The Daltons

The Daltons, or Three Roads In Life, Volume I (of II), is by Charles Lever. The dedication to Lord Methuen says that some idle folk have pretended that certain living characters have been depicted under the fictitious names of these volumes. The dedication adds that there is but one personality contained in the book, that of a right true-hearted Englishman, hospitable, and manly in all his dealings.

Dalton says they were drinking Frank's health before he leaves them, and invites Master Hans to pledge him too and wish him all success, and that he may live to be a good and valued soldier of the Emperor. Hans, talking of soldiers, calls them toys that never last, whether he who plays with them be child or kaiser, always getting smashed. Nina asks whether Mademoiselle will permit her to try a wreath, and places a garland of white roses around Kate's head. The Viscount tells Master Jekyl that he is such a slippery dog, and asks, supposing one thought of making this fair damsel a peeress, whether there is no hitch in the affair, no screw loose that one ought to look to.