He is what you may call an old bachelor, and lives with his sisters--or, rather, they live with him." "That does not sound very cheerful, mother.

An old gentleman with two old ladies alone in the house can't make much fun." "He is not an old gentleman, Ralph," Mrs.Conway said almost angrily.
"I told you we were young people together.

Still it may not be very lively for you, but you must put up with that.

He evidently means to be very kind to you, and it will be of great advantage to you going down to stay with him." "But what are you going to do with yourself, mother, all alone here?
I think he might have asked you as well as me." "I shall do very well, Ralph.

I have plenty of friends here." "Where does Mr.Penfold live, mother ?" "Down in Dorsetshire.