This was the craft of La Fleur, who frequently made it a point to call upon the good lady for advice or consultation, and who was most apt to do this at times when her interview with Mrs.Drane would leave Ralph and Cicely together.

It was wonderful how skilfully this accomplished culinary artist planned some of these situations.
Ralph was surprised to find that he could so well bear the absence of his sister.

He would not have believed it had he been told it in advance.

He considered it a great piece of luck that Miriam should be able to go to the seashore, but it was also wonderful luck that Miss Drane should happen to be here while Miriam was away.

Had both gone, he would have had a doleful time of it.