human
Did you see the review, to-day, sir? inquired the earl, rather blandly--
gpt
His Majesty was there, sir, and seemed to enjoy the scene. Titmouse, with a timid air, said that he had not seen it, as he had been at a boatrace upon the river; and after a few more general observations--
human
Will you permit me, sir? It is from A QUARTER requiring the highest--a-hem! said the earl, as a note was brought him, which he immediately opened and read. Lady Cecilia, also, appearing to be reading, Titmouse had a moment's breathing time and interval of relief. What would he have given, he thought, for some other person, or several persons, to come in and divide the attention--the intolerably oppressive attention of the two august individuals then before him! He seized the opportunity to cast a furtive glance around the room. It opened into a second, which opened into a third: how spacious, each, and lofty! And glittering glass chandeliers in each! What chimney and pier glasses! What rich flowered satin curtains--they must have cost twelve or fourteen shillings a-yard at least!--The carpets, of the finest Brussels--and they felt like velvet to the feet;--then the brackets, of marble and gold, with snowy statues and vases glistening upon each; chairs so delicate, and gilded all over--he almost feared to sit down on them. What would the Quirks and Tag-rags think of this! Faugh--only to think for a moment of Alibi House and Satin Lodge!--Then there was the Lady Cecilia--a lady of high rank! How rich her dress--and how haughtily beautiful she looked as she reclined upon the sofa! [she was in fact busy conning over the new opera, which was to come out the next evening.] And the Earl of Dreddlington--there he was, reading, doubtless, some letter from the king or one of the royal family--a man of great rank--resplendent in his decorations--all just according to what he had seen in pictures, and heard and read of--what must that red ribbon have cost? Ay, indeed, poor Lord Dreddlington, it had cost you the labor of half a life of steadfast sycophancy, of watchful manœuvring, and desperate exertion! And at last, the minister tossed it to you in a moment of disgust and despair--mortally perplexed by the conflicting claims of two sulky dukes and a querulous old marquis, each of whom threatened to withdraw his