The fact is, Winkinson has been going it rather, and the idea of commencing three months' voyage in such a shaky state is out of the question. It isn't every day a man leaves his mother country, and when there's no prospect of your seeing each other again for years, it is certainly excusable.
You must consider that Winkinson's grandmother brought him up, and in the ordinary course of things she can't last long, and his farewell must be a final one. It would be downright cruelty not to spend a month with the old lady previous to his departure.
SEPTEMBER.
Several genteel establishments will be closed, the blinds drawn down, and the drawing-room furniture enveloped in brown holland. In answer to inquiries, the visitor will be informed that the family has left town for Baden-Baden, Palermo, the Continent, or Brighton. Baden-Baden is a small watering-place on the coast of Kent, known to the inhabitants as Ramsgate; Palermo is an adjacent settlement, familiarly termed Margate; "the Continent" and "Brighton" are synonyms for the two-pair back, with the use of the attics for sleeping apartments.
The annual Scottish fête will take place in Holland Park. Several distinguished chieftains will appear in the national undress. An attempt will be made by some energetic female missionaries to distribute Bloomer tracts among the assembled Celts, and bring them to a sense of their trouserless position—but will not be attended with any great success. In order to eclipse the daring achievements of former years, a magnificent prize will be offered to any Scot who will perform the herculean feat of returning to his own country. There will be no candidates.
All London being at the seaside, there will be a greater quantity of donkeys seen on the sands of Brighton and Ramsgate than usual. Speculators on the Chain Pier will realize large fortunes by letting out telescopes to hire during the hours devoted to bathing by the ladies.
On and before the 29th, the great question of Tenant Right will be set at rest. The tenant, generally speaking, will remove his goods in the night, and leave the key (not wishing to deprive the landlord of his property) in the door. The tenant will be—all Right!