Page:Headlong Hall - Peacock (1816).djvu/199

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HEADLONG HALL.
191

CHAP. XIV.

The chorus which celebrated the antiquity of her lineage, had been ringing all night in the ears of Miss Brindle-mew Grimalkin Phœbe Tabitha Ap-Headlong, when, taking the Squire aside, while the visitors were sipping their tea and coffee: "Nephew Harry," said she, "I have been noting your behaviour, during the several stages of the ball and supper; and though I cannot tax you with any want of gallantry, for you are a very gallant young man, nephew Harry, very gallant—I wish I could say as much for every one" (added she, throwing a spiteful look towards a distant corner, where Mr. Jenkison was sitting with great nonchalance, and at the mo-