E-text prepared by Neville Allen,Malcolm Farmer,
and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team
()
"The Prisoner, who was fashionably attired, and of genteelappearance;" i.e., An ill-got-up swell-mobsman.
"A powerful-looking fellow;" i.e., An awful ruffian.
"A rumour has reached us"—(in the well-nigh impenetrable recesseswherein, as journalists, we habitually conceal ourselves).
"Nothing fresh has transpired;" i.e., The local Reporter's inventionis at last exhausted.
"The Prisoner seemed fully alive to the very serious position in whichhe was placed;" i.e., He occasionally wiped his mouth on hisknuckles.
"The proceedings were kept up until an advanced hour;" i.e., TheReporter left early.
"I'm so sorry I've forgotten to bring my Music;" i.e., I'm not goingto throw away my singing on these people.
"Dear me, this is a surprise to meet you here! I didn't, you see, knowyou were in Town;" i.e., By which I wish her to understand that Ihadn't seen that prominent account of her Mid-Lent dance (for which Ihad received no invitation) that appeared in last Thursday's MorningPost.
"Never heard it recited better. Wonder you don't go on the Stage;"i.e., Then one needn't come and hear you; now one can't keep out ofyour way.
"Shall you have many Pictures in this year?" i.e., He'll jump forjoy if he gets one in.
"Is your big Picture going to Burlington House or the Grosvenor?"i.e., They wouldn't have it at an East-End Free Art Show.
"By Jove, dear boy, Burne-Jones will have to look to his laurels?"i.e., Green mist and gawky girls, as usual!
"What I love about your pictures, dear Mr. Stodge, is their SubtleIdeal treatment, so different, &c., &c.?" i.e., 'Tisn't like anythingon earth.
"Best thing you've done for years, my boy; and, mark my words, it'llcreate a sensation!" i.e., Everybody says it'll be a great go, and Imay as well be in it.
"Entre nous, I don't think Millais' landscape is to be compared withit?" i.e., I should hope not—for Millais' sake.
"Fancy hanging him on the line, and skying you! It's too bad?" i.e.,His picture is.
"Glad you haven't gone in for mere 'pretty, pretty,' this time, oldman;" i.e., It's ugly enough for a scarecrow.
"My dear Sir, it's as mournfully impressive as a Millet;" i.e., Dullskies and dowdy peasants!
"Well, it's something in these days to see a picture one can get alaugh out of;" i.e., Or at!
"Every Modern Convenience;" i.e., Electric-bells and disconnecteddrain-pipes.
"Cheap and Commodious Flat;" i.e., Seven small square rooms, with nooutlook, at about the rent of a Hyde Park mansion.
"A Desirable Residence;" i.e., To get out of.
"And thus bring to a triumphant issue the fight in which we areengaged;" i.e., Thank Heaven, I managed