SEARCH
0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Prev | Current Page 169 | Next

Smollett, Tobias George, 1721-1771

"The Expedition of Humphry Clinker"


As for Mr Barton, I must tell you in confidence, he was a little
particular; but, perhaps, I mistake his complaisance; and I wish
I may, for his sake -- You know the condition of my poor heart:
which, in spite of hard usage -- And yet I ought not to complain:
nor will I, till farther information.
Besides Ranelagh and Vauxhall, I have been at Mrs Cornelys'
assembly, which, for the rooms, the company, the dresses, and
decorations, surpasses all description; but as I have no great
turn for card playing, I have not yet entered thoroughly into the
spirit of the place: indeed I am still such a country hoyden,
that I could hardly find patience to be put in a condition to
appear, yet, as I was not above six hours under the hands of the
hair-dresser, who stuffed my head with as much black wool as
would have made a quilted petticoat; and, after all, it was the
smallest head in the assembly, except my aunt's -- She, to be sure,
was so particular with her rumpt gown and petticoat, her scanty
curls, her lappethead, deep triple ruffles, and high stays, that
every body looked at her with surprise: some whispered, and some
tittered; and lady Griskin, by whom we were introduced, flatly
told her, she was twenty good years behind the fashion.


Pages:
157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181