Her volubility was all egotism.

She could scarcely say ten words, except about herself.

So, when Bassett questioned her about Sir Charles and Lady Bassett, she said "Yes," or "No," or "I don't know," and was off at a tangent to her own sayings and doings.
Bassett, however, by great patience and tact, extracted from her at last that Sir Charles and Lady Bassett were both sore at not having children, and that Lady Bassett bore the blame.
"That is a good joke," said he.

"The smoke-dried rake! Polly, you might do me a good turn.

You have got her ear; open her eyes for me.