the Chairman and three of the Commissioners arrived. Her Majesty’s
Commissioners for enquiring into the state and condition of Rotten Row,
Hyde Park, did not commence business immediately; but began an ardent
gossip about things in general. The noble President was in the midst of
a discussion with his colleagues respecting the exact circumference of
Carlotta Grisi’s ancle, when there came from the chimney an enormous
volume of smoke. With prompt alacrity, Mr. Aigulet rose from behind the
despatch box, rang the bell, summoned the clerk to his presence, and
desired him to poke the fire. This was done; but the result was
overwhelming. The smoke was so dense, that the noble chairman could
scarcely find his way to the chair; but having succeeded, and a board
having been formed, he addressed the secretary.
“These rooms” he said, “are excessively ill-ventilated; the air is
positively pestilential; we must at once draw up a minute to the
Treasury for alteration.”
“A minute, my Lord?”
“Yes, Sir; a minute.”
Mr. Aigulet took a sheet of paper, folded it lengthways, to make a
margin; and proceeded to write as his superior instructed him.