DICKON Presents from the German emperor. They were worn by the steeds of Charlemagne.
RAVENSBANE Quite so; and broken cart-wheels.
DICKON Reliques of British chariots.
RACHEL How mediæval it must be! [To Justice Merton.] And to think you never described it to us!
MISTRESS MERTON True, brother; you have been singularly reticent.
JUSTICE MERTON Permit me; it is impossible to report all one sees on one’s travels.
MISTRESS MERTON Evidently.
RACHEL But surely your lordship’s mother has other diversions besides collecting antiques. I have heard that in England ladies followed the hounds; and sometimes— [Looking at her aunt and lowering her voice.] they even dance.
RAVENSBANE Dance—ah, yes; my lady mother dances about the—the altar; she swings high a hammer.
DICKON Your lordship, your lordship! Pray, sir, check this vein of poetry. Lord Ravensbane symbolizes as a hammer and altar a golf-stick and tee—a Scottish game, which her ladyship plays on her Highland estates.