Page:Vivian Grey, Volume 1.djvu/209

 he thought Vivian Grey the most delightful fellow he ever met, and determined to ask him to Helicon Castle, for the Christmas holidays.

"Flat! flat!" said Vivian, as he dwelt upon the flavour of the Rhine's glory. "Not exactly from the favourite binn of Prince Metternich, I think. By-the-bye, Dormer Stanhope, you've a taste that way; I'll tell you two secrets, which never forget: decant your Johannisberg, and ice your Maraschino. Ay, don't stare, my dear Gastronome, but do it."

"Oh, Vivian Grey, you little love! why didn't you come and speak to me?" exclaimed a lady who was sitting at the side opposite Vivian, but much higher in the table.

"Ah! adorable Lady Julia! and so you were done on the grey filly."

"Done! said the sporting beauty with pouting lips;—"but it's a long story, and I 'll tell it you another time."

"Ah! do. How's Sir Peter?"