[The Poor Plutocrats by Maurus Jokai]@TWC D-Link bookThe Poor Plutocrats CHAPTER II 12/12
And with that he passed his arm through the arm of his distinguished guest and, radiant with joy, drew him into the midst of the domestic sanctum sanctorum and presenting him in a voice that trembled with emotion: "His lordship, Baron Leonard Hatszegi, my very dear friend!" And then he was guilty of the impropriety of introducing his guest first of all to his father and his niece, simply because they happened to be the nearest, only afterward he bethought him of turning towards Matilda to introduce her, whereupon Matilda's face assumed a stony expression like that of the marble maiden in Zampa, to the great confusion of John, who felt bound to enquire in a half-whisper: "Why, what's the matter ?" "You dolt," she whispered back, "have you not learnt yet that the lady of the house should be introduced to her guests not last, but first ?" John's first impulse was to be shocked, his second was to be furious, but finally he thought it best to turn with a smile to Baron Hatszegi, who courteously helped him out of his embarrassment by observing: "It is my privilege to be able to greet your ladyship as an old acquaintance already.
Many a time have I had the opportunity of secretly admiring you in your box at the theatre." "Pray be seated, sir...!".
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