'Dull enough, if you don't have the right sort of travelling crew in your boat.' 'Naturally,' she puts her semicolon, ominous of the full stop.
'I fancy you have never been in Egypt ?' 'No' There it is; for the tone betrays no curiosity about Egypt and her Nile, and he is led to suppose that she has a distaste for foreign places.
Condescending to attempt to please, which he has reason to wish to succeed in doing, the task of pursuing conversational intercourse devolves upon him-- 'I missed Parlatti last spring.

What opinion have you formed of her ?' 'I know her only by name at present.' 'Ah, I fancy you are indifferent to Opera.' 'Not at all; I enjoy it.

I was as busy then as I am now.' 'Meetings?
Dorcas, so forth.' 'Not Dorcas, I assure you.

You might join if you would.' 'Your most obliged.' A period perfectly rounded.

At the same time Miss Mattock exchanged a smile with her hostess, of whose benignant designs in handing her to the entertaining officer she was not conscious.