Describing the duties of the "critic of each bright ruelle," Tickell says:—
"Oft with varied art, his thoughts digress
On deeper themes—the documents of dress;
With nice discernment, to each style of face
Adapt a ribbon, or suggest a lace;
O'er Granby's cap bid loftier feathers float,
And add new bows to Devon's petticoat."—Wreath of Fashion.
In the spring of 1802, Mr. Holcroft, when in Paris, received a polite note from a lady at whose house he visited, requesting to see him. He went, and was informed by her maid the lady was in her warm bath, but she would announce his arrival. She returned, and led him to a kind of closet, where her mistress was up to her chin in water. He knew the manners of the place, and was not surprised.—Travels.