[Diana of the Crossways by George Meredith]@TWC D-Link bookDiana of the Crossways CHAPTER II 20/25
'I heard of her over there. They, call her the Black Pearl, and the Irish Lily--because she's dark. They rack their poor brains to get the laugh of us.' 'And I listen to you,' said Lady Dunstane. 'Ah! if all England, half, a quarter, the smallest piece of the land were like you, my lady, I'd be loyal to the finger-nails.
Now, is she engaged ?--when I get a word with her ?' 'She is nineteen, or nearly, and she ought to have five good years of freedom, I think.' 'And five good years of serfdom I'd serve to win her!' A look at him under the eyelids assured Lady Dunstane that there would be small chance for Mr.Sullivan Smith; after a life of bondage, if she knew her Diana, in spite of his tongue, his tact, his lively features, and breadth of shoulders. Up he sprang.
Diana was on Mr.Redworth's arm.
'No refreshments,' she said; and 'this is my refreshment,' taking the seat of Mr.Sullivan Smith, who ejaculated, 'I must go and have that gentleman's name.' He wanted a foe. 'You know you are ready to coquette with the General at any moment, Tony,' said her friend. 'Yes, with the General!' 'He is a noble old man.' 'Superb.
And don't say "old man." With his uniform and his height and his grey head, he is like a glorious October day just before the brown leaves fall.' Diana hummed a little of the air of Planxty Kelly, the favourite of her childhood, as Lady Dunstane well remembered, they smiled together at the scenes and times it recalled. 'Do you still write verses, Tony ?' 'I could about him.
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