If; for instance, he had been some 'impossible' Nonconformist Radical! This Mr.Courtier was a free lance--rather a well-known man, an interesting creature.

She must see that he felt 'at home' and comfortable.

If he were pumped judiciously, no doubt one could find out about this woman.
Moreover, the acceptance of their 'salt' would silence him politically if she knew anything of that type of man, who always had something in him of the Arab's creed.

Her mind, that of a capable administrator, took in all the practical significance of this incident, which, although untoward, was not without its comic side to one disposed to find zest and humour in everything that did not absolutely run counter to her interests and philosophy.
The voice of little Ann broke in on her reflections.
"I'm going to Auntie Babs now." "Very well; give me a kiss first." Little Ann thrust up her face, so that its sudden little nose penetrated Lady Valleys' soft curving lips....
When early that same afternoon Courtier, leaning on a stick, passed from his room out on to the terrace, he was confronted by three sunlit peacocks marching slowly across a lawn towards a statue of Diana.

With incredible dignity those birds moved, as if never in their lives had they been hurried.