Prudence was mighty pleased to hear of our Engagement, as it would afford her a near View of the gay World, which was what she had long been desiring. After the Shop was closed, we set forth, attended by _Peter_, who was also to see us safe back; and on reaching the Square, we descried the House directly by the lighted Flambeaux. Both the private and public Entrance were already in Commotion; but we asked the Hall Porter for Mr. _James_, who presently appeared, still in Deshabille. "You have taken me at my Word," said he smiling, "Your Coming is of the earliest, and I dare not let you go up-Stairs yet, so you must wait awhile in the Servants' Hall, till the Company begin to arrive." I was never in a Servants' Hall of that Description before; and I must say that it afforded me Matter and Leisure for several Reflections. Servants, Pastry-Cooks--Men and Boys, and so forth, were bustling in and out, and we were pushed about a good Deal till we got into a quiet Corner behind the Clock. It struck me that the Pleasures of the Quality were purchased at the Price of a good Deal of Immorality in their Dependents. Many a Glass of Wine did I see swallowed on the Sly; many a Tart and Custard whipt off and hastily eaten in Corners. One would have thought, in a great House like this, Fragments of Dainties had been so common that they would have been no Temptations; but doubtless the poor Servants had been so overwrought and debarred of their natural Rest and regular Refreshments, that their Strength required a little keeping up, for they had an arduous Evening before them. The Maids flirted and jested; the Men used intemperate Language; in and out among them all sailed my Lady Housekeeper from Time to Time, as proud as a Dutchess, and in a Head and Primers that a Dutchess had probably worn, before they were a little soiled. By-and-by the Bustle increases. Mr. _James_ comes in, superbly attired, and smilingly offers us Tarts and Tokay; but, though pressed, we declined. Then he beckoned us to follow him, and piloted us into a brilliant Ante-room where, behind some huge Orange Trees in Wooden Tubs, he found us Seats that commanded a Vistoe of the two Drawing-rooms beyond. Sure, the _King's_ Majesty could scarce dwell in greater State. I think that neither _Whitehall_, _Windsor_, nor _Hampton Court_ could ever have made a greater Show. The Ante-Chamber Hangings were blue Velvet and Silver, the Drawing-room that came next beyond was amber Satin and Gold; the Chamber beyond that was hung with Goblin Tapestry. Also there were some large Mirrours, in which one might behold one's self from Head to Foot.