The Ambassadors and St. Martins theatres, both with their lights glowing brightly on a very dull winter day. A contrast in entertainment, the Ambassadors has a musical show performed on everyday objects such as dustbins, whilst St. Martins is showing The Mousetrap.
1888 puts it in the William Ewart Gladstone era; but is it he? If not, who then? There are apocryphal stories of notable Conservatives confusing the NLC for a public convenience when on their way to the House. Perhaps this is one of 'them' leaving.