In Which A Narcotic Is Administered, And A Great Deal Of Genteel Society Depicted
When the Corporal, who had retreated to the street-door immediately on hearing the
above conversation, returned to the Captain's lodgings and paid his respects to Mrs.
Catherine, he found that lady in high good-humour. The Count had been with her, she
said, along with a friend of his, Mr. Trippet; had promised her twelve yards of the lace
she coveted so much; had vowed that the child should have as much more for a cloak;
and had not left her until he had sat with her for an hour, or more, over a bowl of punch,
which he made on purpose for her. Mr. Trippet stayed too. "A mighty pleasant man,"
said she; "only not very wise, and seemingly a good deal in liquor."
"A good deal indeed!" said the Corporal. "He was so tipsy just now that he could hardly
stand. He and his honour were talking to Nan Fantail in the market-place; and she
pulled Trippet's wig off, for wanting to kiss her."
"The nasty fellow!" said Mrs. Cat, "to demean himself with such low people as Nan
Fantail, indeed! Why, upon my conscience now, Corporal, it was but an hour ago that
Mr. Trippet swore he never saw such a pair of eyes as mine, and would like to cut the
Captain's throat for the love of me. Nan Fantail, indeed!"
"Nan's an honest girl, Madam Catherine, and was a great favourite of the Captain's
before someone else came in his way. No one can say a word against her--not a word."
"And pray, Corporal, who ever did?" said Mrs. Cat, rather offended. "A nasty, ugly slut! I
wonder what the men can see in her?"
"She has got a smart way with her, sure enough; it's what amuses the men, and--"
"And what? You don't mean to say that my Max is fond of her NOW?" said Mrs.
Catherine, looking very fierce.
"Oh, no; not at all: not of HER;--that is--"
"Not of HER!" screamed she. "Of whom, then?"
"Oh, psha! nonsense! Of you, my dear, to be sure; who else should he care for? And,
besides, what business is it of mine?" And herewith the Corporal began whistling, as if
he would have no more of the conversation. But Mrs. Cat was not to be satisfied,--not
she,--and carried on her cross-questions.
"Why, look you," said the Corporal, after parrying many of these,--"Why, look you, I'm an
old fool, Catherine, and I must blab. That man has been the best friend I ever had, and
