‘I knew him a little at college. He’s a good-looking fellow!’
‘Would be if it weren’t for the bad blood in him. That comes out unmistakeably. He’s vulgar.’
‘Have you seen much of him, then?’
‘Quite enough. I never heard him say anything vulgar, or saw him do anything vulgar, but vulgar he is, and vulgar is every one of the family. A man who is always aware of how rich he will be, and how good-looking he is, and what a fine match he would make, would look vulgar lying in his coffin.’
‘You are positively caustic, Miss Coningham.’
‘If you saw their house in Cheshire! But blessings be on the place!—it’s the safety-valve for Moldwarp Hall. The natural Manchester passion for novelty and luxury finds a vent there, otherwise they could not keep their hands off it; and what was best would be sure to go first. Corchester House ought to be secured to the family by Act of Parliament.’
‘Have you been to Corchester, then?’
‘I was there for a week once.’
‘And how did you like it?’
‘Not at all. I was not comfortable. I was always feeling too well-bred. You never saw such colours in your life. Their drawing-rooms are quite a happy family of the most quarrelsome tints.’