Evan Harrington — Volume 1 by George Meredith
page 43 of 104 (41%)
page 43 of 104 (41%)
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How it had been wagging the Countess's straining eyes under closed
eyelids were eloquent of. 'Too late, I fear me, to wait upon Lord Livelyston to-night?' she suggested. 'To-night?' The Hon. Melville gazed blank astonishment at the notion. 'Oh! certainly, too late tonight. A-hum! I think, madam, you had better not be in too great a hurry to see him. Repose a little. Recover your fatigue.' 'Oh !' exclaimed the Countess, with a beam of utter confidence in him, 'I shall be too happy to place myself in your hands--believe me.' This was scarcely more to the taste of the diplomatist. He put up his mouth, and said, blandly: 'I fear--you know, madam, I must warn you beforehand--I, personally, am but an insignificant unit over here, you know; I, personally, can't guarantee much assistance to you--not positive. What I can do-- of course, very happy!' And he fell to again upon the beef. 'Not so very insignificant!' said the Countess, smiling, as at a softly radiant conception of him. 'Have to bob and bow like the rest of them over here,' he added, proof against the flattery. 'But that you will not forsake Silva, I am convinced,' said the Countess; and, paying little heed to his brief 'Oh! what I can do,' continued: |
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