'Have you anyone here ?' 'Biffen.' 'Ah, then we'll discuss realism.' 'That's over for the evening.

Greek metres also.' 'Thank Heaven!' The three men seated themselves with joking and laughter, and the smoke of their pipes gathered thickly in the little room.

It was half an hour before Amy joined them.

Tobacco was no disturbance to her, and she enjoyed the kind of talk that was held on these occasions; but it annoyed her that she could no longer play the hostess at a merry supper-table.
'Why ever are you sitting in your overcoat, Mr Biffen ?' were her first words when she entered.
'Please excuse me, Mrs Reardon.

It happens to be more convenient this evening.' She was puzzled, but a glance from her husband warned her not to pursue the subject.
Biffen always behaved to Amy with a sincerity of respect which had made him a favourite with her.