She tried to be genial to her guest's accomplishment; but she felt that if Mr.Majendie's talents were let loose in her drawing-room, it would cease to be the place of intellectual culture.

On the other hand she perceived that Miss Proctor's idea was to empty that drawing-room by securing Mr.Majendie for her own.
Mrs.Eliott remained uncomfortably seated on her dilemma.
Sounds of laughter reached her from below.

The men were unusually late in returning to the drawing-room.

They appeared a little flushed by the hilarious festival, as if Majendie had had on them an effect of mild intoxication.

She could see that even Dr.Gardner was demoralised.