‘I have been introduced to Lord Squib.’
‘And you found him most amusing? Did he say anything which vindicates my appointment of him as my court jester?’
‘I found him modest. He endeavoured to excuse his errors by being your companion; and to prove his virtues by being mine.’
‘Treacherous Squib! I positively must call him out. Duke, bear him a cartel.’
‘The quarrel is ours, and must be decided here,’ said Mrs. Dallington Vere. ‘I second Miss Dacre.’
‘We are in the way of some good people here, I think,’ said the Duke of Burlington, who, though the most dignified, was the most considerate of men; ‘at least, here are a stray couple or two staring as if they wished us to understand we prevented a set.’
‘Let them stare,’ said the Duke of St. James; ‘we were made to be looked at. ‘Tis our vocation, Hal, and they are gifted with vision purposely to behold us.’
‘Your Grace,’ said Miss Dacre, ‘reminds me of my old friend, Prince Rubarini, who told me one day that when he got up late he always gave orders to have the sun put back a couple of hours.’
‘And you, Miss Dacre, remind me of my old friend, the Duchess of Nevers, who told me one day that in the course of her experience she had only met one man who was her rival in repartee.’
‘And that man,’ asked Mrs. Vere.