He had flattered himself, that this gentlewoman would decline the proposal, as she was a person seemingly of a demure disposition, who had been born and bred in the city, where such diversions are looked upon as scenes of lewdness and debauchery. For once, however, he reckoned without his host; curiosity is as prevalent in the city as at the court-end of the town […].

In the cold light of day, I felt I had overreacted.

But he never contradicted Mrs Hackit—a woman whose pot luck was always to be relied on, and who on her side had unlimited reliance on bleeding, blistering, and draughts.

Throw the shoe from behind the line, and try to get it to land circling (a ringer) or touching the far stake.