Nelly had thrilled to a speech of Robin's: "One cannot despise the art of dancing for a man when a fellow like that thinks it worth his while to excel in it." One night, when the guests had departed, Mrs.Rooke had something to tell her husband.
"That little wretch, Nelly Drummond!" she said.

"I thought she was as innocent and candid as a child.

Would you believe it that all the time she has been engaged to that gawky cousin of hers ?" "My dear Belinda, all what time ?" "Well, for a lawyer, Cyprian----" "I know I'm obtuse, but the law doesn't favour deductions.

All what time ?" "Why, all the time poor Godfrey's been falling head over ears in love with her." Mr.Rooke whistled.

He was fond of his wife's brother.
"Are you sure, Bel?
I noticed particularly that he was dancing with the wallflowers to-night.