It was annoying that Selden, when he came, should find that particular visitor in possession, but Lily was mistress of the art of ridding herself of superfluous company, and to her present mood Rosedale seemed distinctly negligible.
His own view of the situation forced itself upon her after a few moments' conversation.

She had caught at the Brys' entertainment as an easy impersonal subject, likely to tide them over the interval till Selden appeared, but Mr.Rosedale, tenaciously planted beside the tea-table, his hands in his pockets, his legs a little too freely extended, at once gave the topic a personal turn.
"Pretty well done--well, yes, I suppose it was: Welly Bry's got his back up and don't mean to let go till he's got the hang of the thing.

Of course, there were things here and there--things Mrs.Fisher couldn't be expected to see to--the champagne wasn't cold, and the coats got mixed in the coat-room.

I would have spent more money on the music.

But that's my character: if I want a thing I'm willing to pay: I don't go up to the counter, and then wonder if the article's worth the price.