The weight of Wilson's waggery fell upon honest Humphry and his
spouse, who were bedded in an upper room, with the usual ceremony
of throwing the stocking. -- This being performed, and the company
withdrawn, a sort of catterwauling ensued, when Jack found means
to introduce a real cat shod with walnut-shells, which galloping
along the boards, made such a dreadful noise as effectually
discomposed our lovers. -- Winifred screamed aloud, and shrunk
under the bed-cloaths -- Mr Loyd, believing that Satan was come to
buffet him in propria persona, laid aside all carnal thoughts,
and began to pray aloud with great fervency. -- At length, the poor
animal, being more afraid than either, leaped into the bed, and
meauled with the most piteous exclamation. -- Loyd, thus informed
of the nature of the annoyance, rose and set the door wide open,
so that this troublesome visitant retreated with great
expedition; then securing himself, by means of a double bolt,
from a second intrusion, he was left to enjoy his good fortune
without further disturbance.
If one may judge from the looks of the parties, they are all very
well satisfied with what has passed -- George Dennison and his wife
are too delicate to exhibit any strong marked signs of their
mutual satisfaction, but their eyes are sufficiently expressive --
Mrs Tabitha Lismahago is rather fulsome in signifying her
approbation of the captain's love; while his deportment is the
very pink of gallantry.
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