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Smollett, Tobias George, 1721-1771

"The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle"

Trunnion with
hopes of a speedy and safe delivery; observing that she had been
concerned in many a case of the same nature, where a fine child
was found, even after all signs of the mother's pregnancy had
disappeared. Every twig of hope, how slender soever it may be, is
eagerly caught hold on by people who find themselves in danger of
being disappointed. To every question proposed by her to the lady,
with the preambles of "Han't you?" or "Don't you?" answer was made
in the affirmative, whether agreeable to truth or not, because the
respondent could not find in her heart to disown any symptom that
might favour the notion she had so long indulged.
This experienced proficient in the obstetric art was therefore
kept in close attendance for the space of three weeks, during which
the patient had several returns of what she pleased herself with
believing to be labour pains, till at length, she and her husband
became the standing joke of the parish; and this infatuated couple
could scarce be prevailed upon to part with their hope, even when
she appeared as lank as a greyhound, and they were furnished with
other unquestionable proofs of their having been deceived.


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