The Works of George W. M. Reynolds — page 106: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

MR. GUNTHORPE 89 Mr. Gunthorpe, ‘‘ and I had serious intentions of asking you and Lord Saxondale to dine with me to-morrow. Their bitter beer is excellent.” “We never touch malt,’’ answered Lord Harold, ‘ nor must you, Mr. Gunthorpe, in future, for we mean to launch you out into fashionable life. So you must leave this Bell and Crown, and come up for the present to some first-rate West End hotel.” “But it must be in a line of omnibuses to the City,” observed Mr. Gunthorpe. ‘““Oh, fie! omnibuses indeed!” exclaimed Lord Harold. “You must have a drag of your own.” ‘‘ Leave me to find our friend a suitable trap,’ Saxondale. “Drag, trap?’’ repeated Mr. Gunthorpe, looking be- wildered. ‘“‘ Those words sound very vulgar indeed to my ears.” “Perfectly fashionable and correct, I can assure you,’’ rejoined Lord Harold. ‘“‘ Well, then, we are agreed so far that you come up to the West End, establish yourself at an hotel, and set up your drag. ‘Then you must have a tiger — ”’ “God forbid! ’’ ejaculated Mr. Gunthorpe, turning pale. ‘““T have an abhorrence for wild beasts. But why not a boa-constrictor at once? ”’ “You don’t understand,’’ replied Lord Harold. ‘ We mean an elegant little livery servant. And then you must have your valet and your groom. These will do in the shape of slaveys for the present. ‘Then as to horses, leave me and Saxondale to procure them for you; we know the sort of thing you require. But this is not quite all. You must have your box at the opera; and, by rights, in order to be quite fashionable, —but I don’t do more than just hint at it, — you ought to have —”’ ‘What?’ asked Mr. Gunthorpe. ‘“ Your mistress,’’ was the response. “Will you undertake to find that also?’’ inquired the old gentleman, refilling his glass, and seeming to sway a little to and fro in his chair, as if the wine had indeed got up into his head. “ Oh, certainly. We will find you everything, and while you are making a perfect round of pleasure at the West } observed CORNICLOOO® Ss (SO)