' And even the ice,
the very emblem of purity, has not escaped the touch of the dinner-
table decorator. Only a few days ago I helped myself with my
fingers to what looked like a lovely peach, and let it flop down
into the lap of a bishop who was sitting next to me. This was the
hostess's pretty taste in ices."
"They are generally made in the shape of camelias this season,"
said Van der Roet. "I knew a man who took one and stuck it in his
buttonhole."
"I must say I enjoy an ice at dinner," said Lady Considine. "I
know the doctors abuse them, but I notice they always eat them when
they get the chance."
"Ah, that is merely human inconsistency," said Sir John. "I am
inclined to agree with the Marchesa that ice at dinner is an
incongruity, and may well be dispensed with. I think I am correct,
Marchesa, in assuming that Italy, which has showered so many boons
upon us, gave us also the taste for ices."
"I fear I must agree," said the Marchesa. "I now feel what a
blessing it would have been for you English if you had learnt from
us instead the art of cooking the admirable vegetables your gardens
produce.
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