"
"You have the data on which you move I suppose well digested,"
said Lady Joan, attentive but not interested.
"The case is clear; as far as equity is concerned,
irresistible; indeed the late king pledged himself to a
certain point. But if you would do me the favour of reading
our memorial."
"The proposition is not one adapted to our present
civilisation," said Lady Joan. "A baronetcy has become the
distinction of the middle class; a physician, our physician
for example, is a baronet; and I dare say some of our
tradesmen; brewers, of people of that class. An attempt to
elevate them into an order of nobility, however inferior,
would partake in some degree of the ridiculous."
"And has the duke escaped his gout this year?" enquired Lord
Marney of Lady de Mowbray.
"A very slight touch; I never knew my father so well. I
expect you will meet him here. We look for him daily."
"I shall be delighted; I hope he will come to Marney in
October. I keep the blue ribbon cover for him."
"What you suggest is very just," said Egremont to Lady Maud.
"If we only in our own spheres made the exertion, the general
effect would be great. Marney Abbey, for instance, I believe
one of the finest of our monastic remains,--that indeed is not
disputed--diminished yearly to repair barns; the cattle
browsing in the nave; all this might be prevented, If my
brother would not consent to preserve or to restore, still any
member of the family, even I, without expense, only with a
little zeal as you say, might prevent mischief, might stop at
least demolition.
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