CHAPTER XVIII.

Reward for the discovery of murderers.--Bedlow's character and
evidence.--His strange story.--Development of the "horrid plot."
--William Staley is made a victim.--Three Jesuits hung.--Titus
Oates pronounced the saviour of his country.--Striving to ruin
the queen.--Monstrous story of Bedlow and Oates.--The king
protects her majesty.--Five Jesuits executed.--Fresh rumours
concerning the papists.--Bill to exclude the Duke of York.--Lord
Stafford is tried.--Scene at Tower Hill.--Fate of the
conspirators.

CHAPTER XIX.

London under Charles II.--Condition and appearance of the
thoroughfares.--Coffee is first drunk in the capital.--Taverns
and their frequenters.--The city by night.--Wicked people do
creep about.--Companies of young gentlemen.--The Duke of Monmouth
kills a beadle.--Sir Charles Sedley's frolic.--Stately houses of
the nobility.--St. James's Park.--Amusement of the town.--At
Bartholomew Fair.--Bull, bear, and dog fights.--Some quaint
sports.

CHAPTER XX.

Court customs in the days of the merry monarch.--Dining in
public.--The Duke of Tuscany's supper to the king.--
Entertainment of guests by mountebanks.--Gaming at court.--Lady
Castlemaine's losses.--A fatal duel.--Dress of the period.--