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.
Pages:
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239