"With whom is it you talk us over?
With Petherton and his friend Mitchy?
With your adored Vanderbank?
With your awful Duchess ?" "You know my little circle, and you've not always despised it." She met him on his return with a figure that had visibly flashed out for her.
"Don't foul your own nest! Remember that after all we've more or less produced you." She had a smile that attenuated a little her image, for there were things that on a second thought he appeared ready to take from her.

She patted the sofa as if to invite him again to be seated, and though he still stood before her it was with a face that seemed to show how her touch went home.

"You know I've never quite thought you do us full honour, but it was because SHE took you for one of us that Carrie first--" At this, to stop her, he dropped straight into the seat.

"I assure you there has really been nothing." With a continuation of his fidget he pulled out his watch.

"Won't she come in at all ?" "Do you mean Nanda ?" "Talk me over with HER!" he smiled, "if you like.