He therefore said abruptly: "What would you do in a case like that ?" Mrs.Tallents Smallpeace, sliding her face sideways, with a really charming little smile, asked softly: "In a case like what ?" And her little eyes fled to Thyme, who had slipped into the room, and was whispering to her mother.
Cecilia rose.
"You know my daughter," she said.

"Will you excuse me just a minute?
I'm so very sorry." She glided towards the door, and threw a flying look back.

It was one of those social moments precious to those who are escaping them.
Mrs.Tallents Smallpeace was smiling, Stephen frowning at his boots; Mr.
Purcey stared admiringly at Thyme, and Thyme, sitting very upright, was calmly regarding the unfortunate Egregio Pozzi, who apparently could not bring himself to speak.
When Cecilia found herself outside, she stood still a moment to compose her nerves.

Thyme had told her that Hilary was in the dining-room, and wanted specially to see her.
As in most women of her class and bringing-up, Cecilia's qualities of reticence and subtlety, the delicate treading of her spirit, were seen to advantage in a situation such as this.

Unlike Stephen, who had shown at once that he had something on his mind, she received Hilary with that exact shade of friendly, intimate, yet cool affection long established by her as the proper manner towards her husband's brother.