"I could scarcely travel unaccompanied." "Surely not.

But really--was there no lady friend--" "Don't be absurd, Benis!" But she was obscurely conscious of a check.
Against the disturbed surprise of her nephew's attitude her sharpened weapons had already turned an edge.

Only one person can talk at a time, and, to her intense indignation, she found herself displaced as the attacking party.

Also the behavior of her auxiliary force was distinctly apologetic.
"Hello, Benis!" said Rogers, coming up late and reluctant.

"Sorry to have dropped in on you like this.