HOME AND FRIENDS. 



endorsement of approved names. His thoroughly 

 business-like habits soon won him the confidence of 

 these capitalists, so that he could from one source or 

 another command an unlimited supply of the precious 

 metal. His success led to an early move from Davis 

 Street, to a more pretentious abode, No. 2, Hill 

 Street, Berkeley Square — a house he resided in until 

 his death. 



In his home Mr. Padwick lived luxuriously. He 

 was particular in his selection of a chef, and his table 

 was almost burdened with every delicacy of the season 

 that money could purchase. He set up also as a gour- 

 met ; and indeed his taste in wine was excellent, and 

 his cellar expensively, if not extravagantly, supplied 

 with the choicest vintages. Of this custom I ought to 

 have a grateful recollection, for he once made me a 

 present of some 1820 port, and of some madeira that 

 had been to Calcutta and back twice. I do not pretend 

 to be a connoisseur myself, but have sufficiently often 

 partaken of his hospitality to speak with some autho- 

 rity of his judgment. As he used to say to me in his 

 characteristic way, ' I can poison myself much quicker 

 and cheaper than by drinking bad port.' His affability 

 and generous disposition soon brought him a host of 

 friends ; or I should perhaps more advisedly put it, 

 added immensely to his stock of acquaintances. For 

 I am reminded of the story of the gentleman who, 

 when boasting of his numerous friends, was told ' that 

 whilst the church itself would not hold his acquaint- 



