Alice turned away to the fire; decidedly Mr.Keene was in a gallant mood this evening; hitherto his compliments had been far more guarded.
They began to converse in a more terrestrial manner.

Alice wanted to know whom she was likely to meet at Wanley; and Mr.Keene, in a light way, sketched for her the Waltham family.

She became thoughtful whilst he was describing Adela Waltham, and subsequently recurred several times to that young lady.

The journalist allowed himself to enter into detail, and Alice almost ceased talking.
It drew on to half-past nine.

Mr.Keene never exceeded discretion in the hours of his visits.