"He is as good as promised to Sarah Lennox."
"That's no objection - if I want him. No, I don't think I do. I'll tell you what, Gussie, I'll have the Adjutant-General!"
"Good God, that would not last long! They call him the Fire-eater. You would be for ever quarrelling. I wish you would be serious! You need not marry a soldier, after all."
"Yes, yes, if I marry it must be a soldier. I am quite determined. The Army is all the rage. And when have I ever been behind the mode? Consider, too, the range of possibilities! Only think of the Guards positively massed in the neighbourhood. I have only to drive to Enghien to find an eligible parti. The cavalry, too! All the Household Troops are under orders to sail, and I had always a liking for a well set-up Life Guardsman."
"That means we shall have George here, I suppose," said Augusta, without any appearance of gratification.
"Yes, but never mind that! What do you say to a gallant hussar? The 10th are coming out and they wear such charming clothes! I have had a riding dress made a la hussar, in the palest green, all frogged and laced with silver. Ravishing!"
"You will set the town by the ears!"
"Who cares?"
"You may not, but it is not very agreeable for us. I wish you would consider me a little before you put Vidal out of temper."
Barbara came back into the middle of the room, holding the glass containing her potion. "Where's the use? If I don't, George will. Vidal is such a dull dog!"