In a certain quiet and sequestered nook of the retired village of London-perhaps in the neighbourhood of Berkeley Square, or at any rate somewhere near Burlington Gardens-there was once a house of entertainment called the "Bootjack Hotel." Mr. Crump, the landlord, had, in the outset of life, performed the duties of Boots in some inn even more frequented than his own, and, far from being ashamed of his origin, as many persons are in the days of their prosperity, had thus solemnly recorded it over the hospitable gate of his hotel.