She believes in action; whereas, you know, he does not." "We all believe in action nowadays," said Wratislaw.

"I could wish at times for the revival of 'leisureliness' as a party catch-word." And then there ensued a passage of light arms between the great man and Bertha which did not soothe Alice's vexation.

She ignored the amiable George, seeing in him another of the half-hearted, and in a fine heat of virtue devoted herself to Mr.Stocks.That gentleman had been melancholy, but the favour of Miss Wishart made him relax his heavy brows and become communicative.

He was flattered by her interest.

She heard his reminiscences with a smile and his judgments with attention.
Soon the whole table talked merrily, and two people alone were aware that breaches yawned under the unanimity.
Archness was not in Alice's nature, and still less was coquetry.