London at the End of the Century:A Book of Gossip
a Beckett, Arthur William
1900
IN RATHER MIXED CLUBLAND.
IT must not be supposed for a moment that when I head this chapter with its chosen title, that I propose to treat of second-rate clubs or of questionable respectability. I wish only to deal with that sort of that is to be found in London, from the end of August until the close of September. At that time town is supposed to be empty, and consequently all members are imagined to be on the Continent, or away shooting, or at the seaside. As a matter of fact, a very large number of Londoners are tied by the leg to their customary habitation, and it is those unfortunate people who feel the inconvenience of being guests against their will, or hosts contrary to their inclination. Without being grossly selfish, I think a man may claim to take his leisure at his inn, which is old style for enjoying himself at his club. That he can do that in a temporary home is questionable. | |
86 | Away from his favourite haunts, and finding familiar faces lost in a crowd of strangers, he feels like the lady who mislaid the lost chord- There is no luncheon table sacred to a select set, and even there is a difficulty in finding a in the smoking room. So, until his own club emerges from a condition of closure for he refrains from visiting , , or ; or makes up his mind to go abroad. When absorbs the Bishops', and migrates to , matters become rather mixed in clubland. |
