THE COUSINS Brett was the only person present who kept his senses.

Margaret was too shocked, the lovers too amazed, to speak coherently.
"Mr.Hume-Frazer has allowed himself to become run down," said the barrister, with the nonchalance of one who discussed the prospects of to-morrow's weather.

"What he needs at the moment is some soup and a few biscuits.

You, Mrs.Capella, might procure these without bringing the servants here, especially if Miss Layton were to help you." Without a word, the two ladies quitted the room.
Robert looked up.
"You ring like good metal," he said to the barrister.

"Is there any liquor in the dining-room?
I feel a trifle hollow about the belt.