There was a great deal of talking, but no laughing, except among the Americans, and the girls behind the bar who tried to understand, what they wanted, and then served them with what they chose for them.

Otherwise the Germans, though voluble, were unsmiling, and here on the threshold of their empire the travellers had their first hint of the anxious mood which seems habitual with these amiable people.
Mrs.Adding came screaming with glee to March where he sat with his wife, and leaned over her son to ask, "Do you know what lese-majesty is?
Rose is afraid I've committed it!" "No, I don't," said March.

"But it's the unpardonable sin.

What have you been doing ?" "I asked the official at the door when our train would start, and when he said at half past three, I said, 'How tiresome!' Rose says the railroads belong to the state here, and that if I find fault with the time-table, it's constructive censure of the Emperor, and that's lese-majesty." She gave way to her mirth, while the boy studied March's face with an appealing smile.
"Well, I don't think you'll be arrested this time, Mrs.Adding; but I hope it will be a warning to Mrs.March.

She's been complaining of the coffee." "Indeed I shall say what I like," said Mrs.March.