She was stale-drunk; she had, doubtless, a vile headache; probably she felt twinges of remorse and apprehension of possible police interference.

But they had already discovered that he could be bullied, and they had it their own way; and presently Selwyn lay prone upon the nursery floor, impersonating a ladrone while pleasant shivers chased themselves over Drina, whom he was stalking.

I thought a man was lucky if he did not get napooed first trip in.

It's by Adam Jacot de Boinod, and it's about the words in the English language we didn't know about and shouldn't have lost — such as applesquire, the male servant of a prostitute, mush-faker, one who repairs umbrellas, and stadge, the date of issue stamped on a coin.