ABSTRACT
During supper, a servant ushered in Mr. Gnat, the author and reviewer. At the sound of his name an undescribable sensation seemed to thrill through every bosom. The duke reddened with indignation; the doctor grew pale; Miss Amoret assumed a modest reserve; and Mrs. O’Liffy, for once, softened her voice into the mildness of good breeding. The universal change of looks and manners was astonishing. Mr. Doleful was the only person who paid the critic the smallest attention on his entering the room, and the stilness which followed proved how little his presence was desired by all, excepting Mrs. Woodford – Mr. Doleful’s civilities being mere baits to ensure a line of commendation for his next satirical novel.
