The knowledge that she counted for little or nothing with him was an annoyance, rather than a distress, to Mrs.Lashmar.

With tenderness she could dispense, but the loss of authority wounded her.
Dinner was a rather silent meal.

The vicar seemed to be worrying about something even more than usual.

When they had risen from table, Mrs.
Lashmar made the remark which was always forthcoming on these occasions.
"So you are still doing nothing, Dyce ?" "I assure you, I'm very busy," answered the young man, as one indulgent to an inferior understanding.
"So you always say.

When did you see Lady Susan ?" "Oh, not for a long time." "What vexes me is, that you don't make the slightest use of your opportunities.