"Zooks!" exclaimed the Beau plaintively. "Sherry, I told you that you should not drink that last glass. You have ruffled my cravat in a most shameful manner."
"I beg your parding, gintlemen," said Mrs. Malone, remorsefully, "but divil a bit did I see yez."
"Mistress Bridget, no apologies are necessary," said Mr. Sheridan, graciously. "How well you are looking to-day."
"D'ye t'ink so?" giggled the ancient dame, more than tickled by her great countryman's condescension.
"On me honor," replied Mr. Sheridan. "You agree with me, don't you, George?"
"Entirely," drawled Brummell, "entirely, 'pon my soul. How d' ye do, Tom?"
Moore's face beamed with delight as he saw who his visitors were.
"I 'm fine," he said. "Come in, friends, and make yourself easy."
"Mistress Dyke," murmured Brummell, with a courtly bow.
"Mistress Moore that is to be," corrected Moore, proudly, "whenever I can afford such a luxury."