Page:The Semi-detached House.djvu/168

 Chesters I look upon as neighbours, I ought to ask them; and I should not mind asking the Duchess if—"

"She would but come," said Rachel, "but to begin at the beginning, how are the Hopkinsons to be propitiated? What do you mean to do?"

"Propitiated, indeed! when I am offering them the greatest possible civility. Why, who are they? the wife and daughter of an East Indian Captain who have somehow crept into society quite out of their line. However, the Baron heard yesterday that Captain Hopkinson has made a large sum of money in the China trade, and if he comes safe home (I, for one, expect every ship to be wrecked) the Baron wants to make his acquaintance."

Rachel seemed to be in a fit of absence and murmured to herself. If one should be a prey, how much better to fall before the lion than the wolf.' Well, as you say, Aunt, I believe Shakespeare gets too much into my head, I am always quoting him without rhyme or reason."