“For what, Hampton?” said his sister.
“Er-rum!—billiards,” said Sir Hampton.
“It is not often that I venture upon a word, Hampton, respecting your household management; but when I hear of propositions which must interfere with your fixture welfare, I feel bound to speak.”
“And, pray, what do you mean?” said Sir Hampton, angrily.
“I mean that I gave way when you insisted on having cards in the house, because you said your visitors liked whist—”
“And you were always rattling the dice box and playing backgammon,” retorted Sir Hampton.
“That is different,” said Miss Matilda; “backgammon is a very old and a very innocent game.”
“Oh!” said Sir Hampton.
“I have known great divines play at backgammon.”
“And I’ve known a bishop play a good rubber at whist,” said Sir Hampton.