The idea of the servant remaining in the room is Steele's.
[57] Most of this scene, down to Lovemore's exit, is adapted from Le Menteur, II. iii., iv.
[58] Want of merit. See the Tatler, No. 69.
[59] There is a similar speech in Le Menteur, II. ii.
[60] The New Exchange was on the south side of the Strand, partly on the site of the present Adelphi. It was a very favourite place of resort in Charles II.'s time, and the restoration plays are full of allusions to it. There were four walks, two above and two below stairs. Steele refers to the New Exchange again in the Spectator, Nos. 96, 155. It was pulled down in 1737. With the scene here described we may compare Etherege's She would if she could, III. i.:—
"Mrs. Trinckit. What d'ye buy? what d'ye lack, gentlemen? Gloves, ribbons, and essences; ribbons, gloves, and essences?...
"Courtall. Walk a turn or two above, or fool awhile with pretty Mistress Anvil, and scent your eye-brows and periwig with a little essence of oranges, or jessamine."
Similarly in Otway's Atheist: or the Second Part of the Soldier's Fortune, II. i., Courtine remarks:—
"Methinks, this place looks as if it were made for lovings. The lights on each hand of the walk look stately; and then the rustling of silk petticoats, the din and the clatter of the pretty little parti-coloured parrots, that hop and flutter from one side to t'other, puts every sense upon its proper office, and sets the wheels of nature finely moving."
[61] Green silk stockings seem to have been introduced by Elizabeth, Countess of Chesterfield. On this matter the curious may consult Grammont (Memoirs, 1846, pp. 177-8, 180).