ly
bedewed the portmanteau with its contents, so that he had now
transferred the savoury fluid to his coat, waistcoat, cravat, and shirt.
What was to be done in such a case? He could not make his appearance in
that state; but his mortifications were not yet at an end--
"Hills over hills, and Alps on Alps arise."
The key of his portmanteau was missing; he rummaged all his pockets
in vain--he turned them inside out--it was not here--it was not
there; enraged at the multiplicity of disappointments to which he was
subjected, he cut open the leathern carriage of his wardrobe with
a penknife; undressed, and re-dressed himself; by which time it was
half-past eight o'clock. His Cousin Tom, who had hurried down according
to promise, had in the mean time been making enquiry after him, and now
entered the room, singing,
"And all with attention would eagerly mark:
When he cheer'd up the pack--Hark! to Rockwood hark! hark!"
At the sight of Dashall, he recovered himself from his embarrassment,
and descended with him to the breakfast-parlour.
"Did you send to Robinson's?" enquired Tom of one of the servants, as
they entered the room. "Yes, Sir," was the reply; "and Weston's too?"
continued he; being answered in the affirmative, "then let us have
breakfast directly." Then turning to Bob, "Sparkle," said he, "promised
to be with us about eleven, for the purpose of taking a stroll; in the
mean time we must dress and make ready."--"Dress," said Bob, "Egad!
I have dressed and made ready twice already this morning." He then
~51~~recounted the adventures above recorded; at which Dashall
repeatedly burst into fits of immoderate laughter. Breakfast being over,
a person from Mr. Robinson's was announced, and ushered into the room.
A more prepossessing appearance had scarcely met Bob's eye--a tall,
elegant young man, dressed in black, cut in the extreme of fashion,
whose features bespoke intelligence, and whose air and manner were
indicative of a something which to him was quite new. He arose upon his
entrance, and made a formal bow; which was returned by the youth. "Good
morning, gentlemen."--"Good morning, Mr. R----," said Tom, mentioning
a name celebrated by
Pope in the following lines:
"But all my praises, why should lords engross?
Bise, honest Muse, and sing the man of Boss."
"I am happy to have the honour of seeing you in town again, Sir!
The fashionables are mustering v
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