He was leaning against the mantel-shelf, feeling very much overcome by the responsibility of his new happiness.
'Oh, mamma, how lovely!' cried Violetta.

'How perfectly beautiful!' 'A star-amethyst!' said the barrister in a tone of surprise.
'Is it a star-amethyst indeed ?' said the dean, looking over the shoulders of the group with his double eye-glass.

'I am not aware that I ever saw one before; they are a very rare and beautiful sort of gem.' 'Where did you get it, sister Matilda ?' asked the maiden aunt.
Now, although Mrs.Moore was in a most gracious humour, she never liked being asked questions at any time.

'I am surprised that you should ask me that, Eliza.

I have had it for many years.' 'But you must have got it somewhere at the beginning of the years,' persisted Eliza, who was of a more lively disposition.
Mrs.Moore gave her a severe glance for the frivolous tone of her answer.