' The truth is, nothing could have kept her at home
but the accident of her having taken physic before she knew the
nature of the entertainment. She has been for some days
furbishing up an old suit of black velvet, to make her appearance
as Sir Ulic's partner at the next ball.
I have much to say of this amiable kinswoman; but she has not
been properly introduced to your acquaintance. She is remarkably
civil to Mr Quin; of whose sarcastic humour she seems to stand in
awe; but her caution is no match for her impertinence. 'Mr Gwynn
(said she the other day) I was once vastly entertained with your
playing the Ghost of Gimlet at Drury-lane, when you rose up
through the stage, with a white face and red eyes, and spoke of
quails upon the frightful porcofine -- Do, pray, spout a little the
Ghost of Gimlet.' 'Madam (said Quin, with a glance of ineffable
disdain) the Ghost of Gimlet is laid, never to rise again' --
Insensible of this check, she proceeded: 'Well, to be sure, you
looked and talked so like a real ghost; and then the cock crowed
so natural. I wonder how you could teach him to crow so exact, in
the very nick of time; but, I suppose, he's game -- An't he game,
Mr Gwynn?' 'Dunghill, madam.
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