_I_ prefer maid to matron, at any time.

Old women are my horror." Too light and gay were the tones of Dexter to leave room for offence.

Hendrickson tried to rally himself, and retort with pleasant speech.

But his heart was too deeply interested,--and his mood too serious for sport.

His smile did not improve the aspect of his countenance; and if he meant his words for witticisms, they were perceived as sarcasms.