The early mist had vanished and the fields lay like a silver shield under the sun. It was one of the days when the glitter of winter shines through a pale haze of spring.

Life has a way of overgrowing its achievements as well as its ruins.

Yes, you have been away a very long time.' 'Oh, centuries and centuries; so long,' she said, 'that I'm sure I'm dead and buried and this dear old place is heaven.

She threw back her head with a laugh that made her chins ripple like little waves.

Every house is a mad-house at some time or another.

She was not accustomed to taste the joys of solitude except in company.

Mrs. Ballinger is one of the ladies who pursue Culture in bands, as though it were dangerous to meet it alone.