He dines with Clarendon one day, and with
Albemarle another; or he goes to Deptford to grumble with Mr. Evelyn; or he
creeps away to some obscure quarter of the town to hob-nob with Milton,
and with Marvel, the member for Hull. I doubt they are all of one mind in
abusing his Majesty, and conspiring against him. If I lose my sister I
shall have no one."
"What, no one; when you have Henriette, who even three years ago had
shrewdness enough to keep an old grandfather amused with her impertinent
prattle?"
"Grandfathers are easily amused by children they see as seldom as you have
seen Papillon. To have her about you all day, with her everlasting chatter,
and questions, and remarks, and opinions (a brat of twelve with opinions),
would soon give you the vapours."
"I am not so subject to vapours as you, child. Let me look at you, now the
candles are lighted."
The footmen had lighted clusters of wax candles on either side the tall
chimney-piece.
Sir John drew his elder daughter to the light, and scrutinised her face
with a father's privilege of uncompromising survey.
"You paint thick enough, i' conscience' name, though not quite so thick as
the Spanish senoras. They are browner than you, and need a heavier hand
with white and red.
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