The 'Flaneur' muses on Sydney's recent political and social occurrences. He draws a comparison between Ann Radcliffe's The Mysteries of Udolpho (1794) and the recent political upheavals involving Henry Parkes. The 'Flaneur' says, in part: 'Do you know I have been thinking that Kiama must be very much like the castle of Udolpho, while Mr. Parkes - so far, I mean as the horrible secret is concerned - must bear a striking resemblance to Adeline'.
The 'Flaneur' also reflects on the institution of colonial honours.