Bootjack

Such, then, were the owners and inmates of the little "Bootjack," from whom and which, as this chapter is exceedingly discursive and descriptive, we must separate the reader for a while, and carry him -- it is only into Bond Street, so no gentleman need be afraid -- carry him into

Men's Wives William Makepeace Thackeray 1837

Crump told his story of the "Bootjack," and whose boot it had drawn; the former Miss Delancy expatiated on her past theatrical life, and the pictures hanging round the room.

Men's Wives William Makepeace Thackeray 1837

"Bootjack;" and it was some such watchword that Howard Walker employed when he made his first appearance.

Men's Wives William Makepeace Thackeray 1837

"Mamma means her FRONT!" said Miss, jumping up, and beginning to laugh with all her might; at which the honest landlady of the "Bootjack," who loved a joke, although at her own expense, laughed too, and said that no one, except Mr. Crump and Mr. Eglantine, had ever seen her without the ornament in question.

Men's Wives William Makepeace Thackeray 1837

It is very easy to state how the Captain came to take up that proud position at the "Bootjack" which we have seen him occupy on the evening when the sound of the fatal "Brava!" so astonished Mr. Eglantine.

Men's Wives William Makepeace Thackeray 1837

He was valet to Lord Slapper at the time, and certain it is that his lordship set him up in the "Bootjack," and that stories HAD been told.

Men's Wives William Makepeace Thackeray 1837

At the "Bootjack" was, as we have said, a very genteel and select society, called the "Kidney Club," from the fact that on Saturday evenings a little graceful supper of broiled kidneys was usually discussed by the members of the club.

Men's Wives William Makepeace Thackeray 1837

She married a man by the name of Crump, his Lordship's black footman, and brought him five thousand pounds; and they keep the 'Bootjack' public-house in Bunker's

Men's Wives William Makepeace Thackeray 1837

"Bootjack" actually had an Opera-box, and some of the most fashionable manhood of London attended it.

Men's Wives William Makepeace Thackeray 1837

Certain, however, it is, that she was very reserved all the evening, in spite of the attentions of Mr. Woolsey; that she repeatedly looked round at the box-door, as if she expected someone to enter; and that she partook of only a very few oysters, indeed, out of the barrel which the gallant tailor had sent down to the "Bootjack," and off which the party supped.

Men's Wives William Makepeace Thackeray 1837