gods to occupy a mansion professedly built for them, yet we have secured their better halves, for we have goddesses to whom we all most willingly bow down." And then, with a very droll air, he made a profound reverence to the ladies.
"They'd need be goddesses with a vengeance," said the Captain, "for they're mortal dear to look at. Howsomever, I should be glad to know what you can see in e'er a face among them that's worth half a guinea for a sight."
"Half a guinea," exclaimed that same Lord, "I would give half I am worth, for a sight of only one, provided I make my own choice. And, prithee, how can money be better employed than in the service of fine women?"
"If the ladies of his own party can pardon the Captain's speech," said Sir Clement, "I think he has a fair claim to the forgiveness of all."
"Then you depend very much, as I doubt not but you may," said Lord Orville, "upon the general sweetness of the sex;—but, as to the ladies of the Captain's party, they may easily pardon, for they cannot be hurt."
"But they must have a devilish good conceit of themselves, though," said the Captain, "to believe all that. Howsom-ever,
