"Do look at the figure he cuts, bowing with his hand on his heart to Lady Brackenshaw--and Mrs.Arrowpoint's feather just reaching his shoulder." "You are one of the profane," said Gwendolen.

"You are blind to the majesty of genius.

Herr Klesmer smites me with awe; I feel crushed in his presence; my courage all oozes from me." "Ah, you understand all about his music." "No, indeed," said Gwendolen, with a light laugh; "it is he who understands all about mine and thinks it pitiable." Klesmer's verdict on her singing had been an easier joke to her since he had been struck by her _plastik_.
"It is not addressed to the ears of the future, I suppose.

I'm glad of that: it suits mine." "Oh, you are very kind.

But how remarkably well Miss Arrowpoint looks to-day! She would make quite a fine picture in that gold-colored dress." "Too splendid, don't you think ?" "Well, perhaps a little too symbolical--too much like the figure of Wealth in an allegory." This speech of Gwendolen's had rather a malicious sound, but it was not really more than a bubble of fun.