We have called him Captain purposely, while speaking of his coat, for he
held that rank when the garment came out to him; and having been in the
habit of considering it a splendid coat for twelve years past, he has not
the least idea of changing his opinion.
The Doctor McGuffog, Professor Bodgers, Count Poski, and all the lions
present at Mrs. Newcome's reunion that evening, were completely eclipsed
by Colonel Newcome. The worthy soul, who cared not the least about
adorning himself, had a handsome diamond brooch of the year 1801--given
him by poor Jack Cutler, who was knocked over by his side at Argaum--and
wore this ornament in his desk for a thousand days and nights at a time;
in his shirt-frill, on such parade evenings as he considered Mrs.
Newcome's to be. The splendour of this jewel, and of his flashing
buttons, caused all eyes to turn to him. There were many pairs of
mustachios present, those of Professor Schnurr, a very corpulent martyr,
just escaped from Spandau, and of Maximilien Tranchard, French exile and
apostle of liberty, were the only whiskers in the room capable of vying
in interest with Colonel Newcome's.
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