But I'm sure you would make a thundering mess of it." Doria made a little gesture--a bit of a shrug--a bit of a resigned flicker of her hands.
"Of course, do as you please, dear Jaffery.

I'm quite alone, a woman with nobody to turn to"-- she smiled with her lips, but there was no coordination of her eyes--"as I said before, I pass the proofs." She went quickly through the drawing-room door into the house, leaving Jaffery still scratching a red whisker.
"Oh, Lord!" said he, ruefully, "I've gone and done it now!" He turned to follow her, but Barbara interposed her small body on the threshold.
"Don't be a silly fool, Jaff.

You've pandered quite enough to her morbid vanity.

It's your book, isn't it?
You have given it birth.

You know better than anybody what is vital to it.