'O, ay, have you any names?' cried Lord Newford, seizing them first; and with some right, as they were the only books in the shop he ever read.
'Come, I'll be generous,' said Mrs. Arlbery, 'and add another signature against your lordship's next lecture.'
She then wrote her name, and threw down half-a-guinea. Camilla, to whom the book was next presented, concluded this the established custom, and, from mere timidity, did the same; though somewhat disturbed to leave herself no more gold than she gave. Miss Dennel followed; but her father, who said he did not come to Tunbridge to read, which he could do at home, positively refused to subscribe.
Sir Theophilus now, turning, or rather, tossing over the leaves, cried: 'I see no name here one knows any thing of, but Lady Alithea Selmore.'
'Why, there's nobody else here,' said Lord Newford, 'not a soul!'
Almost every body present bowed; but wholly indifferent to reproof, he again whistled, again streamed up and down the room, and again took a bold and full survey of himself in the looking-glass.
'On the contrary,' cried Sir Sedley, 'I hear there is a most extraordinary fine creature lately arrived, who is invincible to a degree.'
'O that's Mrs. Berlinton;' said Sir Theophilus; 'yes, she's a pretty little thing.'
'She's very beautiful indeed,' said Lord O'Lerney.
'Where can one see her?' cried Mrs. Arlbery.