He had never imagined anything so wide and grand as this great flowing river, lined with its stately buildings, and bearing on its bosom more vessels than he imagined that the world held! Had it not been for his fear of betraying undue ignorance, he would have broken into a torrent of questions; as it was, he sat in wide-eyed silence, gazing about him like a savage suddenly transported into the world of civilization--not a little to the amusement of his cicerone.
The Folly was a floating structure not unlike a large houseboat of the present day.

Its guests could walk to and fro upon the roof, or find warmth and entertainment within its walls, as did Harry and his friend; for although the sun shone, the wind blew cold upon the water, and it was pleasanter within the warmed interior, where already a sprinkling of guests had assembled.
The place was divided into two rooms for the public accommodation.
The first of these was a bar and gaming room.

A buxom and rosy-cheeked damsel was presiding at the bar, and several young dandies leaned their elbows upon it, and strove to engage her in conversation.

Some others were already seated at a table, and were throwing the dice, laughing and swearing ceaselessly over their game.

The second room was quieter at present, and upon the table there lay strewn about the various newspapers and pamphlets of the day.