Without the slightest ceremony, the countess-dowager pushed herself foremost and advanced to the head of the table.
"I shall occupy this seat in my nephew's absence," said she.

"Dr.Ashton, will you be so good as to take the foot?
There's no one else." "Nay, madam; though Lord Hartledon may not be here, Mr.Elster is." She had actually forgotten Val; and would have liked to ignore him now that he was recalled to remembrance; but that might not be.

As much contempt as could be expressed in her face was there, as she turned her snub nose and small round eyes defiantly upon that unoffending younger brother.
"I was going to request you to take it, sir," said Percival, in low tones, to Dr.Ashton.

"I shall go off in the pony-carriage for Edward.
He must think we are neglecting him." "Very well.

I hate these rowing matches," heartily added the Rector.
"What a curious old fish that parson must be!" ejaculated young Carteret to his next neighbour.