"She's a wise old body and I'd like to hear her opinion of this business.

We'll get common sense from her." "I don't object," said Heritage.

"But no amount of common sense will change my mind." Their hostess forestalled them by returning at that moment to the kitchen.
"We want your advice, mistress," Dickson told her, and accordingly, like a barrister with a client, she seated herself carefully in the big easy chair, found and adjusted her spectacles, and waited with hands folded on her lap to hear the business.

Dickson narrated their pre-supper doings, and gave a sketch of Dougal's evidence.

His exposition was cautious and colourless, and without conviction.