She seemed to have a fresh smile for each new applicant--a smile which conveyed to each in turn the fact that she had been attempting all along to get her programme safely into his hands.

A halting masculine pen will not be expected to explain how she compassed this, beyond a gentle intimation that masculine vanity had a good deal to do with her success.
"She is having an excellent time," said Sir John, weighing on the modern phrase with a subtle sarcasm.

He was addicted to the use of modern phraseology, spiced with a cynicism of his own.
"Yes, I cannot help sympathising with her--a little," answered the lady.
"Nor I.It will not last." "Well, she is only gathering the rosebuds." "Wisely so, your ladyship.

They at least LOOK as if they were going to last.

The full-blown roses do not." Lady Cantourne gave a little sigh.