Note 11 — Chapter II

Even when the judges lived in the distant suburb of George’s Square, they did not give up this practice. Old Braxfield used always to put on his wig and gown at home, and walk to the Parliament House, via Bristo Street, Society, Scott’s Close, and the Back Stairs. One morning his barber, old Kay, since the well-known limner, was rather late in taking his Lordship’s wig to George’s Square. Braxfield was too impatient to wait; so he ran off with only his night-cap on his head, and was fortunate enough to meet his tardy barber in Scott’s Close, when he seized his wig with one hand, took off his night-cap with the other, and adjusting the whole matter himself, sent Kay back with the undignified garment exued. This is a picture of times gone by never to return; yet, as if to show how long traces of former manners will survive their general decay, Lord Glenlee, who continues to live in Brown’s Square, still dresses at home, and walks to court in the style of his predecessors.