CHAPTER VIII.
GODOLPHIN'S PASSION FOR THE STAGE .-- THE DIFFERENCE IT ENGENDERED IN HIS HABITS OF LIFE.
Now this event produced a great influence over Godolphin's habits--and I suppose, therefore, I may add, over his character.

He renewed his acquaintance with the lively actress.
"What a change!" cried both.
"The strolling player risen into celebrity!" "And the runaway boy polished into fashion!" "You are handsomer than ever, Fanny." "I return the compliment," replied Fanny; with a curtsey.
And now Godolphin became a constant attendant at the theatre.

This led him into a mode of life quite different from that which he had lately cultivated.
There are in London two sets of idle men: one set, the butterflies of balls; the loungers of the regular walks of society; diners out; the "old familiar faces," seen everywhere, known to every one: the other set, a more wild, irregular, careless race; who go little into parties, and vote balls a nuisance; who live in clubs; frequent theatres; drive about late o' nights in mysterious-looking vehicles and enjoy a vast acquaintance among the Aspasias of pleasure.

These are the men who are the critics of theatricals: black-neckclothed and well-booted, they sit in their boxes and decide on the ankles of a dancer or the voice of a singer.

They have a smattering of literature, and use a great deal of French in their conversation: they have something of romance in their composition, and have been known to marry for love.