He could
not tell such an elegant creature that what he had paid for was flannel
drawers, though she had so much strength of mind that he was enabled to
tell her before very long.
A great deal of nonsense is talked about ladies who are getting the
better of their first youth, as if they then hung themselves out as old
slates for any man to write his name on. The truth is that they have
better judgment then, less trouble in their hearts about a gentleman's
appearance, and more enquiry in their minds as to his temper, tastes,
and principles, not to mention his prospects of supporting them. And
even as concerns appearance, Mr. Shargeloes was very good. Nature had
given him a fine stout frame, and a very pleasant countenance; and
his life in the busy world had added that quickness of decision and
immediate sense of right which a clever woman knows to be the very
things she wants. Moreover, his dress, which goes a very long way into
the heart of a lady, was most correct and particular. For his coat was
of the latest Bond Street fashion, the "Jean de Brie," improved and
beautified by suggestions from the Prince of Wales himself. Bright
claret was the colour, and the buttons were of gold, bright enough to
show the road before him as he walked. The shoulders were padded, as if
a jam pot stood there, and the waist buttoned tight, too tight for any
happiness, to show the bright laticlave of brocaded waistcoat.
Pages:
467
468
469
470
471
472
473
474
475
476
477
478
479
480
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491