When reasoning failed with his auditors, he had recourse to volleys of contemptuous laughter.

At times he lost his temper, muttered words such as 'fools!'-- 'idiots!' and flung out into the open air.

It looked as if the present evening was to be a stormy one.

Adela noted the presage and allowed herself a protest _in limine_.
'Alfred, I do hope you won't go on in this way whilst Letty is here.

You mayn't think it, but you pain her very much.' 'Pain her! It's her education.