Mr Gosport was a man of good parts, and keen satire: minute in his observations, and ironical in his expressions.

“So you don't play, Sir Robert?” he cried.

“What, here? No, I am going to Brookes's.”

“But how do you like Harrel's ward? You have taken a pretty good survey of her.”

“Why, faith, I don't know; but not much, I think; she's a devilish fine woman, too; but she has no spirit, no life.”

“Did you try her? Have you talked to her?”

“Not I, truly!”

“Nay, then how do you mean to judge of her?”

“O, faith, that's all over, now; one never thinks of talking to the women by way of trying them.”

“What other method, then, have you adopted?”