Smee enthusiastically caught at the idea; but
honest James winked his droll eyes, saying his was a beauty that did not
want any paint; and when Mr. Smee took his leave after dinner in Fitzroy
Square, where this conversation was held, James Binnie hinted that the
Academician was no better than an old humbug, in which surmise he was
probably not altogether incorrect. Certain young men who frequented the
kind Colonel's house were also somewhat of this opinion; and made endless
jokes at the painter's expense. Smee plastered his sitters with adulation
as methodically as he covered his canvas. He waylaid gentlemen at dinner;
he inveigled unsuspecting folks into his studio, and had their heads off
their shoulders before they were aware. One day, on our way from the
Temple, through Howland Street, to the Colonel's house, we beheld
Major-General Sir Thomas de Boots, in full uniform, rushing from Smee's
door to his brougham. The coachman was absent refreshing himself at a
neighbouring tap: the little street-boys cheered and hurrayed Sir Thomas,
as, arrayed in gold and scarlet, he sate in his chariot.
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