who desire to adorn their heads with _hair_udition. “Can France, England--nay, the world itself, produce such another specimen of puffing and barberism? ~53~~“And pray,” continued Tom, “what is there new in the haut ton? Has there been any thing of importance to attract attention since my absence? “Nothing very particular,” was the reply--“all very dull and flat. Rumour however, as usual, has not been inactive; two or three trifling faux pas, and--oh!--yes--two duels--one in the literary world: two authors, who, after attacking each other with the quill, chose to decide their quarrel with the pistol, and poor Scot lost his life! But how should authors understand such things? The other has made a great noise in the world--You like the Corinthian cut, I believe, Sir?” “I believe so too,” said Tom--“but don't you cut the duel so short--who were the parties?” “Oh! aye, why one, Sir, was a celebrated leader of ton, no other than Lord Shampêtre, and the other Mr. Webb, a gentleman well known: it was a sort of family affair. His lordship's gallantry and courage, however, were put to the test, and the result bids fair to increase his popularity. The cause was nothing very extraordinary, but the effect had nearly proved fatal to his Lordship.” “What, was he wounded?” enquired Tom. “It was thought so at first,” replied the _Peruquier_, “but it was afterwards discovered that his Lordship had only fainted at the report of his opponent's pistol.” “Ha! ha! ha!” said Tom, “then it was a bloodless battle--but I should like to know more of the particulars.”