her for an hour, or more, over a bowl of punch, which he made on
purpose for her. Mr. Trippet stayed too. "A mighty pleasant man,"
said she; "only not very wise, and seemingly a good deal in liquor."

"A good deal indeed!" said the Corporal. "He was so tipsy just now
that he could hardly stand. He and his honour were talking to Nan
Fantail in the market-place; and she pulled Trippet's wig off, for
wanting to kiss her."

"The nasty fellow!" said Mrs. Cat, "to demean himself with such low
people as Nan Fantail, indeed! Why, upon my conscience now,
Corporal, it was but an hour ago that Mr. Trippet swore he never saw
such a pair of eyes as mine, and would like to cut the Captain's
throat for the love of me. Nan Fantail, indeed!"

"Nan's an honest girl, Madam Catherine, and was a great favourite of
the Captain's before someone else came in his way. No one can say a
word against her--not a word."

"And pray, Corporal, who ever did?" said Mrs. Cat, rather offended.
"A nasty, ugly slut! I wonder what the men can see in her?"

"She has got a smart way with her, sure enough; it's what amuses the
men, and--"

"And what? You don't mean to say that my Max is fond of her NOW?"
said Mrs. Catherine, looking very fierce.

"Oh, no; not at all: not of HER;--that is--"