"What a shame to see such pretty beasts in harness, Lionel, as those attached to our landau," observed Lady Esmondet.
"Yes, they are a fine pair and well matched."
"The one with a mane a trifle the longest," said Vaura, "reminds me of
Oriole that I used to ride when a girl at Haughton."
"Yes," said Trevalyon, "I was just going to ask you if you noticed it. What merry rides those were! what would I not give to (with my dearly bought experience of life) commence over again from those days."
"I remember feeling quite the woman in the scamper across country with you and dear uncle in my long habit; neither of you knew how I hated to don my short frock on my return."
"You were always a charming little hostess; and a few yards more in a draper's shop, instead of about your ankles detracted nothing from your charms."
"I did the best I could in taking time by the forelock, to be able to put in a word or two with your lordship and Uncle Eric; I read old periodicals and new, ancient history with modern philosophy and science notes."
"And they have you now, Vaura dear," said her godmother. "A womanly woman, every inch of you."
"You are partial, dear; yet I did in those days long for an Ovid and a metamorphosis."
"Do you remember the day I extricated you and Isabel in the Tower?"