He was a man of but few words.
Women who were sprightly found him somewhat unresponsive.

In fact, he was aware that a man in his position need not exert himself.

The women themselves would talk.

They wanted to talk because they wanted him to hear them.
Mrs.Ralph talked.
"She is the most primeval person I know.

She accepts her fate without a trace of resentment; she simply accepts it." "What is her fate ?" asked Lord Walderhurst, still gazing in his unbiassed manner through his monocle, and not turning his head as he spoke.
"It is her fate to be a woman who is perfectly well born, and who is as penniless as a charwoman, and works like one.