"
"That will do," replied Clinton, dryly.
"Ho! ho!" said Hycy, "I see. Here's a mentor with a vengeance--a fellow
with a budget of morals cut and dry for immediate use--but hang all
morality, say I; like some of my friends that talk on the subject,
I have an idiosyncrasy of constitution against it, but an abundant
temperament for pleasure."
"That's a good definition," said Clinton; "a master-touch, a very
correct likeness, indeed. I would at once know you from it, and so would
most of your friends."
"This day is Friday," said Hycy, "more growling."
"Why so?"
"Why, when I eat meat on a Friday, the pepper and sauce cost me nothing.
The 'gentlemen' lays on hard, but the lady extenuates, 'in regard to
it's bein' jinteel.'"
"Well, but you have certainly no scruple yourself on the subject?"
"Yes, I have, sir, a very strong one--in favor of the meat--ha! ha! ha!"
"D--n me, whoever christened you Hycy the accomplished, hit you off."
"I did myself; because you must know, my worthy Hal, that, along with
all my other accomplishments, I am my own priest.'
"And that is the reason why you hate the clergy? eh--ha! ha! ha!"
"A hit, a hit, I do confess."
"Harke, Mr. Priest, will you give absolution--to Tom Corbet?"
"Ah! Hal, no more an' thou lovest me--that sore is yet open. Curse the
villain.
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