He was as much used to being purred to as my aunt to looking down on non-county persons.

He seemed to think I was making an incomprehensible insular joke, and laughed non-committally.

It wouldn't have been possible to let him know he wasn't wanted.
"Oh, you needn't be afraid of my brother," she said suddenly.

"He is quite harmless.

He is even going to give up writing for the papers except when we want him." The Duc turned from me to her, smiled and bowed.