All the same--who _is_ the Countess ?" Neville didn't know much about her.
"Sam's such an ass," said his brother, "and it isn't all snobbery on my part." "The safest thing to do," said Neville bitterly, "is to let a man in love alone." "Right.

Foolish--damned foolish--but right! There is no greater ass than a wise one.

Those who don't know anything at all are the better asses--and the happier." And he went away down the stairs, muttering and gesticulating.
Mrs.Neville came to the door as he opened it to go out.

They talked in low voices for a few moments, then the doctor went out and Mrs.Neville called to Stephanie.
The girl came from the lighted drawing-room, and, together, the two women ascended the stairs.
Stephanie smiled and nodded to Neville, then continued on along the hall; but his mother stopped to speak to him.
"Go and sit with your father a little while," she said.

"And don't be impatient with him, dear.