They were however soon aroused from their reflections by perceiving a Groom in livery advancing rapidly towards them, followed by a curricle, moving at the rate of full nine miles per hour. “Who have we here?” said Bob. “A character well known,” said Tom; “that is Lady L----, a dashing female whip of the first order--mark how she manages her tits--take a peep at her costume and learn while you look.” “More than one steed must Delia's empire feel Who sits triumphant o'er the flying wheel; And as she guides it through th' admiring throng, With what an air she smacks the silken thong!” The Lady had a small round riding-hat, of black beaver, and sat in the true attitude of a coachman--wrists pliant, elbows square, she handled her whip in a scientific manner; and had not Tom declared her sex, Bob would hardly have discovered it from her outward appearance. She was approaching them at a brisk trot, greeting her numerous acquaintance as she passed with familiar nods, at each giving her horses an additional touch, and pursing up her lips to accelerate their speed; indeed, she was so intent upon the management of her reins, and her eyes so fixed upon her cattle, that there was no time for more than a sort of sidelong glance of recognition; and every additional smack of the whip seem'd to say, “_Here I come--that's your sort_.” Her whole manner indeed was very similar to what may be witnessed in Stage-coachmen, Hackneymen, and fashionable Ruffians, who appear to think that all merit consists in copying them when they tip a brother whip the go-by, or almost graze the wheel of a Johnny-raw, and turn round with a grin of self-approbation, as much as to say--“_What d'ye think of that now, eh f--there's a touch for you--lord, what a flat you must be!_” Bob gazed with wonder and astonishment as she passed. “How?” said he, “do the ladies of London frequently take the whip?--” ~222~~”--Hand of their husbands as well as their horses,” replied Tom--“often enough, be assured.” “But how, in the name of wonder, do they learn to drive in this style?” “Easily enough; inclination and determination will accomplish their objects. Why, among the softer sex, we have female Anatomists--female Students in Natural History--Sculptors, and Mechanics of all descriptions--Shoe-makers and Match-makers--and why not Charioteers?” “Nay, I am not asking why; but as it appears rather out of the common way, I confess my ignorance has excited my curiosity on a subject which seems somewhat out of nature.” “I have before told you, Nature has nothing to do with Real Life in London.” “And yet,” continued Bob, “we are told, and I cannot help confessing the truth of the assertion, with respect to the ladies, that “----Loveliness Needs not the foreign aid of ornament, But is, when unadorned, adorn'd the most,” This certainly implies a natural or native grace.”