In aprons blue or aprons white,'
"as Gay hath it. Hoydens, my lord, I know them. They play whist and dance jigs."
"The Norfolk gentlemen drink hard and the wine is good."
"Nay, my lord, this is cruel. For I can drink no longer."
"I shall find other diversions for you. It is possible—I say—possible—that the Lady Anastasia may go there as well. She will, as usual, keep the bank if she does go."
The old beau's face cleared, whether in anticipation of Lady Anastasia's society or her card table I know not.
"My character, Sir Harry, will be in your hands. I leave it there confidently. For reasons—reasons of state—it should be a character of…."
"I understand. Your lordship is a model of all the virtues——"
"So—we understand. My secretary will converse with thee further on the point of expenditure."
Sir Harry retired, bowing and twisting his body something like an ape.