"It cannot indeed fail to be such, the favourite as it alike is of
nature and Mrs. Felix Lorraine."

"On my word, a very pretty sentence! And who taught you, young sir, to
bandy words so fairly?"

"I never can open my mouth, except in the presence of a woman," observed
Vivian, with impudent mendacity; and he looked interesting and innocent.

"Indeed! And what do you know about such wicked work as talking to
women?" and here Mrs. Felix Lorraine imitated Vivian's sentimental
voice. "Do you know," she continued, "I feel quite happy that you have
come down here; I begin to think that we shall be great friends."

"Nothing appears to me more evident," said Vivian.

"How delicious is friendship!" exclaimed Mrs. Felix Lorraine;
"delightful sentiment, that prevents life from being a curse! Have you a
friend, Mr. Vivian Grey?"

"Before I answer that question, I should like to know what meaning Mrs.
Felix Lorraine attaches to that important monosyllable, friend."

"Oh, you want a definition. I hate definitions; and of all the
definitions in the world, the one I have been most unfortunate in has
been a definition of friendship; I might say" (and here her voice sunk),
"I might say of all the sentiments in the world, friendship is the one
which has been must fatal to me; but I must not inoculate you with my
bad spirits, bad spirits are not for young blood like yours, leave them
to old persons like myself."