"I was a silly little prig," said she.

Then, not without a subtle hint of sarcasm, "But I suppose we all go through that period--some of us in childhood, others further along." Arthur smiled, with embarrassment.

So he had the reputation of being a prig.
Madelene was in the doorway.

"Father will be free--presently," said she.
"He has another patient with him.

If you don't care to wait, perhaps I can look after the cut.