“Good wine, however, can be had here, I hope,” said the Duke, blandly.
“Yes, if you sm-sm-smuggle it,” said Scroope, with a knowing cackle; while, to add poignancy to the remark, he nudged the Prince with his elbow. “That's the only way to have it. The st-stupid Government sees nothing.”
“Is that the case, sir?” asked the Prince, with a degree of interest he had not manifested before.
“To be sure it is. My sister Zoe never pays duty on anything; and if you like your c-c-cigars cheap, just t-t-tell me, that 's all. The G-G-Grand-Duke never got a sixpence of my money yet, and if I kn-know myself, he never shall.”
“Do you bear him any grudge, sir, that you say this so emphatically?”
“No; not at all. They tell me that he's good-hearted, although somewhat we-weak in the a-a-attic story,” and here Scroope tapped his forehead significantly, “but that 's in the family. My sister Zoe could tell you such st-stories about them you 'd die of laughing; and then there 's Jekyl takes them off so well! It's c-c-capital fun. He gives a dia-dia-dialogue between the Grand-Duke and the Pope's Nuncio that's better than a farce.”
How far Mr. Purvis might have been carried in his zeal to be agreeable there is no saying, when Lady Hester came up, with Kate leaning on her arm.
“This gentleman claims acquaintance with you, Miss Dalton,” said she, haughtily.
“Oh, to be sure, she knows me; and I have a letter from her her fa-father,” said Purvis, drawing forth a packet like a postman's.
“Miss Dalton would prefer being seated, sir,” said Lady Hester, while she motioned towards another part of the room.