Next came, in the most engaging and humble smiles, a courtier, _booing_ to the great man for a place; “I consider myself as peculiarly fortunate in having the honor to be patronized by the virtues and talents of a statesman, who (Harlequin was not idle) is one of the damnedest noodles that ever a poor applicant was obliged to flatter; a mere despicable nay and yea retainer of ministry; an impartial adherent to whatever side is uppermost.” Next two came forward, one with the most ardent expressions of affection; “My dearest friend, intimate companion of my infancy and youth, with what delight I received an obligation from my oldest and most beloved of comrades; your superior talents formed and arranged our plans, and enforced our pretensions, with a vigour of reasoning, and an energy of eloquence, which would have been certainly successful, if they had been carried into execution; but the failure was our fault, not yours. Oh! that I had an opportunity of testifying my grateful affection.” The other replied, “an opportunity now occurs; I have a particular occasion for two hundred pounds, with which, I need not say, I know you, who have two thousand a year, can, and I have as little doubt, will, supply me.” This application seemed to supersede the necessity of the touchstone. “Two hundred pounds!” said he, faultering; “really I am extremely sorry I could not spare so large a sum; I have been at very great expence, and have many calls, imperious and indispensible, for (Harlequin moved) I have thoughts of making alterations in my dog-kennel; I am about to purchase a couple of brace of hounds, I intend to give a grand gala, and” (here Harlequin made the other speak) “where frivolous amusement or silly vanity interferes, the friendship of an insipid heart, governed by a weak head, is at an end.” A lover now came forward, expressing the most passionate fondness and adoration for his mistress, declaring that his happiness depended solely upon the return she made to the most ardent and honorable passion that ever inflamed a human breast; “it is the most earnest desire of my soul, (Harlequin touched the stone) to pursue my own gratification, by bringing you to misery and ruin.” A methodist preacher was sufficiently characteristical; he whined and canted, made love to the women, procured contributions for charitable purposes, and kept the greater part to himself. The lady of the house now coming up, brought with her a domino, who, she said, knew most of the people in the room, and was very well qualified for giving an account of them. “Observe,” said the domino, “that mask so gorgeous in apparel, and resplendent with jewels.” “The very large woman with the red hair, you mean?” “The same; that is a great nabobess, just returned from the banks of the Ganges; her husband, a journeyman druggist in Spitalfields, fell in love with her as she used to carry beer from her father’s, at the sign of the Pewter Pot, and they married; an uncle of Mr.