"It is an exhibition of swordsmanship, military drill, gymnastics,
and so forth."

"I will go to that," said Lydia. "Will you come, Alice?"

"Is it usual for ladies to go to such exhibitions?" said Alice,
cautiously.

"On this occasion ladies will go for the sake of seeing the king,"
said Lucian. "The Olympian gymnastic society, which has undertaken
the direction of the part of the assault that is to show off the
prowess of our civilians, expects what they call a flower-show
audience."

"Will you come, Lucian?"

"If I can be spared, yes. If not, I will ask Worthington to go with
you. He understands such matters better than I."

"Then let us have him, by all means," said Lydia.

"I cannot see why you are so fond of Lord Worthington," said Alice.
"His manners are good; but there is nothing in him. Besides, he is
so young. I cannot endure his conversation. He has begun to talk
about Goodwood already."

"He will grow out of his excessive addiction to sport," said Lucian.

"Indeed," said Lydia. "And what will he grow into?"