The monkey showed nothing but the hands, but
one held Maurice, and the other was clenched as if to cuff him, and
grandest of all was, as in duty bound, Camelopardelis giraffa, thrown
somewhat backwards, with such a majestic form, such a stalking
attitude, loftily ruminating face, and legs so like the Cavendish
Dusautoy's last new pair of trousers, that Albinia could not help
reserving it for the private delectation of his Aunt Fanny.
'It and its young one,' said Mr. Kendal, as he looked at her
portrait; and the name delighted him so much, that he for some time
applied it with a smile whenever his wife gave him cause to remember
how much there was of the monkey in her composition.
It was the merriest Christmas ever known at Willow Lawn, and the
first time there had been anything of the atmosphere of family frolic
and fun. The lighting up of Sophy was one great ingredient; hitherto
mirth had been merely endured by her, whereas now, improved health
and spirits had made her take her share, amuse others and be amused,
and cease to be hurt by the jarring of chance words. Lucy was lively
as usual, but rather more excited than Albinia altogether liked; she
was doubly particular about her dress; more disdainful of the common
herd, and had a general air of exaltation that made Albinia rejoice
when the Polysyllable, the horses, the key-bugle, and genre painting
disappeared from the Bayford horizon.
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