“Why this moment especially, Mr. Vivian Grey?”
“Oh, my Lord! I am perfectly aware of your Lordship’s talents for business; but still I had conceived, that the delicate situation in which your Lordship is now placed, requiring such anxious attention such—”
“Delicate situation! anxious attention! why man! you speak riddles. I certainly have a great deal of business to transact: people are so obstinate, or so foolish, they will consult me, certainly; and certainly I feel it my duty, Mr. Vivian Grey; I feel it the duty, sir of every Peer in this happy country (here his Lordship got parliamentary): yes, sir, I feel it due to my character, to my family, to, to, to assist with my advice all those who think fit to consult me.” Splendid peroration!
“Oh, my Lord!” carelessly remarked Vivian, “I thought it was a mere on dit.”
“Thought what, my dear sir? you really quite perplex me.”
“I mean to say, my Lord; I, I thought it was impossible the overtures had been made.”
“Overtures, Mr. Vivian Grey?”
“Yes, my Lord! Overtures; has not your Lordship seen the Post. But I knew it was impossible; I said so, I—”
“Said what, Mr. Vivian Grey?”
“Said that the whole paragraph was unfounded.”