They expreſſed their ſatisfaction at being ſaved the aukward ceremony of curtſeying to ſtrangers, for there was not a ſingle unknown face in the room. The affable old lady addreſſed herſelf firſt to one, and then to another, calling each by his proper name and title. She talked much of my Lord Giantdale, and frequently referred to the converſation they had carried on at his hoſpitable board; but was confounded at the cold behaviour of a company, which but a little while before had behaved to her with ſo much cordiality. She very naturally fell upon the idea, that it was a concerted ſcheme, and that my lord himſelf would wind up the joke, by unexpectedly making his appearance. However, ſhe was determined he ſhould not enjoy the triumph of a victory over her ſagacity: ſo ſhe pleaſantly propoſed to the crutch-propped privy counſellor, to ſet his four legs in motion, and ſtart the peer from his hiding-place.
This
