The General had insisted on engaging his own servants, much to the disgust of the Dowager, who had several _proteges_ of her own practically engaged.

When the General had outwitted Lady Drummond on this occasion by a flank movement, he was very gleeful in his confidential moments alone with Nelly.
"She wanted to put in her spies and satellites, did she, Nelly, my girl?
Pretty stories of us they'd have carried to her Ladyship.

The only womanly thing your aunt has, my girl, is an invincible curiosity.

She'd like to know what we had for lunch and dinner, who came to see us, and what clothes we wore.

I'm glad you wouldn't have that mantua-maker of hers.