But were not these the
manners of which St. Evremond lightly sang--
"'La douce erreur ne s'appelait point crime;
Les vices delicats se nommaient des plaisirs.'"
"Mistress Kirkland has an inexorable modesty which would outlive even a
week at Whitehall, sir," answered Rochester. "If I did not adore the matron
I should worship the maid. Happily for the wretch who loves her I am
otherwise engaged!"
"Thou insolent brat! To be eighteen years of age and think thyself
irresistible!"
"Does your Majesty suppose I shall be more attractive at six and thirty?"
"Yes, villain; for at my age thou wilt have experience."
"And a reputation for incorrigible vice. No woman of taste can resist
that."
"And pray who is Mrs. Kirkland's lover?"
"A Puritan baronet. One Denzil Warner."
"There was a Warner killed at Hoptown Heath."
"His son, sir. A fellow who believes in extempore prayer and republican
government; and swears England was never so happy or prosperous as under
Cromwell."
"And the lady favours this psalm-singing rebel?"
"I know not. For all I have seen of the two she has been barely civil to
him. That he adores her is obvious; and I know Lady Fareham's heart is set
upon the match.
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