54
NIGHTMARE ABBEY.
ing the airs of Nina pazza per amore; and the Honorable Mr. Listless was listening to the harmony, as he lay supine on the sofa, with a book in his hand, into which he peeped at intervals. The Reverend Mr. Larynx approached the sofa, and proposed a game at billiards.
THE HONORABLE MR. LISTLESS.
Billiards! Really I should be very happy; but, in my present exhausted state, the exertion is too much for me. I do not know when I have been equal to such an effort. (He rang the bell for his valet. Fatout entered.) Fatout! when did I play at billiards last?
FATOUT.
De fourteen December de last year, Monsieur. (Fatout bowed and retired.)
