Page:Crotchet Castle - Peacock (1831).djvu/94

 Well, next to him, sits Mr. Mac Quedy, the Modern Athenian, who lays down the law about every thing, and therefore may be taken to understand every thing. He turns all the affairs of this world into questions of buying and selling. He is the Spirit of the Frozen Ocean to every thing like romance and sentiment. He condenses their volume of steam into a drop of cold water in a moment. He has satisfied me that I am a commodity in the market, and that I ought to set myself at a high price. So you see, he who would have me must bid for me.

I shall discuss that point with Mr. Mac Quedy.

Not a word for your life. Our flirtation is our own secret. Let it remain so.