"Oh, you know you are welcome," said Moore. "Don't be too polite if you are hungry."
"I could n't eat a mouthful," said Lord Brooking.
"That's d--n lucky!" whispered Moore to Sheridan.
"Tut, tut, Tom," quoth that staid old party. "Profanity is a luxury and should be used not abused."
"That's like an obedient wife," said Moore. "Your lordship, this is an impromptu banquet to celebrate my engagement to Mistress Dyke."
"Is the engagement an impromptu?" asked Sheridan.
"No, we got it by heart," said Moore.
Brummell clapped his pretty hands in delight.
"Egad," said he, "I 've not heard such verbal fireworks this six months."
"So you are betrothed, Tom?" said Lord Brooking.