Mrs. Felix Lorraine looked at her noble relatives, and shrugged up her shoulders with an air which baffleth all description. “Mr. Grey, I congratulate you on this hospitable reception; you see we treat you quite en famille. Come! ‘tis a fine evening; you have seen as yet but little of Château Desir: we may as well enjoy the fine air on the terrace.”
CHAPTER VI
“You must know, Mr. Grey, that this is my favourite walk, and I therefore expect that it will be yours.”
“It cannot indeed fail to be such, the favourite as it alike is of nature and Mrs. Felix Lorraine.”
“On my word, a very pretty sentence! And who taught you, young sir, to bandy words so fairly?”
“I never can open my mouth, except in the presence of a woman,” observed Vivian, with impudent mendacity; and he looked interesting and innocent.
“Indeed! And what do you know about such wicked work as talking to women?” and here Mrs. Felix Lorraine imitated Vivian’s sentimental voice. “Do you know,” she continued, “I feel quite happy that you have come down here; I begin to think that we shall be great friends.”
“Nothing appears to me more evident,” said Vivian.
“How delicious is friendship!” exclaimed Mrs. Felix Lorraine; “delightful sentiment, that prevents life from being a curse! Have you a friend, Mr. Vivian Grey?”