The fact was a fact, and nature, not he, was responsible for it.

That, and the circumstance of his material independence, would necessarily keep the ensuing interview well within the limits of urbane comedy.

The young man smiled already at the suggested comparison with his father's own choice in matrimony.
Wilfrid had never had the details of that story avowedly represented to him, but it was inevitable that he should have learnt enough to enable him to reconstruct them with tolerable accuracy.
Emily was gone long before the hour of luncheon.

After that meal, Mr.
Athel lit a cigar and went to a favourite seat in the garden.

Mrs.
Rossall was going with the twins to make a farewell call on neighbouring friends.