Page:Paul Clifford Vol 1.djvu/91

Rh leading off the ball, to the tune of "Drops of Brandy," with a young lady to whom,—because she had been a strolling player,—the Ladies Patronesses of Fidler's Row had thought proper to behave with a very cavalier civility. The good Bachelor had no notion, as he expressed it, of such tantrums, and he caused it to be circulated among the finest of the blowens, that "he expected all who kicked their heels at his house would behave decent and polite to young Mrs. Dot." This intimation, conveyed to the ladies with all that insinuating polish for which Bachelor Bill was so remarkable, produced a notable effect; and Mrs. Dot, being now led off by the flash Bachelor, was overpowered with civilities the rest of the evening.

When the dance was ended, Bill very politely shook hands with Paul, and took an early opportunity of introducing him to some of the most "noted characters" of the town. Among these was the smart Mr. Allfair—the insinuating Henry Finish—the merry Jack Hookey—the knowing Charles Trywit, and various others equally noted for their skill in living handsomely upon their own