“Don’t be a coxcomb, Cheriton.”
“It is far from coxcombry, I assure you, Caroline,” said Cheriton, plaintively. “A ravishing creature like that to marry a mere simulacrum like George. I shudder. The idea is horrible. It revolts me.”
“Don’t behave like a coxcomb, Cheriton. George is quite as eligible as you are. In my estimation he is the more eligible of the two.”
“Upon my word, Caroline.”
“Socially, of course, George is the more important.”
“I take leave to doubt it.”
“Do be practical, Cheriton.”
“In my humble judgment, Caroline, a first-rate earl is of more account than a second-rate duke.”
“A matter of opinion, Cheriton,” said the occupant of the four-poster, “in more senses than one. Then, again, I am glad to be able to state that George has already put the matter upon a business basis.”
“Revolting.”