The first course coming in, my dear sir led me himself to my place; and
set Mr. Chambers, as the greatest stranger, at my right hand, and Mr.
Brooks at my left; and Mr. Arthur was pleased to observe, much to my
advantage, on the ease and freedom with which I behaved myself, and
helped them; and said, he would bring his lady to be a witness, and a
learner both, of my manners. I said, I should be proud of any honour
Mrs. Arthur would vouchsafe to do me; and if once I could promise myself
the opportunity of his good lady's example, and those of the other
gentlemen present, I should have the greater opinion of my worthiness to
sit in the place I filled at present with much insufficiency.
Mr. Arthur drank to my health and happiness, and said, My wife told your
spouse, madam, you had very good luck in such a husband; but I now see
who has the best of it. Said Mr. Brooks, Come, come, let's make no
compliments; for the plain truth of the matter is, our good neighbour's
generosity and judgment have met with so equal a match in his lady's
beauty and merit, that I know not which has the best luck. But may you
be both long happy together, say I! And so he drank a glass of wine.
My best friend, who always takes delight to have me praised, seemed much
pleased with our conversation; and he said the kindest, tenderest, and
most respectful things in the world to me.
Pages:
772
773
774
775
776
777
778
779
780
781
782
783
784
785
786
787
788
789
790
791
792
793
794
795
796