of all miniature models. "A most perfect
divinity," whispered the exquisite. "A glorious fine study," said
Transit,--and, pulling out his card-case and pencil, retired to one
corner of the room, to make a mem., as he called it, of the scene.
(See Plate.) "Who the deuce is that eccentric-looking creature with
the Marquis of Hertford?" said I. "Hush," replied the exquisite, "for
heaven's sake, don't expose yourself! Not to know the superlative roue
of the age, the all-accomplished Petersham, would set you down for a
barbarian at once." "And who," said I, "is the amiable fair bending
before the admiring Worter?" "An old and very dear acquaintance of the
Earl of F-e, Mademoiselle Noblet, who, it is said, displays much cool
philosophy at the inconstancy of her once enamoured swain, consoling
herself for his loss, in the enjoyment of a splendid annuity." A host
of other bewitching forms led my young fancy captive by turns, as my eye
travelled round the magic circle of delight: some were, I found, of
that yielding spirit, which can pity the young heart's fond desire; with
others had secured honourable protection: and if his companion's report
was to be credited, there were very few among the enchanting spirits
before yet with whom that happiness which springs from virtuous pure
affection was to be anticipated. If was no place to moralize, but, to
you who know my buoyancy of spirit, and susceptibility of mind, I must
confess, the reflection produced a momentary pang of the keenest misery.

[Illustration: page205]

THE ROYAL SALOON.

Visit of Heartly, Lionise, and Transit--Description of the
Place--Sketches of Character--The Gambling Parsons--Horse
Chaunting, a true Anecdote--Bang and her Friends--Moll Raffle
and the Marquis W.--The Play Man--The Touter--The Half-pay
Officer--Charles Rattle, Esq.--Life of a modern Roue-B------
the Tailor--The Subject--Jarvey and Brooks the Dissector--
"Kill him when you want him"

~205~~ After the opera, Bob Transit proposed an adjournment to the Royal
Saloon, in Piccadilly, a place of fashionable resort (said Bob) for
shell-fish and sharks, Greeks and pigeons, Cyprians and citizens,
noble and ignoble--in short, a mighty rendezvous, where every variety
of character is to be