Page:Headlong Hall - Peacock (1816).djvu/199

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
HEADLONG HALL.
191

CHAP. XIV.

The chorus which celebrated the antiquity of her lineage, had been ringing all night in the ears of Miss Brindle-mew Grimalkin Phœbe Tabitha Ap-Headlong, when, taking the Squire aside, while the visitors were sipping their tea and coffee: "Nephew Harry," said she, "I have been noting your behaviour, during the several stages of the ball and supper; and though I cannot tax you with any want of gallantry, for you are a very gallant young man, nephew Harry, very gallant—I wish I could say as much for every one" (added she, throwing a spiteful look towards a distant corner, where Mr. Jenkison was sitting with great nonchalance, and at the mo-