"Tell me about the people here," I said. "They are all strangers to me."
"But I would much rather talk about you."
"That does not interest me; you said I was selfish, so you do what I wish."
"What can I tell you of them? They are like all companies—dull and amusing, mixed. They are a fair specimen of most people one meets in the monde où l'on s'amuse. My cousin Lady Grenellen is perhaps the most interesting among them, as she had the most histories."
"Histories?"
"Yes; her career has been one of riding for a series of falls, and escaping even a peck."
"She is very lovely."
"Oh yes, Cordelia is good-looking enough," he said, as though there was considerably more to add.
I did not continue the subject further. We talked of books, the war, and various other things, and by-and-by our hostess called to us from the higher level of the old drawbridge where she was sitting.
"We must be descending for some tea," she said, and started on with her politician.