The Mysteries of the Court of London — page 21: what you’re looking at

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

2 REYNOLDS’ WORKS third course the champagne was introduced, and after the first glass the young gentlemen began to grow very talkative, and likewise to show off their airs. “Well, you speak of fine women down here, Sycamore,” said one, running his fingers in an affected manner through his perfumed hair, “‘ but I vow and declare I have not seen any to my taste.” “What! not at bathing-time?”’ asked Mr. Sycamore, with a knowing look. ‘‘ Why, my dear fellow, I saw you on the sands for three hours yesterday, nearly all the while the tide served, and you never once had your glass down from your eye.” ‘“’Pon my soul, that’s too bad, Sycamore!” said the young gentleman, infinitely delighted at this flattering com- pliment to his rakish propensities. ‘‘ I must confess I saw more of Lady Harriet’s bust than she usually displays when in evening costume — and yet you know she does dress devilish low.” ‘“ Ah!” eried Sycamore, ‘I always thought there was something between you and Lady Harriet, — especially as her husband neglects her.”’ ‘“Come, come, Sycamore, don’t be scandalous,” said the young gentleman, laughing immensely. ‘‘ Suppose I did dance five times running with Lady Harriet the other eve- ning, and suppose I did sit next to her at supper, and suppose I did ride out on horseback with her next day, why, what then? People of course can draw their own inferences, but I say nothing.” | “You are two young rakes,” exclaimed Mr. Sycamore, pumping up the merriest laugh he could possibly force by that artificial process, ‘‘ and I shall really lose my character if I am seen in your company; I shall be set down as bad as yourselves. Come, fill, and pass the champagne.” “It’s all this fellow here who leads me into mischief,’ continued the same young gentleman who had previously been speaking, and who now alluded to his companion, who was just a few months older than himself. ‘I should like to know how he gets on with that pretty little widow with the sweet blue eyes.” ‘Oh, if you think I mean matrimony,” drawled out the young gentleman thus alluded to, at the same time giving an affected laugh, “‘ you are most gloriously mistaken, and CORNICLIOO KS (E(0)