She talked in a very desultory way, and it would be difficult to say of what.

She observed her mother was in very low spirits.

I asked her how she supposed she could be otherwise?
This QUESTIONING answer saves a great deal of trouble, and serves two purposes--i.e.avoids committing oneself, or giving offence by silence.
There was hung in the apartment one portrait, amongst others, that very much resembled the Duke of D---.

I asked Miss Knight whom it represented.

She said that was not known; it had been supposed a likeness of the Pretender, when young.