I found her—as ladies are apt to be found,

    When the time intervening between the first sound

    Of the bell and the visitor's entry is shorter

    Than usual—I found; I won't say—I caught her,

    Intent on the pier-glass, undoubtedly meaning

    To see if perhaps it didn't need cleaning.

    She turned as I entered—"Why, Harry, you sinner,

    I thought that you went to the Flashers' to dinner!"

    "So I did," I replied; "the dinner is swallowed,

    And digested, I trust, for 'tis now nine and more,

    So, being relieved from that duty, I followed

    Inclination, which led me, you see, to your door;

    And now will your ladyship so condescend

    As just to inform me if you intend

    Your beauty, and graces, and presence to lend

    (All of which, when I own, I hope no one will borrow)

    To the Stuckups' whose party, you know, is to-morrow?"

    The fair Flora looked up, with a pitiful air,

    And answered quite promptly, "Why, Harry,

     mon cher

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