“And Christian?” said Jerningham.
“May go to the devil for a self-conceited ass. One pleasure of this twist of intrigue is, to revenge me of that villain, who thought himself so essential, that, by Heaven! he forced himself on my privacy, and lectured me like a schoolboy. Hang the cold-blooded hypocritical vermin! If he mutters, I will have his nose slit as wide as Coventry’s.[*]—Hark ye, is the Colonel come?”
“I expect him every moment, your Grace.”
[*] The ill-usage of Sir John Coventry by some of the Life Guardsmen,
in revenge of something said in Parliament concerning the King’s
theatrical amours, gave rise to what was called Coventry’s Act,
against cutting and maiming the person.
“Send him up when he arrives,” said the Duke.——“Why do you stand looking at me? What would you have?”
“Your Grace’s direction respecting the young lady,” said Jerningham.
“Odd zooks,” said the Duke, “I had totally forgotten her.—Is she very tearful?—Exceedingly afflicted?”
“She does not take on so violently as I have seen some do,” said Jerningham; “but for a strong, firm, concentrated indignation, I have seen none to match her.”
“Well, we will permit her to cool. I will not face the affliction of a second fair one immediately. I am tired of snivelling, and swelled eyes, and blubbered cheeks for some time; and, moreover, must husband my powers of consolation. Begone, and send the Colonel.”
“Will your Grace permit me one other question?” demanded his confidant.