We must confess that Hubert has not been exactly popular; and I rather wonder at it; I'm sure he might have been if he had liked.

Just a little too--too self-conscious, don't you think?
Of course it was quite a mistake, but people had an idea that he presumed on wealth which was not his own.
Well, well, we quiet folk look on, don't we?
It's rather like a play.' Presently Mrs.Mewling leaned forward yet more confidentially.
'My dear, you won't be offended?
You don't mind a question?
There wasn't anything definite ?--Adela, I mean.' 'Nothing, nothing whatever!' Mrs.Waltham asserted with vigour.
'Ha!' Mrs.Mewling sighed deeply.

'How relieved I am! I did so fear!' 'Nothing whatever,' the other lady repeated.
'Thank goodness! Then there is no need to breathe a word of those shocking matters.

But they do get abroad so!' A reflection Mrs.Mewling was justified in making..