"If you will only let the matter be settled by those who understand it, and not talk about it just at present, it would be so much better."
"You heard what Lord Llwddythlw called him," said the Marchioness.
"Llwddythlw always was an oaf," said Amaldina.
"He meant to be gracious," said Fanny; "and I am much obliged to him."
"And as to what you were saying, Fanny, as to having nothing to support the title, a foreign title in that way is not like one here at home. Here it must be supported."
"He would never consent to be burdened with a great name without any means," said Fanny.
"There are cases in which a great name will help a man to get means. Whatever he calls himself, I suppose he will have to live, and maintain a wife."
"He has his salary as a clerk in the Post Office," said Fanny very boldly. Amaldina shook her head sadly. The Marchioness clasped her hands together and raised her eyes to the ceiling with a look of supplication. Were not her darlings to be preserved from such contamination?
"He can do better than that, my dear," exclaimed Lady Persiflage; "and, if you are to be his wife, I am sure that you will not stand in the way of his promotion. His own Government and ours between them will be able to do something for him as Duca di Crinola, whereas nothing could be done for George Roden."
"The English Government is his Government," said Fanny indignantly.