They were established under his roof, his companions at every meal; and they were a kind of people who discuss their grievances and indulge in their "little differences" with perfect freedom in the presence of a third, or a fourth, or even a fifth party.
Mr.Sheldon was wise enough to preserve a strict neutrality.

He would take up a newspaper at the beginning of a little difference, and lay it down when the little difference was finished, with the most perfect assumption of unconsciousness; but it is doubtful whether the matrimonial disputants were sufficiently appreciative of this good breeding.

They would have liked to have had Mr.Sheldon for a court of appeal; and a little interference from him would have given zest to their quarrels.

Meanwhile Philip watched them slyly from the covert of his newspaper, and formed his own conclusions about them.

If he was pleased to see that his false love's path was not entirely rose-bestrewn, or if he rejoiced at beholding the occasional annoyance of his rival, he allowed no evidence of his pleasure to appear in his face or manner.
Georgina Cradock's rather insipid prettiness had developed into matronly comeliness.