“Say, with your wife. Surely you are not afraid of the tongue of slander if you appear by the side of your wife, sir.”
“'T is for you I fear.”
“What! you fancy that people will slander me if you appear at Vauxhall with your lawful wedded wife?”
“Even so, for they will say that you were not strong enough to keep me faithful to you.”
Mrs. Abington sprang to her feet.
“The wretches!” she cried. “I will show them that———psha! let them say their worst. What care I what they say? I'll go or stay away, as the fancy seizes.”
“You may take your choice, my dear madam,” said Lewis: “Whether you would rather be slandered for coming with me or for staying at home!”
“The terms are not the same in both cases,” said she; “for if I go with you I know that I shall have an excellent supper.”
“So you 'll come! Ah, I knew that you would not forsake me!” he cried, catching her hand and kissing it.
“You foolish man! You take credit to yourself for a decision that is due to the prospect of a supper!” said Mrs. Abington.