'An age is the thing; it is a
much higher thing. What can be finer than to represent the spirit of an
age?'
'And Mr. Vavasour to perform the principal part,' said Mrs. Coningsby.
'I know exactly what he means. He wants to dance the polka as Petrarch,
and find a Laura in every partner.'
'You have no poetical feeling,' said Mr. Vavasour, waving his hand. 'I
have often told you so.'
'You will easily find Lauras, Mr. Vavasour, if you often write such
beautiful verses as I have been reading to-day,' said Lady Marney.
'You, on the contrary,' said Mr. Vavasour, bowing, 'have a great deal of
poetic feeling, Lady Marney; I have always said so.'
'But give us your news, Edith,' said Coningsby. 'Imagine our suspense,
when it is a question, whether we are all to look picturesque or
quizzical.'
'Ah, you want to know whether you can go as Cardinal Mazarin, or the
Duke of Ripperda, Harry. I know exactly what you all are now thinking
of; whether you will draw the prize in the forthcoming lottery, and get
exactly the epoch and the character which suit you. Is it not so, Lord
Montacute? Would not you like to practise a little with your crusados at
the Queen's ball before you go to the Holy Sepulchre?'
'I would rather hear your description of it,' said Tancred.
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