A curious anecdote is related
of Moll and her once kind friend, the Marquis of W--------, who is said
to have given her a bond for seven thousand pounds, on a certain great
house, not a mile from Hyde-park corner, which he has since assigned
to a fortunate general, the present possessor; who, thinking his title
complete, proceeded to take possession, but found his entry disputed by
the lady, to whom he was eventually compelled to pay the forfeiture of
the bond. Come along, my boy," said Lionise; "I'll introduce you at
once to the whole party, and then you can make your own selection." "Not
at present: I came here for general observation, not private intrigue,
and must confess I have seldom found a more diversified scene."
"I beg pardon, gentlemen," said an easy good-looking fellow, with
something rather imposing in his manner--"Shall I intrude here?--will
'you permit me to take a seat in your box?" "By all means," replied
I; Bob, at the same moment, pressing his elbow into my side, and the
exquisite raising his glass very significantly to his eye, the stranger
continued--"A very charming saloon this, gentlemen, and the company
very superior to the general assemblage at such places: my friend, the
Earl of C------, yonder, I perceive, amorously engaged; Lord P------,
too, graces the upper regions with the delightful Josephine: really this
is quite the cafe royal of London; the accommodation, too, admirable--not
merely confined to refreshments; I am told there are excellent billiard
~211~~ tables, and snug little private rooms for a quiet rubber, or a
little chicken hazard.
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