By the way, I'm sure you know everything, Mrs Ottley, tell me, did people ever wear only one boot at a time, do you think, or how did this expression originate ?' 'I wonder.' Something in his suave manner of taking everything for granted seemed to make them know each other almost too quickly, and gave her an odd sort of self-consciousness.

She turned to Captain Willis on her other side.
'I say,' he said querulously, 'isn't this a bit off?
We've got the same coloured ribbons and you haven't said a word to me yet! Rather rot, isn't it, what ?' 'Oh, haven't I?
I will now.' Captain Willis lowered his voice to a confidential tone and said: 'Do you know, what I always say is--live and let live and let it go at that; what ?' 'That's a dark saying,' said Edith.
'Have a burnt almond,' said Captain Willis inconsequently, as though it would help her to understand.

'Yes, Mrs Ottley, that's what I always say....

But people won't, you know--they won't--and there it is.' He seemed resigned.

'Good chap, Mitchell, isn't he?
Musical chairs, I believe--that's what we're to play this evening; or bridge, whichever we like.