Punch, or the London Charivari, page 9 by Various Authors
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em>make him listen to me. (Aloud.) Ahem! My Lord, I've just been telling my niece here the latest scandal in high-life. I daresay your Lordship has heard of that titled but brainless young profligate, the Marquis of MANX?
Lord Strath. MANX? Oh, yes--know him well--sort of relation of mine. Never heard a word against him, though!
Uncle Gab. (in confusion). Oh, I--I beg your Lordship's pardon--I wasn't aware. No doubt I got the name wrong.
[Illustration: "Let me advise you to be very careful."]
Lord Strath. Ah--or the facts. Great mistake to repeat these things--don't you think? Generally lies.
[He resumes his conversation with Miss S.
Uncle Gab. (nettled). It's all very well for you to stand up for your order, my Lord; but it's right I should tell you that the Country doesn't mean to tolerate that den of thieves and land-grabbers--I need hardly say I refer to the House of Lords--much longer! We're determined to sweep them from the face of the earth. I say so, as the--ah--mouthpiece of a large and influential majority of earnest and enlightened Englishmen!
Lord Strath. (to himself). Fancy the mouthpiece has had quite enough champagne! (Aloud.) My dear Sir, you can begin sweeping to-morrow, so far as I am concerned. I'm no politician.
Uncle Gab. (warming). No politician! And yet you sit in the Upper House as one of our hereditary legislators, obstructing the will of the People! Do you mean to tell me there's no incongruity in that!
[Consternation among the company.
Lord Strath. A good deal, I daresay, if I sat there--only I don't--haven't had the honour of being elected at present.
Mrs. Tid. (hastily). He means he--he has other things to do, Uncle--don't excite yourself so! (To Lord S. in a whisper.) You're only exposing yourself