She was full of bright, happy talk, most of it tending to show that she had already given the attention to the morning's 'leaders' which was becoming in a politician's betrothed.
'Do you smoke whilst you are at work ?' she asked, descending from those high themes.
'I allow myself a few cigarettes.' 'Cigarettes?
Surely that is too frivolous an accompaniment!' 'O, it is only when I am musing upon the arguments of the Opposition.' 'I see.' Beatrice took the reply quite seriously.

'But where is the blue-book you want me to digest ?' Wilfrid shook his head, looking at her with a smile.
'You think me incompetent?
But at least try me.

I shan't spoil anything.' 'An illustration drawn from the art of millinery, I imagine.' 'Don't be unkind.

I'm afraid you wouldn't let me write your letters ?' 'By Jove! an excellent idea.

Here's one of the free and independent electors of G--writes to ask what my views are on the subject of compulsory vaccination.