The Bedford-Row Conspiracy by William Makepeace Thackeray
page 16 of 68 (23%)
page 16 of 68 (23%)
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"Try what, sir?" "She's a DEUCED fine woman!" burst out again the tender solicitor. "I WILL go. Springer, tell the fiddlers to strike up." Springer scuttled across the room, and gave the leader of the band a knowing nod. Suddenly, "God save the King" ceased, and "Sir Roger de Coverley" began. The rival forces eyed each other; Mr. Scully, accompanied by his friend, came forward, looking very red, and fumbling two large kid gloves. "HE'S GOING TO ASK ME TO DANCE," hissed out Lady Gorgon, with a dreadful intuition, and she drew back behind her lord. "D--- it, madam, THEN DANCE with him!" said the General. "Don't you see that the scoundrel is carrying it all his own way! ----- him! and ----- him! and ----- him!" (All of which dashes the reader may fill up with oaths of such strength as may be requisite). "General!" cried Lady Gorgon, but could say no more. Scully was before her. "Madam!" exclaimed the Liberal Member for Oldborough, "in a moment like this--I say--that is--that on the present occasion--your Ladyship--unaccustomed as I am--pooh, psha--WILL your Ladyship give me the distinguished honour and pleasure of going down the country-dance with your Ladyship?" An immense heave of her Ladyship's ample chest was perceptible. |
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