Page:Eliot - Daniel Deronda, vol. I, 1876.djvu/26

 "Sir Hugo Mallinger?"

"Yes. Do you know him?"

"No." (Gwendolen coloured slightly.) "He has a place near us, but he never comes to it. What did you say was the name of that gentleman near the door?"

"Deronda—Mr Deronda."

"What a delightful name! Is he an Englishman?"

"Yes. He is reported to be rather closely related to the Baronet. You are interested in him?"

"Yes. I think he is not like young men in general."

"And you don't admire young men in general?"

"Not in the least. I always know what they will say. I can't at all guess what this Mr Deronda would say. What does he say?"

"Nothing, chiefly. I sat with his party for a good hour last night on the terrace, and he never spoke—and was not smoking either. He looked bored."

"Another reason why I should like to know him. I am always bored."

"I should think he would be charmed to have an introduction. Shall I bring it about? Will you allow it, Baroness?"