The first thing Alvanly did was to break one of Mr. Dick's looking-glasses, while playing some trick or other with a stick.
Dick grew sulky and declared that, since the honour of his lordship's company was to be so expensive, he must decline it.
Alvanly said he was really sorry; but could not insult Mr. Dick by buying him another.
"Oh, yes," said Alvanly, "you will give yourself a good character of course; but I shall not impose upon your goodness by doing anything half so rude."
As soon as we had taken our tea and coffee, we all went to the King's Theatre; but before Lord Hertford parted with us, he invited the females of this party to dinner.
We declared that we were going to Brighton and had no time.
"Name your own day," said Lord Hertford; "to-morrow if you please; but come you must."
"It shall be to-morrow, then," said Amy, replying for us all.
"What a fine thing it is to be an elder sister," said I. I thought Amy could never have recovered her temper.
Lord Hertford, before he left us, politely offered to send a carriage for my sisters.
"I am glad you have no men with you," said His Grace, with something like agitation of manner; "for I want to speak to you. Do you know, my friend, of whom I spoke to you, is come up from Oxford on purpose to try to get introduced. I know he must return to college to-night, and I am, I confess, rather anxious that he should be disappointed."
"Nonsense," said Julia. "Who is it pray?"
"The Marquis of Worcester," replied His Grace.
"I do not know anybody he is like, upon my honour, unless it be his father. He is a long, thin, pale fellow, with straight hair."
"You need not be alarmed," said I, "I shall not be presented to your friend if I can help it. I always tell everybody I know, not to bring men here without first coming to ask my permission."
"I know you do," said Leinster; "since this is the answer Lord Worcester has received from several of your friends to whom he applied."
"There he is!" continued Leinster, leaning towards the pit. "Do not you observe a very tall young fellow in silk stockings, looking steadfastly up at this box. Upon my honour he won't wear trousers or curl his hair; because he heard that you dislike it."
"It is very flattering," said I, eagerly looking out for him with my opera-glass, an example which was followed by Julia and Fanny.