What a charming woman is your relative, Lady Glencowrer! I remember well what you said to me the other evening." "Do you ?" said Alice.
"And I quite agree with you that confidential intercourse regarding dear friends should not be lightly made." "Certainly not," said Alice.
"But there are occasions, Miss Vavasor; there are occasions when the ordinary laws by which we govern our social conduct must be made somewhat elastic." "I don't think this one of them, Mr Bott." "Is it not?
Just listen to me for one moment, Miss Vavasor.

Our friend, Mr Palliser, I am proud to say, relies much upon my humble friendship.

Our first connection has, of course, been political; but it has extended beyond that, and has become pleasantly social;--I may say, very pleasantly social." "What a taste Mr Palliser must have!" Alice thought to herself.
"But I need not tell you that Lady Glencowrer is--very young; we may say, very young indeed." "Mr Bott, I will not talk to you about Lady Glencora Palliser." This Alice said in a determined voice, and with all the power of resistance at her command.

She frowned too, and looked savagely at Mr Bott.

But he was a man of considerable courage, and knew how to bear such opposition without flinching.
"When I tell you, Miss Vavasor, that I speak solely with a view to her domestic happiness!" "I don't think that she wishes to have any such guardian of her happiness." "But if he wishes it, Miss Vavasor! Now I have the means of knowing that he has the greatest reliance on your judgement." Hereupon Alice got up with the intention of leaving the room, but she was met at the door by Mrs Conway Sparkes.
"Are you running from your breakfast, Miss Vavasor ?" said she.
"No, Mrs Sparkes; I am running from Mr Bott," said Alice, who was almost beside herself with anger.
"Mr Bott, what is this ?" said Mrs Sparkes.