I've never pretended to do anything.

You know as well as I do, dear Jane, that I haven't begun yet." Jane's hostess now spoke as simply as an earnest anxious child.

She gave a vague patient sigh.

"I suppose I must begin!" The Duchess remained for a little rather grimly silent.

"How old is she--twenty ?" "Thirty!" said Mrs.Brookenham with distilled sweetness.