This delicate diplomatic way of characterizing Sir Hugo's stud did not require direct notice; and the baronet, feeling that the conversation had worn rather thin, said to the party generally, "Now we are going to see the cloister--the finest bit of all--in perfect preservation; the monks might have been walking there yesterday."
But Gwendolen had lingered behind to look at the kenneled blood-hounds, perhaps because she felt a little dispirited; and Grandcourt waited for her.
"You had better take my arm," he said, in his low tone of command; and she took it.
"It's a great bore being dragged about in this way, and no cigar," said Grandcourt.
"I thought you would like it."
"Like it!--one eternal chatter. And encouraging those ugly girls--inviting one to meet such monsters. How that _fat_ Deronda can bear looking at her----"
"Why do you call him a _fat_? Do you object to him so much?"

At this delicate diplomatic assessment of Sir Hugo's stud, the baronet, feeling that the conversation had worn rather thin, said, "Now we are going to see the cloister, which is in perfect preservation; the monks might have been walking there yesterday."
But Gwendolen had lingered behind, and Grandcourt waited for her.
"You had better take my arm," he said, in his low tone of command. "It's a great bore being dragged about in this way, and no cigar."
"I thought you would like it."
"Like it!- one eternal chatter. And encouraging those ugly girls - inviting one to meet such monsters. How that smug Deronda can bear looking at her-"
"Why do you call him smug? Do you object to him so much?"
