There was a momentary pause.
"Of course," Mr.Barker was saying to Miss Skeat, with a fascinating smile, "I have the greatest admiration for Scotch heroism.

John Grahame of Claver-house.

Who can read Macaulay's account--" "Ah," interrupted the old gentlewoman, "if you knew how I feel about these odious calumnies!" "I quite understand that," said Barker sympathetically.

He had discovered Miss Skeat's especial enthusiasm.
Margaret turned again to the Doctor.
"And may I ask, without indiscretion, what the one dream may be that you have refused to relegate among the vanities ?" "Woman," answered Claudius, and was silent.
The Countess thought the Doctor spoke ironically, and she laughed aloud, half amused and half annoyed.

"I am in earnest," said Claudius, plucking a blade of grass and twisting it round his finger.
"Truly ?" asked she.
"Foi de gentilhomme!" he answered.
"But Mr.Barker told me you lived like a hermit." "That is the reason it has been a dream," said he.
"You have not told me what the dream was like.