And flirt when I like—now, stop, don't you speak—

    And you must not come here more than twice in the week,

    Or talk to me either at party or ball,

    But always be ready to come when I call;

    So don't prose to me about duty and stuff,

    If we don't break this off, there will be time enough

    For that sort of thing; but the bargain must be

    That, as long as I choose, I am perfectly free—

    For this is a kind of engagement, you see,

    Which is binding on you, but not binding on me."

    Well, having thus wooed Miss M'Flimsey and gained her,

    With the silks, crinolines, and hoops that contained her,

    I had, as I thought, a contingent remainder

    At least in the property, and the best right

    To appear as its escort by day and by night;

    And it being the week of the Stuckups' grand ball—

    Their cards had been out a fortnight or so,

    And set all the Avenue on the tiptoe—

    I considered it only my duty to call,

    And see if Miss Flora intended to go.

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