They wanted to know how I could be so civil to that intolerable man.

I gained a deal of credit, my dears.

I laid it all on--Diplomacy.' The Countess laughed bitterly.

'Diplomacy bears the burden of it all.

I pretended that Combleman could be useful to Silva! Oh! what hypocrites we all are, mio Deus!' The ladies listening could not gainsay this favourite claim of universal brotherhood among the select who wear masks instead of faces.
With regard to Evan, the Countess had far outstripped her sisters in her views.