The Hermit in London; or, Sketches of English Manners [by F M'Donogh]

Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: TOO LATE FOR DINNER. . Parthis mendacior. HOR. . Sednon ego credulul illis. VIKGll, . To be too late for dinner is a matter of chance or misfortune to some people; an affair of affectation and bad habit in others; but a practice, from whatever cause arising, of continual occurrence in the beau monde,...
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Purchase of this book includes free trial access to www.million-books.com where you can read more than a million books for free. This is an OCR edition with typos. Excerpt from book: TOO LATE FOR DINNER. . Parthis mendacior. HOR. . Sednon ego credulul illis. VIKGll, . To be too late for dinner is a matter of chance or misfortune to some people; an affair of affectation and bad habit in others; but a practice, from whatever cause arising, of continual occurrence in the beau monde, although evidently at variance with true politeness. Young Woodville, an acquaintance of mine, an Exquisite of the first class, in the way of magnificent living, splendid equipage, and well-appointed establishment, is conspicuous for this failing. I think I see him this moment, flying out of his chariot, ?the grey horses arriving at a break-neckpace, ?a knock like thunder announcing him at the door, ?and affecting himself to look overcome and chagrined on entering the apartment when every one is just seated at table, or very often when the first course is finished. His general plan is, on presenting himself at the dining-parlour door, to withdraw as it were, to join his hands, elevate his shoulders, make a slight inclination of his body, or a shake of his head, as much as to say, this is very bad indeed; an't I incorrigible ? most abominable for late hours? always engaged?always run away with by pleasure?never in time any where But quite the thing?monstrous agreeable ?pardoned by the ladies?every where welcome. This pantomimic representation is followed by an exhibition of his very white teeth, rather than a smile; and then, shaking hands with his friend at the bottom of the table, or giving him a gentle tap on the back (if an intimate), ogling all round, glancing at all the beauty and fashion in the room, he proceeds withmuch confidence to the seat allotted to him, disturbing, and apologizing to as many as possible, in his way towards the head of the table. His ha.