He was, she reflected, almost rudely like a tortoise; and she was glad her friend kept none as pets or they might have suspected mockery.

Curious how Love destroys every vestige of that politeness which the human race, in its years of evolution, has so painfully acquired.

The education bestowed on Flora Poste by her parents had been expensive, athletic and prolonged; and when they died within a few weeks of one another during the annual epidemic of the influenza or Spanish Plague which occurred in her twentieth year, she was discovered to possess every art and grace save that of earning her own living.

Surely she had endured enough for one evening without having to listen to intelligent conversation?

Well,' said Mrs Smiling, 'it sounds an appalling place, but in a different way from all the others. I mean, it does sound interesting and appalling, while the others just sound appalling.

A straight nose is a great help if one wishes to look serious'.

Like all really strong-minded women, on whom everybody flops, she adored being bossed about. It was so restful.