They all sat, and conversation was general.
Mr.Magnus had a rather melancholy, deprecating voice, but with some touch of irony too, as though he were used to being called a fool by his fellow-beings, but after all knew better than they did.

He did not sound at all conceited; only amused with a little gentle melancholy at his own position.
"I'm glad to see you so well, Miss Cardinal," he said with an air of rather old-fashioned courtesy.

"I had been afraid that it might have exhausted you.

I only came to welcome you.

I must return at once.