Page:Mrs. Siddons (IA mrssiddons00kennrich).pdf/197

Rh sitting. One of the members suggested an adjournment of the House. With a spice of the highly-flavoured bombast he had lately so frequently offered his theatrical audiences, Sheridan opposed the idea:—"Whatever may be the extent of the calamity to me personally, I hope it will not interfere with the public business of the country," he said; and quitting the assembly, he betook himself to one of the coffee-*houses in Covent Garden, where he was found swallowing port by the tumblerful a few hours later. One of the actors expressed his surprise and disgust at seeing him there. "Surely a man may be allowed to take a glass of wine by his own fireside?" was Sheridan's ready answer.