I will now begin to sigh, read poets, look pale, go neatly¹, and be most apparently² in love.  
MARSTON.
 
 
 
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 susceptible³ heart of Lady Lillycraft. I have, indeed, noticed a growing attention and courtesy in the veteran towards her ladyship; he softens⁴ very much in her company, sits by her at table, and entertains her with long stories about Seringapatam, and pleasant anecdotes⁵ of the Mulligatawney Club. I have even seen him present her with a full-blown rose from the hot-house, in a style of the most captivating gallantry, and it was accepted with great suavity⁶ and graciousness; for her ladyship delights in receiving the homage⁷ and attention of the sex.
 
Indeed, the general was one of the earliest admirers that dangled⁸ in her train during her short reign⁹ of beauty; and they flirted¹⁰ together for half a season in London, some thirty or forty years since. She reminded him lately, in the course of conversation about former days, of the time when he used to ride a white horse, and to canter so gallantly¹¹ by the side of her carriage in Hyde Park; whereupon I have remarked that the veteran has regularly escorted her since, when she rides out on horseback; and I suspect he almost persuades himself that he makes as captivating an appearance as in his youthful days.
 
It would be an interesting and memorable¹² circumstance in the chronicles of Cupid, if this spark of the tender passion, after lying dormant¹³ for such a length of time, should again be fanned into a flame from amidst the ashes of two burnt-out hearts. It would be an instance of perdurable fidelity¹⁴, worthy¹⁵ of being placed beside those recorded in one of the squire's favourite tomes, commemorating¹⁶ the constancy of the olden times; in which times, we are told, "men and wymmen coulde love togyders seven yeres, and no licours luste swere betwene them, and thenne was love, trouthe, and feythfulness; and lo in lyke wyse was used love in Kyng Arthur's dayes."3
 
Still, however, this may be nothing but a little venerable flirtation¹⁷, the general being a veteran dangler¹⁸, and the good lady habituated to these kind of attentions. Master Simon, on the other hand, thinks the general is looking about him with the wary¹⁹ eye of an old campaigner; and now that he ............