To his profound annoyance, someone intervened--a lady bringing someone else to be introduced.

Rolfe turned on his heel, and was face to face with Cyrus Redgrave.

Nothing could be suaver or more civil than Mr.Redgrave's accost; he spoke like a polished gentleman, and, for aught Harvey knew, did not misrepresent himself.
But Rolfe had a prejudice; he said as little as possible, and moved on.
In the smaller drawing-room he presently conversed with his hostess.
Mrs.Frothingham's sanguine and buoyant temper seemed proof against fatigue; at home or as a guest she wore the same look of enjoyment; vexations, rivalries, responsibilities, left no trace upon her beaming countenance.

Her affections were numberless; her ignorance, as an observer easily discovered, was vast and profound; but the desire to please, the tact of a 'gentlewoman, and thorough goodness of heart, appeared in all her sayings and doings; she was never offensive, never wholly ridiculous.

Small-talk flowed from her with astonishing volubility, tone and subject dictated by the characteristics of the person with whom she gossiped; yet her preference was for talk on homely topics, reminiscences of a time when she knew not luxury.