But she was slow witted.

She had no sarcastic rejoinder ready and if she had it was doubtful if she would have uttered it.

Lavinia Fenton, the soul of sweetness and amiability, could show resolute fight when roused.

Miss Armitage turned away with a disdainful toss of her head.
The others knew this too, for they ceased to irritate Lavinia and continued their talk among themselves.

All the same, the principal topic was Lavinia Fenton.