The things we do!

We are but merchants; we seek to be no more. If I can
look around me and see as I do"-(she waves her fan round, and points to
the illustrations scintillating round the room)--"and see as I do now--a
Poski, whose name is ever connected with Polish history--an Ettore, who
has exchanged a tonsure and a rack for our own free country--a
Hammerstein, and a Quartz, a Miss Rudge, our Transatlantic sister (who I
trust will not mention this modest salon in her forthcoming work on
Europe), and Miss Pinnifer, whose genius I acknowledge, though I deplore
her opinions; if I can gather together travellers, poets, and painters,
princes and distinguished soldiers from the East, and clergymen
remarkable for their eloquence, my humble aim is attained, and Maria
Newcome is not altogether useless in her generation. Will you take a
little refreshment? Allow your sister to go down to the dining-room
supported by your gallant arm." She looked round to the admiring
congregation, whereof Honeyman, as it were acted as clerk, and flirting
her fan, and flinging up her little head.


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