That is Mr.Huff, the political economist, talking with Mr.Macduff, the Member for Glenlivat.
That is the coroner for Middlesex conversing with the great surgeon Sir Cutler Sharp, and that pretty laughing girl talking with them is no other than the celebrated Miss Pinnnifer, whose novel of Ralph the Resurrectionist created such a sensation after it was abused in the Trimestrial Review.

It was a little bold certainly--I just looked at it at my club--after hours devoted to parish duty a clergyman is sometimes allowed, you know, desipere in loco--there are descriptions in it certainly startling--ideas about marriage not exactly orthodox; but the poor child wrote the book actually in the nursery, and all England was ringing with it before Dr.Pinnifer, her father, knew who was the author.

That is the Doctor asleep in the corner by Miss Rudge, the American authoress, who I dare say is explaining to him the difference between the two Governments.

My dear Mrs.Newcome, I am giving my brother-in-law a little sketch of some of the celebrities who are crowding your salon to-night.

What a delightful evening you have given us!" "I try to do my best, Colonel Newcome," said the lady of the house.
"I hope many a night we may see you here; and, as I said this morning, Clive, when he is of an age to appreciate this kind of entertainment.
Fashion I do not worship.