Afraid of swallowing his mouthful,
and ashamed to dispose of it any other way, he sat some time in
a most distressed state of suspense; and being questioned by Mr.
Jolter touching his calamity, made a violent effort of the muscles
of his gullet, which with difficulty performed their office; and
then, with great confusion and concern, asked if Mr. Pickle suspected
the rabbit's identity. The young gentleman, assuming a mysterious
air, pretended ignorance of the matter, observing that he was apt
to suspect all dishes of that kind, since he had been informed of
the tricks which were commonly played at inns in France, Italy,
and Spain; and recounted three passage in Gil Blas, which. we have
hinted it above, saying, he did not pretend to be a connoisseur
in animals, but the legs of the creature which composed that diet
which composed the fricassee, did not, in his opinion, resemble
those of the rabbits he had usually seen. This observation had an
evident effect upon the features of the painter, who, with certain
signs of loathing and astonishment, exclaimed, "Lord Jesus!"
and appealed to Pipes for the discovery of the truth by asking if
he knew anything of the affair.
Pages:
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505
506
507
508
509
510
511
512
513
514
515
516
517
518
519
520
521