Dessein led us on to a couple of chaises which stood abreast,
telling us, as he recommended them, that they had been purchased by
my lord A. and B. to go the grand tour, but had gone no further
than Paris, so were in all respects as good as new. - They were too
good; - so I pass'd on to a third, which stood behind, and forthwith
begun to chaffer for the price. - But 'twill scarce hold two, said
I, opening the door and getting in. - Have the goodness, Madame,
said Mons. Dessein, offering his arm, to step in. - The lady
hesitated half a second, and stepped in; and the waiter that moment
beckoning to speak to Mon. Dessein, he shut the door of the chaise
upon us, and left us.
THE REMISE. CALAIS.
C'est bien comique, 'tis very droll, said the lady, smiling, from
the reflection that this was the second time we a had been left
together by a parcel of nonsensical contingencies, - c'est bien
comique, said she. -
- There wants nothing, said I, to make it so but the comic use
which the gallantry of a Frenchman would put it to, - to make love
the first moment, and an offer of his person the second.
'Tis their fort, replied the lady.
It is supposed so at least; - and how it has come to pass, continued
I, I know not; but they have certainly got the credit of
understanding more of love, and making it better than any other
nation upon earth; but, for my own part, I think them arrant
bunglers, and in truth the worst set of marksmen that ever tried
Cupid's patience.
