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THE ANECDOTE GALLERY

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DOCTOR PARR.

Dr. Parr's nature was highly social; and he almost always spent his
evenings in the company of his family and his domestic visiters, or in
that of some neighbouring friends. He was fond of the pleasures of the
table; and probably, in the course of the whole year, few days passed in
which he did not meet some social party, round the festive board, either
at home or abroad. At such times his dress was in complete contrast with
the costume of the morning, for he appeared in a well-powdered wig, and
always wore his band and cassock. On extraordinary occasions he was
arrayed in a full-dress suit of black velvet, of the cut of the old
times, when his appearance was imposing and dignified.

After dinner, but not often till the ladies were about to retire, he
claimed, in all companies, his privilege of smoking, as a right not to
be disputed; since, he said, it was a condition, "no pipe, no Parr,"
previously known, and peremptorily imposed on all who desired his
acquaintance. Speaking of the honour once conferred upon him, of being
invited to dinner at Carlton-house, he always mentioned, with evident