I didn't think it required an answer." "Don't you generally answer letters from your friends ?" Irene, in turn, gave him a steady look.
"Generally, yes.

But not when I have the choice between silence and being disagreeable." "You were both silent _and_ disagreeable," said Arnold, smiling.

"Do you mind being disagreeable again, and telling me what your answer would have been ?" "Simply that I never, if I can help it, talk about weddings and rumours of weddings, and that I couldn't make an exception in your case." Arnold laughed in the old way.
"A most original rule, Miss Derwent, and admirable.

If all kept to it I shouldn't have been annoyed by that silly chatter.

It occurs to me that I perhaps ought not to have sent you that note.