F. Colburn (Francis Colburn) Adams
Chapter 48
sundry bottles of Champagne, (I longed for a taste of your old
Madeira, Mrs. Swiggs,) and brought in a verdict that pleased Mrs.
Constance wonderfully-and so it ought. We were, after the most
careful examination, satisfied that the reports prejudicial to the
character and standing of Mrs. Constance had no foundation in truth,
being the base fabrications of evil-minded persons, who sought,
while injuring an innocent lady, to damage the reputation of the St.
Cecilia Society. Mr. Constance was highly pleased with the finding;
and finally it proved the sovereign balm that healed all their
wounds. Of course, the Knight, having departed, was spared his
blood."
Here Mr. Soloman makes a pause. Mrs. Swiggs, with a sigh, says, "Is
that all?"
"Quite enough for once, my good Madam," Mr. Soloman bows in return.
"Oh! I am so glad the St. Cecilia is yet spared to us. You said, you
know, it was all up with it--"
"Up? up?-so it is! That is, it won't break it up, you know. Why-oh,
I see where the mistake is-it isn't all over, you know, seeing how
the society can live through a score of nine-months scandals. But
the thing's in every vulgar fellow's lips-that is the worst of it."
Mrs. Swiggs relishes this bit of gossip as if it were a dainty
morsel; and calling Rebecca, she commands her to forthwith proceed
into the cellar and bring a bottle of the old Madeira-she has only
five left-for Mr. Soloman. And to Mr. Soloman's great delight, the
old negress hastily obeys the summons; brings forth a mass of cobweb
and dust, from which a venerable black bottle is disinterred,
uncorked, and presented to the guest, who drinks the health of Mrs.
Swiggs in sundry well-filled glasses, which he declares choice,
adding, that it always reminds him of the age and dignity of the
family. Like the State, dignity is Mrs. Swiggs' weakness-her
besetting sin. Mr. Soloman, having found the key to this vain
woman's generosity, turns it when it suits his own convenience.
"By-the-bye," he suddenly exclaims, "you've got Tom locked up