"I have never been better." "Your note, nevertheless, and your absence," Rowland said, "have very naturally alarmed your mother.

I advise you to go to her directly and reassure her." "Go to her?
Going to her would be worse than staying away.

Staying away at present is a kindness." And he inhaled deeply his huge rose, looking up over it at Rowland.

"My presence, in fact, would be indecent." "Indecent?
Pray explain." "Why, you see, as regards Mary Garland.

I am divinely happy! Does n't it strike you?
You ought to agree with me.