The lady, indeed, bore a very fair likeness to a reverend effigy in some idolatrous shrine.

She was monumentally stout and imperturbably serene.

Her aspect was to Newman almost formidable; he had a troubled consciousness of a triple chin, a small piercing eye, a vast expanse of uncovered bosom, a nodding and twinkling tiara of plumes and gems, and an immense circumference of satin petticoat.

With her little circle of beholders this remarkable woman reminded him of the Fat Lady at a fair.

She fixed her small, unwinking eyes at the new-comers.
"Dear duchess," said the marquis, "let me present you our good friend Mr.Newman, of whom you have heard us speak.