Everything was plain, but equally obviously everything was expensive, and the general impression given was that the owner had no desire to be surrounded by things he did not want, but insisted on the superlative quality of the things he did.

The rugs, for instance, happened to be of silk, the bookcase happened to be Hepplewhite, the piano bore the most eminent of makers' names.

There were three mezzotints on the walls, a dragon's-blood vase on the high, carved chimney-piece; the whole bore the unmistakable stamp of a fine, individual taste.
"But there's something else I want to talk to you about, Francis," said Michael, as presently afterwards they sat over their tea.

"I can't say that I exactly want your advice, but I should like your opinion.

I've done something, in fact, without asking anybody, but now that it's done I should like to know what you think about it." Francis laughed.
"That's you all over, Michael," he said.