Such people stimulated, taken in small doses, but neither on her husband's account nor on her daughter's did Cecilia desire that they should come to her in swarms.
Her attitude of mind towards them was, in fact, similar-a sort of pleasurable dread-to that in which she purchased the Westminster Gazette to feel the pulse of social progress.
Mrs.Tallents Smallpeace's dark little eyes twinkled.
"I hear that Mr.Stone--that is your father's name, I think--is writing a book which will create quite a sensation when it comes out." Cecilia bit her lips.

"I hope it never will come out," she was on the point of saying.
"What will it be called ?" asked Mrs.Tallents Smallpeace.

"I gather that it's a book of Universal Brotherhood.

That's so nice!" Cecilia made a movement of annoyance.

"Who told you ?" "Ah!" said Mrs.Tallents Smallpeace, "I do think your sister gets such attractive people at her At Homes.