To Sir Charles's chair at the bottom of the table, she dared not aspire, so during his absence reluctantly retained her accustomed place at the side.
"You need not wait any longer, Mary," Damaris said, over her shoulder.
"Why ?" Theresa began fussily, as the two maids left the room.
"Why ?" Damaris took her up.

"Because I prefer our being alone during the remainder of this conversation.

I understand that you want to ask me about something to do with this excursion to Harchester.

What is it, please ?" "My dear Damaris," the other protested, startled and scenting unexpected danger, "really your manner"-- "And yours .-- Both perhaps would bear improvement.

But that is by the way.
What is it, please, you want ?" "Really you assert yourself"-- "And you forget yourself--before the servants, too, I do not like it at all.