Such, gentle reader, is the brief sketch of Charles Sparkle, the esteemed friend of the Hon. Tom Dashall, and with such recommendations it will not be wondered at if he should become also the friend of Tally-ho; for, although living in the height of fashionable splendour, his mind was at all times in consonance with the lines which precede this chapter; yet none could be more ready to lend a hand in any pleasant party in pursuit of a bit of _gig. A mill at Moulsey Hurst--a badger-bait, or bear-bait--a main at the Cock-pit--a smock-race_--or a scamper to the Tipping hunt, ultimately claimed his attention; while upon all occasions he was an acute observer of life and character. “His years but young, but his experience old, His heart unmellow'd, though his judgment ripe, And in a word, (for far behind his worth Come all the praises that we now bestow) He is complete in conduct and in mind, With all good grace, to grace a gentleman.” ~42~~But dinner is over, and we must now accompany our triumvirate to the drawing-room, where we find them seated with bottles, glasses, &c. determined to make a quiet evening after the fatigues of the journey, and with a view to prepare themselves for the more arduous, and to Tally-ho more interesting, pursuits in the new world, for such he almost considered London. “Yes,” said Sparkle, addressing himself to Bob, with whom a little previous conversation had almost rendered him familiar, “London is a world within itself; it is, indeed, the only place to see life--it is the “_multum in parvo_,” as the old song says, “Would you see the world in little, Ye curious here repair;” it is the acmé of perfection, the “_summum bonum_” of style---indeed, there is a certain affectation of style from the highest to the lowest individual.” “You are a merry and stylish fellow,” said Tom; we should have been hipp'd without you, there is a fund of amusement in you at all times.” “You are a bit of a wag,” replied Sparkle, “but I am up to your gossip, and can serve you out in your own style.” “Every body,” says Tallyho, “appears to live in style.”