"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?"
