WALKING DRESS—1810.
“LES INVISIBLES,” 1810.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
Diversions of people of fashion—Daily life of the King—Children—Education—Girls’ education—Matrimonial advertisements—Gretna Green marriages—Story of a wedding ring—Wife selling—“A woman to let.”
THE ESSAYISTS of Anne’s time did good work, and left precious material for Social History behind them, when they good-humouredly made fun of the little follies of the day; and two satirical prints of Rowlandson’s follow so well in their footprints that I must needs transcribe them. “May 1, 1802. A Man of Fashion’s Journal. ‘Queer dreams, owing to Sir Richard’s claret, always drink too much of it—rose at one—dressed by half-past three—took an hour’s ride—a good horse, my last purchase, remember to sell him again—nothing like variety—dined at six with Sir Richard—said several good things—forgot ‘em all—in high spirits—quizzed a parson—drank three bottles, and loung’d to the theatre—not quite clear about the play—comedy or tragedy—forget which—saw the last act—Kemble toll loll—not quite certain whether it was Kemble or not—Mrs. Siddons monstrous fine—got into a hack—set down in St. James’s Street—dipp’d a little with the boys at hazards—confounded bad luck—lost all my money.’”