Page:The Semi-detached House.djvu/308

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300
THE SEMI-DETACHED HOUSE.

benevolence and morality, would have been tantalizing. As usual, he professed inattention to the amusements of the day, and was much occupied in talking over with his moneyed friends the deplorable state of the Corban family, and his intention to organize a subscription for them on a large scale. "Corban may not have had a clear head for business, but I believe, a more honest fellow does not exist, notwithstanding the cry some of his malicious creditors are raising against him. His family are, I am told, in a sad state. There was a talk of bringing out on the stage, that charming Miss Corban, whom you have heard sing at my wife's parties. Now, on the score of morality, I must try to prevent this—her vocal talents, her beauty, her very archness, are all so many snares—I have put down my name for five hundred pounds, and hope to persuade many others to join in this good work. I believe there are sandwiches or some refreshments of that sort in the dining-room; shall we adjourn