That is to say, the vices of Mr.Norman were the virtues of Mr.Presty; and the vices of Mr.Presty were the virtues of Mr.Norman.
Returning to the sitting-room after bidding Kitty goodnight, Mrs.Linley discovered the old lady asleep, and saw that the book on her mother's lap was sliding off.

Before she could check the downward movement, the book fell on the floor, and Mrs.Presty woke.
"Oh, mamma, I am so sorry! I was just too late to catch it." "It doesn't matter, my dear.

I daresay I should go to sleep again, if I went on with my novel." "Is it really as dull as that ?" "Dull ?" Mrs.Presty repeated.

"You are evidently not aware of what the new school of novel writing is doing.

The new school provides the public with soothing fiction." "Are you speaking seriously, mamma ?" "Seriously, Catherine--and gratefully.