"Oh, indeed! I did not know you were Irish."
"Nor am I; but I like good fishing, and plenty of fun, and both are to be had in Paddy's land."
"I fear you will not find much of the last now," said Kate.
"What a pity the Colonel is running away before the 30th," said Mrs. Storey. "We have a few friends and a little music, and, perhaps, you would have joined us," continued the hospitable little woman who thought how much Colonel's Dashwood's fine figure and air distingué would astonish the Bayswater world.
"You had better stay," suggested Kate.
"Ah! unfortunately, it is not in my power."
"Were you at the Countess of B——'s grand ball on Friday night, Colonel Dashwood?" asked Mrs. Storey, anxious to get up a little fashionable talk, and to show her knowledge of the great world.
"Lady B——, no! did she give a ball? I remember her—she is an awful old woman. I never go to balls in London—they are such tame correct things—country quarters spoil one for your regular dazzling scenes."