"I never saw such a crowd of pinchers in my life." "Thank you, Harold," Miranda replied politely.

She was aware that he was advising her, but the nature of the advice did not reach her mind.

She was staring steadily in front of her.
Dennis Brown and Harold Jupp looked at one another in alarm.

They knew well that sibylline look on the face of Miranda Brown.

She was awaiting the moment of inspiration.