As it is, he looks unutterable things, and holds his tongue.

Ah! if I could only have held _my_ tongue--when I was in the diplomatic service, you know--what a position I might have occupied by this time! Don't let me interrupt you, Moody, if you have anything to say to Lady Lydiard." Having acknowledged Mr.Sweetsir's lively greeting by a formal bow, and a grave look of wonder which respectfully repelled that vivacious gentleman's flow of humor, Moody turned towards his mistress.
"Have you got the bank-note ?" asked her Ladyship.
Moody laid the bank-note on the table.
"Am I in the way ?" inquired Felix.
"No," said his aunt.

"I have a letter to write; it won't occupy me for more than a few minutes.

You can stay here, or go and look at the Hobbema, which you please." Felix made a second sauntering attempt to reach the picture-gallery.
Arrived within a few steps of the entrance, he stopped again, attracted by an open cabinet of Italian workmanship, filled with rare old china.
Being nothing if not a cultivated amateur, Mr.Sweetsir paused to pay his passing tribute of admiration before the contents of the cabinet.
"Charming! charming!" he said to himself, with his head twisted appreciatively a little on one side.

Lady Lydiard and Moody left him in undisturbed enjoyment of the china, and went on with the business of the bank-note.
"Ought we to take the number of the note, in case of accident ?" asked her Ladyship.
Moody produced a slip of paper from his waistcoat pocket.