I'm not a very great man for dances."
"You'd sooner write a report,--wouldn't you,--about the products of
the country?"
"A great deal sooner," said the Paragon.
"But you see we haven't all of us got products to write about. I
don't care very much about it myself;--but if you don't mind I'll
ask mamma." Of course he was obliged to consent, and merely
informed her as she went off with the letter that a servant was
waiting for an answer.
"To go to Lord Rufford's!" said Lady Augustus.
"From Monday till Wednesday, mamma. Of course we must go:"
"I promised poor Mrs. Gore."
"Nonsense, mamma! The Gores can do very well without us. That was
only to be a week and we can still stay out our time. Of course
this has only been sent because we are here."
"I should say so. I don't suppose Lord Rufford would care to know
Mr. Morton. Lady Penwether goes everywhere; doesn't she?"
"Everywhere. It would suit me to a `t' to get on to Lady
Penwether's books. But, mamma, of course it's not that. If Lord
Rufford should say a word it is so much easier to manage down in
the country than up in London. He has 40,000 pounds a year, if he
has a penny."
"How many girls have tried the same thing with him! But I don't
mind. I've always said that John Morton and Bragton would not do?"
"No, mamma; you haven't.
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