I shall never get up in the way you
describe,--that is, by abusing the men I support."
After that Madame Max Goesler turned round to Mr. Grey, who was
sitting on the other side of her, and Phineas was left for a moment
in silence. He tried to say a word to Lady Hartletop, but Lady
Hartletop only bowed her head gracefully in recognition of the truth
of the statement he made. So he applied himself for a while to his
dinner.
"What do you think of Miss Effingham?" said Madame Max Goesler, again
addressing him suddenly.
"What do I think about her?"
"You know her, I suppose."
"Oh yes, I know her. She is closely connected with the Kennedys, who
are friends of mine."
"So I have heard. They tell me that scores of men are raving about
her. Are you one of them?"
"Oh yes;--I don't mind being one of sundry scores. There is nothing
particular in owning to that."
"But you admire her?"
"Of course I do," said Phineas.
"Ah, I see you are joking. I do amazingly. They say women never do
admire women, but I most sincerely do admire Miss Effingham."
"Is she a friend of yours?"
"Oh no;--I must not dare to say so much as that. I was with her last
winter for a week at Matching, and of course I meet her about at
people's houses. She seems to me to be the most independent girl I
ever knew in my life.
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