The Mysteries of London, Vol. IV — page 338: what you’re looking at

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THE MYSTERIES OF LONDON. “Ohl yes—and I will come to-morrow and hold 3 conversation with you by that method,” was the answer, ‘ Well—don’t forgot,” said Granby; “and bring all my friends with you,—twenty—thirty—forty of thom, if you like. I shall know how to entertain them.” “In that caso J will bring them all, my dear fel- low,” returned Smithson: then, in a whisper to the Doctor, he observed, “ You perceive how childish he is—but perfectly harmless.” “ Ah! I begin to fear with you that his cure will bo no easy nor speedily-accomplished matter,” re- sponded the physician, also in a low tone. “But you will do your best, Doctor, I know,” said Smithson: then, turning once more to his friend, he exclaimed, “ Good-bye, Granby-—I am off,” ‘“Well, go—I don’t mcan to accompany you,” answered tho patient, without moving from his re- cumbent position, and without oven glancing to- wards Smithson; but maintaining his cyes fixed upon his fingers, with which he appeared to be practising the dumb alphabet. “Go along, I say— I am very comfortable where I am.” Mr. Smithson heaved a profound sigh, and, bidding the Doctor farewell, hurried to tho carriage, with his cambric handkerchief to his eyes. “Ah! he feels deeply for his afflicted friend,” thought Dr. Swinton, as he remained for a few mo- ments on the threshold of the front door, looking forth into tho mild, clear, and beautcous night: “but I shall be the groatest fool in existence if ever I allow Mr. Granby torecover hisreason. An annuity of six hundred pounds is not to be thrown away inahurry. ButI must prevent this fellow Smithson from calling more than once or twice a- yoar at tho outside—and then only on stated days, or - else with a week’s notice. However, I shall get him here to supper in a short timo, and will then cajole him into anything I propose. Ho is a soft- pated fool himsclf,—that I can seo with half an eye.” Having arrived at this complimentary conclusion in respect to Mr. Smithson, tho Doctor returned to the room where Mr. Granby was still lying upon the sofa, and still playing with his fingers. = CHAPTER CLXXXAVIT, THE LUNATIC ASYLUM. ALMOST immediately after the doparture of Mr, Smithson, supper was seryed up in a spacious and handsomely-furnished apartment. Tho table literally groaned beneath the load of plate and China spread uptnit: a splendid cporgne, upon a large silver tray, occupied tho middlo of the board;—and numerous crystal decanters, contain- ing choice wines of various sorts, sparkled in the flood of golden light poured forth from a magni- ficent lustre suspended to the cciling. Upwards of a dozen persons took their places at the table—all the first-class patients partaking of their meals in the delectable society of the Doctor. That eminont -individual seated himself at the head of the board; and our old friend, Mr. Sheep- shanks, occupied the other extremity. The reverend gentleman, though now well strickon in years, was 303 aaa cae comm me oo eee see 50 little altered since tho reader last found himself in his company, that no minute description of his personal appearanco is again necessary: suffice it to say, that his long, pale countenance was as sanc- timoniously hypocritical as ever,—his hair, now quite grey, was combed with its wonted sleekness over his forehead,—and his specch was as drawling in tone and as full of cant in respect to language, as when we beheld him holding forth to the mem- bers of tho South Sea Islands Bible Circulating Society, or figuring so ignominiously in the Insol- vents’ Court. Mr. Granby, being a new-comer, was placed in the post of honour—namely, on the Doctor’s right hand: but the unfortunate young gentleman did not appear to understand, much less appreciate the distinction—for he scarcely uttered a syllable, did but little justice to the succulent viands, and re- mained for the most part of the timo gazing in listless vacancy straight before him. We should howcver observe that, on first being introduced into the supper-room, he had darted a rapid and searching glanco around,—embracing with that sweeping look the countenances of the dozen patients who were already assembled thore: but immediately afterwards he resumed his stolid, meaningless expression, as if his mind were indecd a blank and mournful void. “ Now, Mr. Sheepshanks,” said the Doctor, when all were duly seated at the table, “ will you ask tho usual blessing ?” “With your permission, most respected sir,” re- plicd the reverond gentleman: then, with a coun- tenance as rucful as if he were about to go forth to the place of execution, ho drawled out a lengthy grace in Such a droning voico, that one of the lunatics fell fast asleep, and did not wake up again until the savoury odour of a plato of recast duck which was placed before him recalled to him his recollection and his supper. “How do you find yoursclf this evening, Mr. Sheepshanks ?” inquired Dr. Swinton, after having assured himself that all his gucsts were duly zerved. ‘You were complaining of a bilious attack this morning.” “ Alas! yos, kind sir,” responded tho revorond gentleman, in a most doleful tone and with a pro- found sigh: “ it pleasod the Lord to ordain that tho salmon of which I partook bountifully at yestor- day’s dinner should disagree with me—or perad- vonturo it was the cucumber ;—but, by the aid of the Divine blessing and the black draught, my dear patron, I have pretty well como round again. Nevertheless, I focl my appetite failing me.” Aud as he uttered these words, Mr. Sheopshanks helped himself to about a pound and a quarter of pigeon-pic—that being his second attack on tho same dish, “TY shall be happy to assist you to somo roast duck, Mr. Sheepslianks,” said the Doctor, after a pause of about seven minutes. “It would be an act of rudeness to decline an offer which bespeaks such delicate attentions on your part, worthy sir,”’ returned the pious gentle- man, “I havo just managed to pick a morsel of this savoury pie; and I will endeavour to get through the wing of a duck, with heaven’s assis- tance.” “So you shall,” said the Doctor. “In the mean- time I recommend you to tako a little wino—for your stomaah's sake.” (C(O) (C DOO <S LL (SO)