Let's see: how will you begin?
Of course, you'll say that you are not accustomed to this sort of thing; that the honour conferred upon you is too much for your feelings; that the bright array of beauty and talent around you quite overpowers your tongue, and all that sort of thing.

Then declare you're a Gresham to the backbone." "Oh, they know that." "Well, tell them again.

Then of course you must say something about us; or you'll have the countess as black as old Nick." "Abut my aunt, George?
What on earth can I say about her when she's there herself before me ?" "Before you! of course; that's just the reason.

Oh, say any lie you can think of; you must say something about us.

You know we've come down from London on purpose." Frank, in spite of the benefit he was receiving from his cousin's erudition, could not help wishing in his heart that they had all remained in London; but this he kept to himself.