He had never heard her say anything really bright, or witty, or significant.

But Hugh spoke of her fine qualities of head and heart; Alma Frothingham made her an exemplar, and would not one woman see through the vacuous pretentiousness of another?
Involuntarily, he was gazing at her, trying to read her face.
'So you think we ought to go to Australia,' said Sibyl quietly, returning his look.
Hugh had repeated the conversation of last night; indiscreet, but natural.

One could not suppose that Hugh kept many secrets from his wife.
'I ?' He was confused.

'Oh, we were talking about the miseries of housekeeping----' 'I hate the name of those new countries.' It was said smilingly, but with what expression in the word 'hate'! 'Vigorous cuttings from the old tree,' said Rolfe.

'There is England's future.' 'Perhaps so.