"So many people thought of a pair of silver vases."
"Or a little travelling-clock, Lady Rossiter."
"A good many voted for a small paper-knife, as being individual, like," said Cooper.
"Charming," warmly said Lady Rossiter, appearing to address all her three vis-à-vis at once.
The discussion continued at a similar rate of progress for the remainder of the afternoon.
Edna began to feel considerably taxed at the inordinate extent to which she was required to "give out," in her own favourite phrase. There were limits to the life-giving forces that could be radiated for the benefit of three discursive and unbusinesslike fellow-creatures on a cold afternoon in winter. True to her principles, she reflected, with a humorousness that remained strictly tender, that she must definitely take the responsibility for which they all appeared so inadequate onto her own shoulders.
She prepared to intimate her decision by a leading question.
"And about the actual presentation? Perhaps it would prevent little jealousies, little follies of that sort—after all, human nature is human nature—if it were presented by someone not quite of the College personnel? Of course, in the name of you all, by someone who would be able to make a little speech. Oh, nothing formal, of course, only a few words, but one wants those to be the right words! I don't know if——"
She paused.
"It was proposed," said Cooper—"and I may add carried unanimously—that the presentation and a few words of good wishes from us all——"