"Was the irresistible Ferdinand Brown there?"

"Yes, indeed, with diamond beetle studs and a fresh twist to his
moustache. It has grown long enough to be waxed."

"How happy that fellow would be if he were obliged to dig! I should
like to scatter his wardrobe over Ponter's Court."

"There, Nan, have you finished?" as Anna swept the scattered leaves
into a basket. "Are you coming?"

"I don't think I shall. You would only talk treason-—well-—social
treason all the way, and you don't want me, and Aunt Cherry would
have to lunch alone, unless you wait till after."

"Oh no, I know a scrumptious place for lunch," said Gerald. "You are
right, Annie, one lady is quite enough on one's hands in such
regions. You have no jewellery, Emmie?"

"Do you see any verdure about me?" she retorted.

So when Gerald's tardy movements had been overcome, off they started
to their beloved slum, Emilia looking as if she were setting forth
for Elysium, and they were seen no more, even when five o'clock tea
was spread, and Anna making it for her Uncle Lance and his wife, who
had just returned, full of political news; and likewise Lance said
that he had picked up some intelligence for his sister. He had met
General Mohun and Sir Jasper Merrifield, both connections of the
Underwoods.