were highly-finished coloured drawings of the dried fish and the
breadfruit, and an exquisitely tinted representation of the latter in a
mouldy state. But the chef-d'oeuvre was the portrait of the Author
himself. He was represented trampling on the body of a boa constrictor
of the first quality, in the skin of which he was dressed; at his back
were his bow and arrows; his right hand rested on an uprooted pine-tree;
he stood in a desert between two volcanoes; at his feet was a lake of
magnitude; the distance lowered with an approaching tornado; but a lucky
flash of lightning revealed the range of the Andes and both oceans.
Altogether he looked the most dandified of savages, and the most savage
of dandies. It was a sublime lithograph, and produced scarcely less
important effects upon Popanilla's fortune than that lucky 'lock of
hair;' for no sooner was the portrait published than Popanilla received
a ticket for the receptions of a lady of quality. On showing it to
Skindeep, he was told that the honour was immense, and therefore he must
go by all means. Skindeep regretted that he could not accompany him,
but he was engaged to a lecture on shoemaking; and a lecture was a thing
he made it a point never to miss, because, as he very properly observed,
'By lectures you may become extremely well informed without any of the
inconveniences of study. No fixity of attention, no continuity of
meditation, no habits of reflection, no aptitude of combination, are the
least requisite; all which things only give you a nervous headache; and
yet you gain all the results of all these processes. True it is that
that which is so easily acquired is not always so easily remembered; but
what of that? Suppose you forget any subject, why then you go to
another lecture.' 'Very true!' said Popanilla.

Popanilla failed not to remember his invitation from Lady Spirituelle;
and at the proper hour his announcement produced a sensation throughout
her crowded saloons.