Mr. Binnie's bedchamber was neat, snug, and appropriate. And Clive had a
study and bedroom at the top of the house, which he was allowed to
furnish entirely according to his own taste. How he and Ridley revelled
in Wardour Street! What delightful coloured prints of hunting, racing,
and beautiful ladies, did they not purchase, mount with their own hands,
cut out for screens, frame and glaze, and hang up on the walls. When the
rooms were ready they gave a party, inviting the Colonel and Mr. Binnie
by note of hand, two gentlemen from Lamb Court, Temple, Mr. Honeyman, and
Fred Bayham. We must have Fred Bayham. Fred Bayham frankly asked, "Is Mr.
Sherrick, with whom you have become rather intimate lately--and mind you
I say nothing, but I recommend strangers in London to be cautious about
their friends--is Mr. Sherrick coming to you, young 'un? because if he
is, F. B. must respectfully decline."
Mr. Sherrick was not invited, and accordingly F. B. came. But Sherrick
was invited on other days, and a very queer society did our honest
Colonel gather together in that queer house, so dreary, so dingy, so
comfortless, so pleasant.
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