Page:Six Essays on Johnson.djvu/173

Rh Miss Burney), as he meant we should, at this curious manner of speaking in his favour.’

Some days later a conversation took place which must be given in full. Johnson had been praising Mrs. Thrale for her sense and wit.

‘Why, madam, she stole a quilt from the man of the house, and he had her taken up: but Bet Flint had a spirit not to be subdued; so when she found herself