"You retired so early.

I hope you have rested after your journey.
You seemed quite worn out." "Thank you," said Bernardine, looking admiringly at the beautiful woman, and envying her, just as all plain women envy their handsome sisters.
"You are not alone, I suppose ?" continued Mrs.Reffold.
"Yes, quite alone," answered Bernardine.
"But you are evidently acquainted with Mr.Allitsen, your neighbour at table," said Mrs.Reffold; "so you will not feel quite lonely here.
It is a great advantage to have a friend at a place like this." "I never saw him before last night," said Bernardine.
"Is it possible ?" said Mrs.Reffold, in her pleasantest voice.

"Then you _have_ made a triumph of the Disagreeable Man.

He very rarely deigns to talk with any of us.

He does not even appear to see us.