The small, round face had once been pretty; now, with its prominent eyes, in-drawn lips, and obscured chin, it inspired no sympathetic emotion, rather an uneasiness and an inclination for retreat.

In good humour or in ill, Mrs.Lashmar was aggressive.

Her smile conveyed an amiable defiance; her look of grave interest alarmed and subdued.
"I have a line from Dyce," remarked the vicar, as at length he applied himself to his lukewarm egg and very hard toast.

"He thinks of running down." "When ?" "He doesn't say." "Then why did he write?
I've no patience with those vague projects.

Why did he write until he had decided on the day ?" "Really, I don't know," answered Mr.Lashmar, feebly.