" "I'll drink
her; but, Tom, you have ruined me there. By my hopes! I am blown, cut,
floor'd, and rejected, At the critical moment, sirs, when I expected
To revel in bliss. But, here's white-headed Bob, My prime minister; he
shall unravel the job. And if Jackson determines you've not acted well,
I'll mill you, Tom Optimus, though you're a swell." "Sit down, Joe; be
jolly--'twas Carter alone That has every obstacle in your way thrown.
Nay, never despair, man--you'll yet be her liege; But rally again, boy,
you'll carry the siege." Thus quieted, Joe sat him down to get mellow;
For Joe at the bottom's a hearty good fellow.
"Have you heard the report," said Optimus, "that Harborough is actually
about to follow your example, and marry an actress? ay, and his old
flame, Mrs. Stonyhewer, is ready to die of love and a broken heart in
consequence."
"Just as true, my jewel, as that I shall be gazetted field-marshal; or
that you, Mr. Optimus, will be accused of faithfulness to Lady Emily.
Our young friend here, the rich commoner, has given currency to such
a variety of common reports, that the false jade grows bold enough to
beard us in our very teeth."
"Why, zounds! lieutenant," said Lionise, "how very sentimental you are
becoming."
"It's a way of mine, jewel, to appear singular in some sort of society.
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