"I 've regretted m' sex all m' life," observed Sheridan, swaying a trifle.
"And tried to drown all recollection in a crimson tide, eh, Sherry?"
"Don't you be so f'miliar, Tommy. I 'm not half drunk."
"Which half is sober, sir?"
"I am still in doubt 's to that, sir. I think it's first one half and then the other."
"You seem quite content, Mr. Sheridan."
"That, Mrs. FitzHerbert, is because I have made myself familiar with Sir Percival's wine, and familiarity breeds content."
Just then Mrs. FitzHerbert caught a distant view of the Regent, and, seeing Sheridan was bent on continuing to enjoy the society of his young fellow-countryman, she took the arm of the Beau and hied herself in the opposite direction, thus prolonging the quest of her royal lover.
Once by themselves, Sheridan seized Moore's arm.
"Tommy," said he, "I 'm a drunken old reprobate."