"And so you are, you know, auntie, though, perhaps, if I had to describe you I should put it in rather different words.

I'm sure she meant it as a compliment." "Upon my word, I feel extremely flattered!" exclaimed Aunt Charlotte, reddening.

"A respectable-looking body, indeed! Well, it's something to know I look respectable.

And who was this very patronising old person, pray?
Some old nurse or other, I should say, to judge by her appearance." "She was the Countess of Merthyr Tydvil, St Aubyn's aunt," said Austin, enjoying the joke.
"The Countess of Merthyr Tydvil!" echoed Aunt Charlotte, amazed.
"And she's staying with the Duke at Cleeve Castle," added Austin.

"But that's not the point.