Ah, how I hate cant! What were we talking about just now?
You wander from the subject, Julian; you are what I call bird-witted.

I protest I forget what I wanted to say to you.

No, I won't be reminded of it.

I may be an old woman, but I am not in my dotage yet! Why do you sit there staring?
Have you nothing to say for yourself?
Of all the people in the world, have _you_ lost the use of your tongue ?" Julian's excellent temper and accurate knowledge of his aunt's character exactly fitted him to calm the rising storm.

He contrived to lead Lady Janet insensibly back to the lost subject by dexterous reference to a narrative which he had thus far left untold--the narrative of his adventures on the Continent.
"I have a great deal to say, aunt," he replied.