Page:The Princess Casamassima (London and New York, Macmillan & Co., 1886), Volume 2.djvu/127

 expression because she had let him know that she liked him to speak in the manner of the people), inasmuch as he had an acquaintance among them—a noble lady—who was one of the purest, kindest, most conscientious human beings it was possible to imagine. At this she stopped short and looked at him; then she asked, 'Whom do you mean—a noble lady?'

'I suppose there is no harm saying. Lady Aurora Langrish.'

'I don't know her. Is she nice?'

'I like her ever so much.

'Is she pretty, clever?'

'She isn't pretty, but she is very uncommon,' said Hyacinth.

'How did you make her acquaintance?' As he hesitated, she went on, 'Did you bind some books for her?'

'No. I met her in a place called Audley Court.'

'Where is that?'

'In Camberwell.'

'And who lives there?'

'A young woman I was calling on, who is bedridden.'

'And the lady you speak of—what do you call her, Lydia Languish?—goes to see her?'

'Yes, very often.'

The Princess was silent a moment, looking at him. 'Will you take me there?'

'With great pleasure. The young woman I speak of is the sister of the chemist's assistant you will perhaps remember that I mentioned to you.'

'Yes, I remember. It must be one of the first places we go to. I am sorry,' the Princess added, walking on.