Twi. And you have perfectly explained, Madam—indeed I ought to have been convinced, without your explanation, that if his Lordship made use of the word ridiculous (even intentionally) that the word had now changed its former sense, and was become a mode to express satisfaction—or his Lordship wou'd not have made use of it in the very forcible manner he did, to a perfect stranger.
Sir Luke. What, Mr. Twineall, have you new modes, new fashions for words too in England, as well as for dresses?—and are you equally extravagant in their adoption?
Lady. I never heard, Sir Luke, but that the fashion of words varied, as well as the fashion of every thing else.
Twi. But what is most extraordinary—we have now a fashion in England, of speaking without any words at all.
Lady. Pray, Sir, how is that?
Sir Luke. Ay, do, Mr. Twineall, teach my wife, and I shall be very much obliged to you—it will be a great accomplishment. Even you, my Lord, ought to be attentive to this fashion.
Twi. Why, Madam, for instance, when a gentleman is asked a question which is either troublesome or improper to answer, you don't say you won't answer it, even though you speak to an inferior——but you say——"really it appears to mee-e-e-e-e— [mutters and shrugs]—that is—mo-mo-mo-mo-mo—[mutters]—if you see the thing—for my part——te-te-te-te——and that's all I can tell about it at present."
Sir Luke. And you have told nothing!
Twi. Nothing upon earth.
Lady. But mayn't one guess what you mean?