Indeed, we seem to have talked to little purpose.

My time is very short." "Where are you going ?" she asked him, and fearfully she shot a sidelong glance at the timepiece.

It was still too soon, by at least five minutes.
He smiled, but his smile was singular.

He began to suspect at last that her only purpose--to what end he could not guess--was to detain him.
"'Tis a singularly sudden interest in my doings, this," said he quietly.
"What is't you seek of me ?" He reached for the hat he had cast upon the table when they had entered.

"Tell me briefly.