"It seems a vast human sea, in which I could easily lose myself, and be neither missed nor found."
"Have you studied mythology at all? Or was your pastor-guardian afraid of paganizing you? Did you ever hear of Argus?"
"Yes, sir, I understand you."
"He was merely a dim prophecy of our police system; and when adventurous girls grow rebellious and essay to lose themselves a hundred Arguses are watching them. You seem to like my library?"
"It is the most beautiful room I have ever seen."
"Wait until you examine the triumph of upholstering skill and genius which Mrs. Palma calls her parlours."
"I saw all the pretty things downstairs, but nothing will compare with this lovely place." She glanced around with undisguised admiration.
"Pretty things! Objets de luxe! Oh, ye gods of fashionable bric-à-brac! verily 'out of the mouths of babes,' etc., etc. Be very careful to suppress your heretical and treasonable preference in the presence of Mrs. Palma, who avoids this pet library of mine as if it were a magnified Pandora's box. Regina, I have reason to apprehend that you and she declared war at sight."
"I know she does not like me."
"And you fully reciprocate the prejudice?"