Vane's arrival so that she
should pounce upon the Woffington at her husband's table, he might be
present at and enjoy the public discomfiture of a man and woman who had
wounded his vanity. Bidding his servant make the best of his way to
Bloomsbury Square, Sir Charles galloped in that direction himself,
intending first to inquire whether Mrs. Vane was arrived, and, if not, to
ride toward Islington and meet her. His plan was frustrated by an
accident; galloping round a corner, his horse did not change his leg
cleverly, and, the pavement being also loose, slipped and fell on his
side, throwing his rider upon the _trottoir._ The horse got up and
trembled violently, but was unhurt. The rider lay motionless, except that
his legs quivered on the pavement. They took him up and conveyed him into
a druggist's shop, the master of which practiced chirurgery. He had to be
sent for; and, before he could be found, Sir Charles recovered his
reason, so much so, that when the chirurgeon approached with his fleam to
bleed him, according to the practice of the day, the patient drew his
sword, and assured the other he would let out every drop of blood in his
body if he touched him.
He of the shorter but more lethal weapon hastily retreated. Sir Charles
flung a guinea on the counter, and mounting his horse rode him off rather
faster than before this accident.
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