The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900 ... - Gredos

The Salamanca Corpus: Yeoman Fleetwood (1900)
"Madam," said the beau, with superb effrontery, "were I to tell you my candid opinion
of your charming self, and everything that belongs to you, you would most probably
rebuke me for indiscretion. But here is my chair. Now, who will see fair? Tommy
Onslow, you are a competent authority on all matters connected with pace, you will do
it."
An odd-looking, stout little man, who had been standing somewhat apart from the
others, chewing a toothpick which somehow seemed as if it ought to have been a straw
— for even in evening dress Lord Cranley contrived to look horsey — nodded assent
and stepped forward, signing to the chairmen to place themselves in line with the
carriage. Mr. Stanhope assisted Lady Susan to enter the equipage, and Brummel was
about to do the same for Rachel, when she suddenly expressed a desire to inspect the
famous chair. She advanced so close to
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the spot where her husband stood that by stretching out a hand he could have touched
her. He had hitherto stood as though turned to stone, but as Rachel came forward he
drew a long breath’
“Why, Mr. Brummel," she cried gaily, "what luxury, what extravagance! 'Tis all lined
with white satin, I do declare! These cushions — how soft they are, and what a beautiful
white rug! Positively since it is going to our house I have a mind to occupy it myself.
Twill make no difference to your pony I’ll dare swear, for I am a light weight."
“I shall be honoured— delighted” returned Brummel; “but how shall I reach Lady
Susan's?"
“Why, you can take my place in the coach."
“What!" ejaculated he, "climb up all those steps, and sit in anguish when they are drawn
up after me, fearing that any moment they may fall upon my feet and crush them? Miss
Charnock, my nerves are shattered after our dissipation of last night — can you be so
cruel as to condemn me to such a penance?"
"And can you be so ungallant as to refuse to gratify my whim? As for the steps, they
have never fallen upon my feet, so I do not see why they should fall upon yours. Pray,
Mr. Brummel, do you never enter a coach?"