The doctor knew how to comport himself with Lady Ogram.

He began by remarking cheerfully how well she looked, and asking whether she had settled the details of her summer holiday.

Dull and rather sullen of air, Lady Ogram replied with insignificant brevities; then, as the doctor chatted on about local matters, her interest gradually awoke.
"Anything more been done about the new hospital ?" she asked.
"Oh, there are promises, but nothing really important.

It'll cost far more money than there seems any chance as yet of getting.

We ought to buy that bit of land I told you about on Burgess Hill.