" Then, having nearly eaten up
one cigar, he lit another preparatory to eating it, and sauntered
back to the house.
Before dinner that evening there were a few words between the
Paragon and his grandmother. "I'm afraid you won't like my American
friend," he said.
"He is all very well, John. Of course an American member of
Congress can't be an English gentleman. You, in your position, have
to be civil to such people. I dare say I shall get on very well
with Mr. Gotobed."
"I must get somebody to meet him."
"Lady Augustus and her daughter are coming."
"They knew each other in Washington. And there will be so many
ladies."
"You could ask the Coopers from Mallingham," suggested the lady.
"I don't think they would dine out. He's getting very old."
"And I'm told the Mainwarings at Dillsborough are very nice
people," said Mrs. Morton, who knew that Mr. Mainwaring at any rate
came from a good family.
"I suppose they ought to call first. I never saw them in my life.
Reginald Morton, you know, is living at Hoppet Hall in
Dillsborough."
"You don't mean to say you wish to ask him to this house?"
"I think I ought. Why should I take upon myself to quarrel with a
man I have not seen since I was a child, and who certainly is my
cousin?"
"I do not know that he is your cousin; nor do you.
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