Their conversation became private, owing to Mrs.Paley's deafness and the long sad history which Mrs.Elliot had embarked upon of a wire-haired terrier, white with just one black spot, belonging to an uncle of hers, which had committed suicide.

"Animals do commit suicide," she sighed, as if she asserted a painful fact.
"Couldn't we explore the town this evening ?" Mr.Venning suggested.
"My aunt--" Susan began.
"You deserve a holiday," he said.

"You're always doing things for other people." "But that's my life," she said, under cover of refilling the teapot.
"That's no one's life," he returned, "no young person's.

You'll come ?" "I should like to come," she murmured.
At this moment Mrs.Elliot looked up and exclaimed, "Oh, Hugh! He's bringing some one," she added.
"He would like some tea," said Mrs.Paley.

"Susan, run and get some cups--there are the two young men." "We're thirsting for tea," said Mr.Elliot.