This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1828 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER IV. THE LIBRARY. I have tales for all sorts of women. And protestations likewise of all sizes, As they have vanities to make us coxcombs. Beaumont And Fletcher. Leslie''s establishment was si bien monte, and the whole of his domestics so well trained, that by the time of his arrival in Audley Square from the Marchioness''s party, his whole suite of apartments were ready to receive him; and the next morning found him "at home" in his library, with every thing about him precisely the same as though he had never quitted his house. Leslie had many of the true ideas of an English gentleman, and would never have thought of going abroad to spend his income among foreigners, while he kept no establishment at home. Leslie Hall, therefore, in Leicestershire, and the town-house in Audley Square, were both kept with competent establishments, and sometimes formed the residence of one or other of the different branches of his family during his absence. The library in which he now lounged over his chocolate was his favourite apartment of a very superb suite of rooms, more peculiarly appropriated to himself and his private pleasures. Its windows opened into the garden, and it was divided into recesses and compartments, each devoted to a particular subject of literature, which was designated by some cast from the antique, or by the statue of some modern artist, where the antique did not furnish an apt illustration. Leslie was a patron of the arts, because their contemplation gave him pleasure: he was an encourager of talent, because its exertion afforded him entertainment; and as pleasure was the only thing he lived for, and as his passions were his masters, not to say his tyrants, every thing that could in any way tend to the accomplishment of the one, or the gratif...