And he had taken it all well, doing his despotism pleasantly, exacting much, but exacting nothing that was disagreeable.

And he had been amusing always, as Alice thought without any effort.

But men and women, when they show themselves at their best, seldom do so without an effort.
If the object be near the heart the effort will be pleasant to him who makes it, and if it be made well, it will be hidden; but, not the less, will the effort be there.

George Vavasor had on the present occasion done his very best to please his cousin.
They were sitting at Basle one evening in the balcony of the big hotel which overlooks the Rhine.

The balcony runs the length of the house, and is open to all the company; but it is spacious, and little parties can be formed there with perfect privacy.