"
This sally provoked a laugh, in which Severne joined, and said, "Really,
for a landed proprietor, you know a thing or two." He consented at last,
with some reluctance, to take the money; and none of the persons present
doubted that he would execute the commission with a grace and delicacy
all his own. Nevertheless, to run forward a little with the narrative, I
must tell you that he never did hand that five pound to the venerable
sire; a little thing prevented him--the old man wasn't born yet.
"And now," said Vizard, "it is our last day in Homburg. You are all going
to gratify your mania--lunacy is contagious. Suppose I gratify mine."
"Do dear," said Zoe; "and what is it?"
"I like your asking that; when it was publicly announced last night, and
I fled discomfited to my balcony, and, in my confusion, lighted a cigar.
My mania is--the Klosking."
"That is not a mania; it is good taste. She is admirable."
"Yes, in an opera; but I want to know how she looks and talks in a room;
and that is insane of me."
"Then so you _shall,_ insane or not. I will call on her this morning, and
take you in my hand."
"What an ample palm! and what juvenile audacity! Zoe, you take my breath
away.
Pages:
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170