I was now determined to have these people out, coûte qu'il coûte.
"Madam," said I to the ugliest lady, "I take it for granted from your appearance, that you are a lady of strict virtue?"
The woman stared at me!
"Consequently," I continued, "it must be painful for you to continue with a woman so notoriously wicked as I am, and in my private box too! just as if you were a particular friend of mine."
"Now, Hopkins! what's to be done?" said the two ladies at once.
"I am not joking," continued I, "as you will soon ascertain beyond a doubt, since I expect the pork-merchant with whom I have promised to pass the night every instant."
"All quite true, madam," said Churchill, quietly, "and farther, I was her companion last night. It was her respect for you which has made her so very anxious to have you out before she sends for the bottle of brandy she usually takes here; because she is the most violent creature in the world after she has got a little here," pointing to his forehead.
"Mr. Hopkins, come out!" said the ladies, and out they all bundled.
Churchill followed them some paces down the passage, on purpose to laugh at them, and returned handing in Julia and Fanny.
Fanny could not for the life of her help laughing, and yet she was so good, and loved me so dearly, she could not but feel hurt that I had given myself so bad a character.