He shook hands with the Norrises three times all round, and then
reviewed them from a little distance as a brave commander might, with
his ample cloak drawn forward over the right shoulder and thrown back
upon the left side to reveal his manly breast.
'And do I then,' cried the general, 'once again behold the choicest
spirits of my country!'
'Yes,' said Mr Norris the father. 'Here we are, general.'
Then all the Norrises pressed round the general, inquiring how and where
he had been since the date of his letter, and how he had enjoyed himself
in foreign parts, and particularly and above all, to what extent he had
become acquainted with the great dukes, lords, viscounts, marquesses,
duchesses, knights, and baronets, in whom the people of those benighted
countries had delight.
'Well, then, don't ask me,' said the general, holding up his hand. 'I
was among 'em all the time, and have got public journals in my trunk
with my name printed'--he lowered his voice and was very impressive
here--'among the fashionable news. But, oh, the conventionalities of
that a-mazing Europe!'
'Ah!' cried Mr Norris the father, giving his head a melancholy shake,
and looking towards Martin as though he would say, 'I can't deny it,
sir.
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