Freshfield might have argued to advantage in a Court of law; but he was no match, on such topics and before such an audience, for a refined sentimentalist.

More than once he betrayed a disposition to take refuge in his class (he being son to one of the puisne Judges).

Cornelia speedily punished him, and to any correction from her he bowed his head.
Adela was this day gifted with an extraordinary insight.

Emilia alone of the party was as a blot to her; but the others she saw through, as if they had been walking transparencies.

She divined that Edward and Freshfield had both come, in concert, upon amorous business--that it was Freshfield's object to help Edward to a private interview with her, and, in return, Edward was to perform the same service for him with Cornelia.