Page:Romance & Reality 3.pdf/60

58 first you use my friends, then you abuse them. For my own part, I shall always feel grateful to Francisco," he looked at Emily, "though he did walk off with your silver spoons." "Do you know," said Lord Mandeville, "I cannot help pitying the bandit coiffeur—his design was as brilliant as the mock diamonds that decorated the hand he offered. They say ladies always forgive the sins which their own charms caused; now, own the truth, Emily, are you not flattered by this homage à vos beaux yeux?" "Nay," replied Emily, "don't you think it was rather les beaux yeux de ma cassette? I trembled for my pearl necklace, not for my heart." "Now, out upon you, Frank, to suppose Emily could be flattered in any such way. But I have noticed in all you gentlemen the same esprit de corps. It matters not who offers it, a woman must be supposed to be gratified by your selection. Take the 'meanest of your ranks'— and he will make an offer to the Venus di