"Yonder will be his town-residence," resumed their guide, "the scarcely less than princely mansion of the nation's idol; yet, so evanescent is popularity, and so great is the distinction between civil matters and military, that coming years will display his windows barricaded against the assaults of that people whose opinions are as changeable as the----" "What?" said his hearers in a breath, ready to take offence should he indulge in any _personal_ allusion. "As changeable as--as the weather." "Oh!" exclaimed the East, with a significant whistle, that sounded very like the blast of a war-trumpet. They walked some distance without further remark, until reaching Pall-Mall. "This," said the Devil, directing their attention to a range of buildings on the right, "this will ere long disappear. Of yon regal habitation, the scene of revelry and delight, not a vestige will remain; vast local improvements will be completed, magnificent residences erected; and here a lofty column shall be raised, on whose 'tall pillar, pointing to the skies,' will be placed the statue of a princely commander----" "Who will doubtless be _highly indebted_ to the people," observed the North, in his most unpleasant manner. "And what may be that heavy-looking temple opposite?" inquired the East, pointing to the Opera-house. "That is celebrated as the resort of beauty, rank, wealth, and fashion." Here the West wind nodded his assent, as if perfectly cognisant of affairs so particularly appertaining to _his_ quarter of the metropolis. "Where the aristocracy of this kingdom assemble to lavish their wealth and favours on foreign _artistes_, as they are called, while native industry and talent are neglected and unrequited. But my sentimentality outruns my prudence; _I_ patronise the Opera, notwithstanding," said the Devil. "And I," said the West. Continuing their perambulation, they reached the present site of Waterloo-bridge. "A splendid structure," observed their conductor, "will here span that mighty stream, on whose waves float a thousand argosies freighted with riches from every distant land. Speculation will soon furnish means sufficient for the enterprise, and----" "The profits?" inquired old Boreas, too far _north_ to lose sight of the main chance. "Will be shared among the subscribers." "By what rule?" "_Short_ division," was the answer. "This building on the right is Somerset House, where the Royal Academy holds its annual exhibition of British artists, at which persons pay a shilling to view their own portraits that have cost most exorbitant sums, if painted by popular professors of the art." "A noble institution," said the South, in simplicity of soul, "and most encouraging to rising talent." "Very," was the devilish dry reply. "And where young exhibitors have fine opportunities afforded them to profit by the experience, skill, and fostering care of their superiors."