“You must have seen a great deal in your life, Essper,” said Vivian.
“Like all great travellers.” said Essper, “I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.”
“Have you any objection to go to the East again?” asked Vivian. “It would require but little persuasion to lead me there.”
“I would rather go to a place where the religion is easier; I wish, sir, you would take me to England!”
“Nay, not there with me, if with others.”
“With you, or with none.”
“I cannot conceive, Essper, what can induce you to tie up your fortunes with those of such a sad-looking personage as myself.”
“In truth, sir, there is no accounting for tastes. My grandmother loved a brindled cat!”
“Your grandmother, Essper! Nothing would amuse me more than to be introduced to your family.”
“My family, sir, are nothing more nor less than what all of us must be counted, worms of five feet long, mortal angels, the world’s epitome, heaps of atoms which Nature has kneaded with blood into solid flesh, little worlds of living clay, sparks of heaven, inches of earth, Nature’s quintessence, moving dust, the little all, smooth-faced cherubim, in whose souls the Ring of stars has drawn the image of Himself!”