For here they sat in state, and, when the waiters were in the room, exchanged a few remarks.

But Zara did notice that her husband never once looked at her with any directness, and he seemed coldly indifferent to anything she said.
"We shall have to stay here for the whole, boring week," he announced when at last coffee was on the table and they were alone.

"There are certain obligations one's position obliges one to conform to.

You understand, I expect.

I will try to make the time as easy to bear for you as I can.