The difficulty these poor things have in getting rid of a cold! With many of them I believe such a condition is chronic; it goes on, I suppose, until they die of it.' They talked together till luncheon time.

Egremont led the conversation back to Ullswater, where Mrs.Ormonde had just spent a fortnight.
'I think I must go and see them at Christmas,' he said, 'if they don't come south.' The other considered.
'Don't go so soon,' she said at length.
'So soon?
It will be six mortal months.' 'Be advised.' Egremont sighed and left the subject.
'Tell me what you have been doing of late,' Mrs.Ormonde resumed, 'apart from your lectures.' 'Very little of which any account can be rendered.

I read a good deal, and occasionally come across an acquaintance.' 'Have you seen the Tyrrells since they returned ?' 'No.

I had an invitation to dine with them the other day, but excused myself.' 'On what grounds ?' 'I mean to see less of people in general.' Mrs.Ormonde regarded him.
'I hope,' she said, 'that you will pursue no such idea.

You mean, of course, that your Lambeth work is to be absorbing.