'Is this all the terrible affair, my good count, which has brought your face to this prodigious length ?' The count looked at Lady Dashfort with astonishment.
'Such a look of virtuous indignation,' continued she, 'did I never behold, on or off the stage.

Forgive me for laughing, count; but, believe me, comedy goes through the world better than tragedy, and, take it all in all, does rather less mischief.

As to the thing in question, I know nothing about it: I dare say, it is not true; but, now, suppose it was--it is only a silly QUIZ, of a raw young officer, upon a prudish old dowager.

I know nothing about it, for my part; but, after all, what irreparable mischief has been done?
Laugh at the thing, and then it is a jest--a bad one, perhaps, but still only a jest--and there's an end of it; but take it seriously, and there is no knowing where it might end--in half a dozen duels, maybe.' 'Of that, madam,' said the count, 'Lady Oranmore's prudence and presence of mind have prevented all danger.

Her ladyship WOULD not understand the insult.