Auriol; or, The Elixir of LifeAinsworth, William Harrison
Science
Auriol; or, The Elixir of Life
Ainsworth, William Harrison
Detective and mystery stories; Gothic fiction; Horror tales; Paranormal fiction
True, the floor is not covered with a carpet. But what of that? It bears
the imprint of innumerable customers, and is scattered over with their
hair. In the window, there is an assortment of busts moulded in wax,
exhibiting the triumphs of Mr. Trigge's art; and above these are
several specimens of legal wigs. On the little counter behind the
window, amid large pots of pomade and bears'-grease, and the irons and
brushes in constant use by the barber, are other bustos, done to the
life, and for ever glancing amiably into the room. On the block is a
judge's wig, which Mr. Trigge has just been dressing, and a little
farther, on a higher block, is that of a counsel. On either side of the
fireplace are portraits of Lord Eldon and Lord Lyndhurst. Some other
portraits of pretty actresses are likewise to be seen. Against the
counter rests a board, displaying the playbill of the evening; and near
it is a large piece of emblematical crockery, indicating that
bears'-grease may be had on the premises. Amongst Mr. Trigge's
live-stock may be enumerated his favourite magpie, placed in a wicker
cage in the window, which chatters incessantly, and knows everything,
its master avouches, "as well as a Christian."
And now as to Mr. Tuffnell Trigge himself. He is very tall and very
thin, and holds himself so upright that he loses not an inch of his
stature. His head is large and his face long, with marked, if not very
striking features, charged, it must be admitted, with a very
self-satisfied expression. One cannot earn the appellation of the Barber
of London without talent; and it is the consciousness of this talent
that lends to Mr. Trigge's features their apparently conceited
expression. A fringe of black whisker adorns his cheek and chin, and his
black bristly hair is brushed back, so as to exhibit the prodigious
expanse of his forehead. His eyebrows are elevated, as if in constant
scorn.
The attire in which Mr. Trigge is ordinarily seen, consists of a black
velvet waistcoat, and tight black continuations. These are protected by
a white apron tied round his waist, with pockets to hold his scissors
and combs; over all, he wears a short nankeen jacket, into the pockets
of which his hands are constantly thrust when not otherwise employed. A
black satin stock with a large bow encircles his throat, and his shirt
is fastened by black enamel studs. Such is Mr. Tuffnell Trigge, yclept
the Barber of London.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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