It was impossible to talk.

It couldn't be done.

He had nothing left for it but to stir his tea round, and round, and round, and ruminate on all the fascinations of the locksmith's lovely daughter.
Gabriel was dull too.

It was a part of the certain uncertainty of Mrs Varden's temper, that when they were in this condition, she should be gay and sprightly.
'I need have a cheerful disposition, I am sure,' said the smiling housewife, 'to preserve any spirits at all; and how I do it I can scarcely tell.' 'Ah, mim,' sighed Miggs, 'begging your pardon for the interruption, there an't a many like you.' 'Take away, Miggs,' said Mrs Varden, rising, 'take away, pray.

I know I'm a restraint here, and as I wish everybody to enjoy themselves as they best can, I feel I had better go.' 'No, no, Martha,' cried the locksmith.