Carbuncle, no doubt, did do what she pleased with it.
There was almost a quarrel because Lizzie, after much consideration,
declared that she did not see her way to get a present from the Duke of
Omnium. She had talked so much to Mrs. Carbuncle about the duke that Mrs.
Carbuncle was almost justified in making the demand.
"It isn't the value, you know," said Mrs. Carbuncle; "neither I nor
Lucinda would think of that; but it would look so well to have the dear
duke's name on something." Lizzie declared that the duke was
unapproachable on such subjects. "There you're wrong," said Mrs.
Carbuncle. "I happen to know there is nothing his grace likes so much as
giving wedding presents." This was the harder upon Lizzie as she actually
did succeed in saying such kind things about Lucinda that Lady Glencora
sent Miss Roanoke the prettiest smelling-bottle in the world.
"You don't mean to say you've given a present to the future Lady Tewett?"
said Madame Max Goesler to her friend.
"Why not? Sir Griffin can't hurt me. When one begins to be good-natured
why shouldn't one be good-natured all round?" Madame Max remarked that it
might perhaps be preferable to put an end to good-nature altogether.
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