 | The works of Washington Irving |  |
LOVE-SYMPTOMS.
I will now begin to sigh, read poets, look pale,
go neatly, and be most apparently in love.
Mareton.
I should not be surprised if we should
have another pair of turtles at the Hall,
for Master Simon has informed me, in
great confidence, that he suspects the
general of some design upon the susceptible
heart of Lady Lillycraft. I
have, indeed, noticed a growing attention
and courtesy in the veteran towards
her ladyship; he softens very much in
her company, sits by her at table, and
entertains her with long stories about
Seringapatam, and pleasant anecdotes of
the Mulligatawney club. I have even
seen him present her with a full-blown
rose from the hothouse, in a style of the
most captivating gallantry, and it was
accepted with great suavity and graciousness;
for her ladyship delights in
receiving the homage and attention of
the sex.
Indeed, the general was one of the
earliest admirers that dangled in her
train during her short reign of beauty;
and they flirted together for half a season
in London, some thirty or forty years
since. She reminded him lately, in the
course of a conversation about former
days, of the time when he used to ride a
white horse, and to can