He bowed to Lord and Lady
L----, and to Emily, very obligingly; to me he nodded.--I nodded again;
but, like a good-natured fool, smiled. He stalked to the chimney; turned
his back towards it, buttoned up his mouth, held up his glowing face, as
if he were disposed to crow; yet had not won the battle.--One hand in his
bosom; the other under the skirt of his waistcoat, and his posture firmer
than his mind.--Yet was my heart so devoid of malice, that I thought his
attitude very genteel; and, had we not been man and wife, agreeable.
We hoped to have found your lordship at home, said Lord L----, or we
should not have dined here.
If Lord G---- is as polite a husband as a man, said I, he will not thank
your lordship for this compliment to his wife.
Lord G---- swelled, and reared himself up. His complexion, which was
before in a glow, was heightened.
Poor man! thought I.--But why should my tender heart pity obstinate
people?--Yet I could not help being dutiful.--Have you dined, my lord?
said I, with a sweet smile, and very courteous.
He stalked to the window, and never a word answered he.
Pray, Lady L----, be so good as to ask my Lord G---- if he has dined?
Was not this very condescending, on such a behaviour?
Lady L---- asked him; and as gently-voiced as if she were asking the same
question of her own lord. Lady L---- is a kind-hearted soul, Harriet.
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