'
'But that is impossible,' said Lord Darrell. 'Every ornament of society
is counterbalanced by some accompanying blur. I have invariably observed
that the ugliness of a chaperon is exactly in proportion to the charms
of her charge; and that if a man be distinguished for his wit, his
appearance, his style, or any other good quality, he is sure to be
saddled with some family or connection, who require all his popularity
to gain them a passport into the crowd.'
'One might collect an unexceptionable coterie from our present crowd,'
said Mr. Annesley. 'It would be curious to assemble all the pet lambs of
the flock.'
'Is it impossible?' asked the Duke.
'Burlington is the only man who dare try,' said Lord Darrell.
'I doubt whether any individual would have sufficient pluck,' said Lord
Squib.
'Yes,' said the Duke, 'it must, I think, be a joint-stock company to
share the glory and the odium. Let us do it!'
There was a start, and a silence, broken by Annesley in a low voice:
'By Heavens it would be sublime, if practicable; but the difficulty does
indeed seem insurmountable.'
'Why, we would not do it,' said the young Duke, 'if it were not
difficult.
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