So like French red tape, to insist on stopping them on a particular date.

Why should they be stopped?
As to expense, that was nonsense.

How could water cost anything! It was because the French were so _doctrinaire_, so tyrannical--so fond of managing for managing's sake.
So the pettish voice rambled on, the others tenderly and sadly listening, till presently Lord Findon shook his gaunt shoulders.
'Upon my word, it begins to get cold.

With your leave, Elsie, I could do with a little more sun! Arthur, shall we take a brisk walk round the canal before tea ?' Welby looked anxiously at his wife.

She had closed her eyes, and her pale lips, tightly shut, made no movement.
'I think I promised Elsie to stay with her,' he said, uncertainly.
'Let _me_ stay with Elsie, please,' said Eugenie.
The blue eyes unclosed.
'Don't be more than an hour, Arthur,' said the young wife, ungraciously.