“But to be seen in this street at a certain hour, is one of the essentials to the existence of _haut-ton_--it is the point of attraction for greetings in splendid equipages, from the haughty bend or familiar nod of arrogance, to the humble bow of servility. Here mimicry without money assumes the consequential air of independence: while modest merit creeps along unheeded through the glittering crowd. Here all the senses are tantalized with profusion, and the eye is dazzled with temptation, for no other reason than because it is the constant business of a fashionable life--not to live in, but out of self, to imitate the luxuries of the affluent without a tithe of their income, and to sacrifice morality at the altar of notoriety.” “Your description of this celebrated street, of which I have heard so much,” said Tallyho, “is truly lively.” “But it is strictly true,” continued Tom. They had now arrived at Long's, and found a barouche and four waiting at the door. Upon entering, the first person they met was Lord Cripplegate, whom they passed, and proceeded to the coffee-room; in one of the boxes of which Tom immediately directed his Cousin's attention to a well-dressed young man, who was reading the newspaper, and sipping his coffee--“Take notice of him,” said Tom. Bob looked at him for a moment, marked his features, and his dress, which was in the extreme of fashion; while Tom, turning to one of the Waiters, enquired for his friend Sparkle. “He has not been here since yesterday morning!” said the Waiter. “I have been waiting for him these two hours!” exclaimed the young Sprig of Fashion, laying down the newspaper almost at the same moment, “and must wait till he comes--Ah! Mr. Dashall, how d'ye do?---very glad to see you--left all well in the country, I hope!--Mr. Sparkle was to have met me this morning at eleven precisely, I should judge he is gone into the country.” “It must have been late last night, then,” said Dashall, ~70~~“for he left us about half-past ten, and promised also to meet us again this morning at eleven; I can't think what can have become of him--but come,” said he, taking Bob by the arm, “we must keep moving--Good morning--good morning.” And thus saying, walked directly out of the house, turning to the right again towards Piccadilly. “There is a remark made, I think by Goldsmith,” said Tom, “that one half of the world don't know how the other half lives; and the man I spoke to in the coffee-room, whose name I am unacquainted with, though his person is recognized by almost every body, while his true character, residence, and means of subsistence, remain completely in obscurity, from what I have seen of him, I judge is what may be termed a _hanger on_.” “A hanger on,” said Bob--“what can that mean? I took him for a man of property and high birth--but I saw you take so little notice of him.”