24 QUIZZING. 



temptuous curve, which speaks more potently than words. A fade 

 smile is, also, an in^'aluable auxiliary, and has been known to abash 

 modest worth and artless loveliness as triumphantly as the most im- 

 perious stratagem. A loud voice will, invariably, have the effect of 

 disconcerting the timid, but it appertains to the less refined style of 

 quizzing, and with the practice of *' hoaxing,'* may be made over to the 

 junior ornaments of his Majesty's army and navy, the younger members 

 of the two Universities, and the upper forms of Eton and Westminster. 

 To you I should recommend the sneer that accompanies the audible 

 whisper, for this, like the basilisk, is never without its sting, and ia 

 certain to kill. In fact nothing can be more fatal aimed at a diffident, 

 quiet, and unobtrusive book- worm from College, and when coupled with 

 a supercilious survey of his whole, from head to foot, it may be esteemed 

 as infallibly destructive as the aqua-tofana. 



I can scarcely tarnish your pretensions with the suspicion that you 

 would exhibit yourself at a country ball, unless under some power- 

 ful inducement, yet could your " exclusiveness" so far unbend as to 

 permit your appearance on this scene, you would be, amply, compensated 

 for your condescension. Imagine the company ! imagine the innumera- 

 ble shades and grades of form, face, feature, look, tone, gesture, garb, 

 and ornament ! and figure to yourself, if possible, any more fertile 

 theatre of amusement. Allow me to think it possible that your political 

 interests magnetically draw you into the vortex — you tremble with 

 apprehension, and turn pale at the thought of vulgar contagion ; 

 courage I mon ami ! a brilliant dawn is before you, and you may dwell 

 for a day and a half on the glories of the hour ! Act as follows : — 

 Select the prettiest girl in the room, if one of the youngest tant mieux ! 

 but beware of the reigning belles — eschew them ! they are dangerous, 

 and would fling back your dart. Having effected an introduction to 

 your victim, station yourself behind her during the quadrille in which 

 she dances, whisper the most bewitching compliments, and in florid 

 terms express your admiration till her cheek deepens to the damask 

 rose ; when she ceases dancing, offer your arm for a promenade, which 

 must be continued till another quadrille is on the point of being com- 

 menced ; at this juncture, gradually draw her into the centre of the 

 room, still besieging her with ** honeyed words," and now your victory 

 is near ! at the very instant when your fair companion, innocent of 

 your design, expects you to conduct her to the set new-forming, extricate 

 your ann, make a slight bow, accompanied with the words, ** I see my 

 party is just entering the room :" and retire, leaving the deserted fair 

 covered with confusion, and gloriously exposed to the flying artillery of her 

 before envying companions. This is a gallant adventure, but the crowning 

 of your triumph has not yet arrived : hasten then, take a brother of the 

 shrug-and-sneer, lounge, carelessly, by the disappointed girl, drawling 

 out, languidly, *' rather pretty than not ; — no style — un pen gauche — 

 une coiffure — h /aire horreur !" and dispute with your aid-de-camp 

 whether the floral ornaments in her hair are intended to represent 

 ** peonies, poppies, or roses." By this stroke you will, to a certainty, 

 achieve the misery of the lady, and wrest from her expectant hopes the 

 not-often-tasted gratification of the evening. Voila ! the glory of 

 quizzing is complete t * * * 



And now most gentle belles ! ye flowers in the garden of beauty ! ye 

 gems in the circle of life! a silver-haired bachelor, assuming the 

 privilege of years, ventures to address this portion of his paper to your 

 consideration and bright eyes. I must repeat that my suggestions are 

 designed entirely for the " exclusives," and that I must, positively. 



