Observe further, and let that be a spur to your industry, I have a tale in Petto; a whimsical adventure which happened to me yesterday evening; but which I shall forbear to regale you with, for three substantial reasons: first because it is my good pleasure; secondly because I like it; and lastly such is my sovereign will.
"Anna St. Ives"
Thomas Holcroft
Miss coming into the Room soon afterwards, sees the Key, and opens the Repository, when the first thing she cast her Eyes upon, was a Letter, which I had lately received from a Mistress I kept in Petto.
"Trial-of-Mary-Blandy"
Roughead, William
Deist "in Petto," he lived in the religion of most Frenchmen, not attaching more importance to it than he did to the new laws promulgated in July.
"The Lesser Bourgeoisie"
Honore de Balzac