Fitz has a very pretty wit of his own,and a good reputation on circuit;but he is timid before great people.And indeed the presence of that awful Lady Bungay on his right hand was enough to damp him.She was in court mourning (for the late Prince of Schlippenschloppen).She had on a large black funereal turban and appurtenances,and a vast breastplate of twinkling,twiddling black bugles.No wonder a man could not be gay in talking to HER.
Mrs.Rowdy and Mrs.Topham Sawyer love each other as women do who have the same receiving nights,and ask the same society;they were only separated by Ranville Ranville,who tries to be well with both and they talked at each other across him.
Topham and Rowdy growled out a conversation about Rum,Ireland,and the Navigation Laws,quite unfit for print.Sawyer never speaks three words without mentioning the House and the Speaker.
The Irish Peer said nothing (which was a comfort)but he ate and drank of everything which came in his way;and cut his usual absurd figure in dyed whiskers and a yellow under-waistcoat.
General Gulpin sported his star,and looked fat and florid,but melancholy.His wife ordered away his dinner,just like honest Sancho's physician at Barataria.