"How are the Men amusing themselves?" says she to Lady Grace, who was looking out of the Window.
"Mr. Caryl seems reading them a copy of Verses which diverts them hugely," said Lady Grace.
"Odious Creature!" cried Lady Betty, forgetting all her Languor, and fanning herself vehemently, "A Man of Letters is the very worst possible Ingredient in a Party of Pleasure; he thinks of Nothing but shewing himself off. I'll never invite another to a Folly. Sure 'tis Time for us now to think of returning."
"Were we not to wait for the Moon?" says Lady Grace.
"If you particularly wish it, we will do so," says Lady Betty, "but I really believe the evening Air on the Water will kill me."
"Oh, then the Moon will be too expensive a luxury," says Lady Grace, "let us return at once by all means."
And the Black Boy was instantly sent to prepare the Gentlemen for the reembarkation.
"Give me my Cardinal, Child," says Lady Betty to Gatty. "Why, what on Earth is the matter with your Hands? They are covered with a Rash. Your Face, too, is as red as this Velvet. Huh! don't come near me! Stay, let me rush into the open Air. You are sickening with some infectious Complaint."
Poor Gatty stood transfixed and aghast; Lady Grace gave a little Shriek, and ran to the door after Lady Betty; while the elder Lady, less absurdly timorous, stood at pause, looking at the poor Girl, who did, indeed, appear very much heated.