[Peg Woffington by Charles Reade]@TWC D-Link book
Peg Woffington

CHAPTER II
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You know, Sir Charles?
Ah! I see you do.
"I found her out; got an introduction to her father; went down to his house three days before the marriage, with a little coalblack mustache, regimentals, and what not; made up, in short, with the art of my sex, gentlemen--and the impudence of yours.
"The first day I flirted and danced with the bride.

The second I made love to her, and at night I let her know that her intended was a villain.

I showed her letters of his; protestations, oaths of eternal fidelity to one Peg Woffington, 'who will die,' drawled I,' if he betrays her.' "And here, gentlemen, mark the justice of Heaven.

I received a backhanded slap: 'Peg Woffington! an actress! Oh, the villain!' cried she; 'let him marry the little vagabond.

How dare he insult me with his hand that had been offered in such a quarter ?' "So, in a fit of virtuous indignation, the little hypocrite dismissed the little brute; in other words, she had fallen in love with me.
"I have not had many happy hours, but I remember it was delicious to look out of my window, and at the same moment smell the honeysuckles and see my _perfide_ dismissed under a heap of scorn and a pile of luggage he had brought down for his wedding tour.
"I scampered up to London, laughing all the way; and when I got home, if I remember right, I cried for two hours.


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