As to the unwontedness of the scene, Ireland was chargeable with that; and Ireland also, a little at his expense as a citizen of the polite world, relieved him of the extreme ridicule attached to his phrases and images.
She replied: 'We have no portrait.' 'May I beg to know, have you seen him ?' said Patrick.

Caroline shook her head.
'Is there no telling what he is like, Miss Adister ?' 'He is not young.' 'An old man!' She had not said that, and she wished to defend her cousin from the charge of contracting such an alliance, but Patrick's face had brightened out of a gloom of stupefaction; he assured her he was now ready to try his voice with hers, only she was to excuse a touch of hoarseness; he felt it slightly in his throat: and could he, she asked him, wonder at it after his morning's bath?
He vindicated the saneness of the bath as well as he was able, showing himself at least a good reader of music.

On the whole, he sang pleasantly, particularly French songs.

She complimented him, with an emphasis on the French.

He said, yes, he fancied he did best in French, and he had an idea of settling in France, if he found that he could not live quietly in his own country.
'And becoming a Frenchman ?'said Caroline.
'Why not ?' said he.