"There, don't speak, and don't look like that.

That remark was worthy the usual artless maiden's invitation to a compliment, wasn't it?
Let us keep to the subject of yourself.

Why, with your political influence, don't you get yourself appointed to some diplomatic position over here ?" "There are none in our service.

You wouldn't want me to sink myself in some absurd social functions, which are called by that name, merely to become the envy and hatred of a few rich republicans, like your friends who haunt foreign courts ?" "That's not a pretty speech--but I suppose I invited THAT too.

Don't apologize.