| Citation |
NYM(G.754.010
28 Jan 1754:13 (77)
A polite robbery on the highway: by Mons. Du Vall a French
footman, much admired by the ladies. . . .
But as there appeared no way of escaping, the lady, to shew
she was not afraid, and to insinuate she had nothing to
lose, takes a flagelet out of her pocket and plays: Du
Vall, who amongst his accomplishments of dancing, singing,
&c. delighted in that instrument, takes the hint, and tuning
his own flagelet excellently well, approaches the side of
the coach in that posture; and addressing himself to the
knight, Sir, said, he, your lady plays charmingly; and I
doubt not but she dances as well: Will you please to walk
out of the coach, and let me have the honour to dance one
minute with her on the green? The knight replied, I dare
not deny any thing to one of your quality and good nature:
You seem a gentleman, and your request is very reasonable;
and ordering the footman to open the door, Du Vall leaps
quietly off his horse, and hands the lady out of the coach.
They danced, and tho' in his boots and riding dress, Du Vall
performed wonderful both in footing and singing; and when
the dancing was over, he handed the lady into the coach
again: But stopt the knight as he followed his lady,
telling him he had forgot to pay the music; no, I have not,
replies and knight; and putting his hand under the seat of
the coach, pulls out a hundred pound bag, and delivers it to
him. Du Vall took it with a good grace, and courteously
answered: Sir, you are liberal, and shall have no cause to
repent your being so: This liberality of yours, shall
excuse you the other three hundred pounds, and civilly took
his leave.
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