He said living in the country cut him off almost entirely from the society of his mental equals, so much so that at times he had thoughts of moving to London and making a little centre for intellectual society.

According to him the whole neighborhood was sunk in a state of hopeless apathy, with the exception of Mrs.Loftus.He said she was the only really clever, cultivated person in Middleshire." "Did he?
How about the Bishop of Southminster ?" "He did not mention him.

My acquaintance with Mrs.Loftus is of the slightest," added Hugh, interrogatively, looking at his graceful, animated hostess.
"I imagined you knew her fairly well, as you are staying here." "No.

She asked me rather late in the day.

I fancy I was a 'fill up.' I accepted in the hope, rather a vague one, that I might meet you here." To Rachel's surprise her heart actually paid Hugh the compliment of beating a shade faster than its wont.