"I believe you.
That house, sir, is the finest I ever saw." "Is it ?" said Verty.
"Yes, sir." Verty nodded.
"I am a traveller, sir." "Are you ?" "I am," said the military gentleman, solemnly.

"I have been everywhere, sir; and even in Philadelphia and Paris there is nothing like that house." "Indeed ?" Verty said, surveying the remarkable edifice.
"Do you see the portico ?" said the gentleman, frowning.
"Yes," said Verty.
"That, sir, is exactly similar to the Acropolis--Pantheon at Rome." "Eh ?" said Verty.
"Yes, sir; and then the wings--do you see the wings ?" "Plainly," said Verty.
"Those, sir, are modeled on the State-House in Paris, and are intended to shelter the youthful damsels, here assembled, as the wings of a hen do the chickens of her bosom--hem! Cause and effect, sir--philosophy and poetry unite to render this edifice the paragon and brag of architectural magnificence." "_Anan_ ?" said Verty.
"I see you speak French." "That ain't French." "No?
Then it's something else.

Going up there ?" "Yes," said Verty.
"Fine turkey that.

For the old lady ?" "Who's the old lady ?" "Old Mrs.Scowley--a model of the divine sex, sir." "No, it ain't for her," said Verty, smiling.
"For Miss Sallianna ?" "Who's that ?" "I see, sir, that you are not acquainted with this still more divine specimen of the--hum--I said that once before.

Miss Sallianna, sir, is the beautiful sister of the respected Scowley." "And who is here besides, if you please ?" said Verty.
"A number of charming young ladies, sir.