I notice you take a little wine.

You probably would not care to explain why." "I take it because I like it." "And I don't take it because I like it." Claudia had a feeling that she was being snubbed, and her impression was confirmed when Stafford, a moment afterward, turned to Kate Bernard, who sat on his left hand, and was soon deep in reminiscences of old visits to the Manor, with which Kate contrived to intermingle a little flattery that Stafford recognized only to ignore.

They had known one another well in earlier days, and Kate was immensely pleased at finding her playfellow both famous and not forgetful.
Eugene looked on from his seat at the foot of the table with silent wonder.

Here was a man who might and indeed ought to talk to Claudia, and yet was devoting himself to Kate.
"I suppose it's on the same principle that he takes water instead of champagne," he thought; but the situation amused him, and he darted at Claudia a look that conveyed to that young lady the urgent idea that she was, as boys say, "dared" to make Father Stafford talk to her.

This was quite enough.