To listen to her, Rotherwood might have been a rustic paradise, full of "village Hampdens and mute, inglorious Miltons," and that in its idyllic streets peace and simplicity reigned.

Even the heavy, loutish Tommies and Jacks, who had exasperated her by their dense stupidity that morning, were only subjects for a humorous anecdote or two, with little effective and sprightly touches which made Cedric throw back his head with a boyish laugh.

But Malcolm never raised his eyes from his plate.

To him Elizabeth's graphic descriptions were far from amusing.

He was thankful when the meal was over and they were ready to set out for Rotherwood.
Dinah had some calls to pay, so Elizabeth had the house to herself for an hour or two; but she would not be idle for a moment.