Chapter 10

Birth of Robert Seymour.--Starts as a Painter in Oils.--Death of George IV.--His Contemptible Character.--Sale of his Wardrobe.--Order for General Mourning.--"The Adelaide Mill."--Revolution of 1830.--Dismissal of the German Band.--St. John Long the Quack.--Administering an Oath.--The "Humorous Sketches."--"Book of Christmas."--"New Readings of Old Authors."--"Figaro in London."--À Beckett's Editorial Amenities.--Feud between him and Seymour.--Seymour Caricatures À Beckett.--"Figaro" passes into the hands of Mayhew.--Re-engagement of Seymour.--Origin of the "Pickwick Papers."--The Rejected Etching.--Suicide of Seymour.--His Claim to be the "Inventor" of "Pickwick" considered. _pp._ 208-234.