"Some one must!" Mrs. Mountstuart groaned over her dull dinner-party.
Lady Busshe consoled her. "At any rate, the loss of a scholar is no loss to the county."
"They are well enough in towns," Lady Culmer said.
"And then I am sure you must have them by themselves."
"We have nothing to regret."
"My opinion."
The voice of Dr. Middleton in colloquy with Mr. Dale swelled on a melodious thunder: "For whom else should I plead as the passionate advocate I proclaimed myself to you, sir? There is but one man known to me who would move me to back him upon such an adventure. Willoughby, join me. I am informing Mr. Dale . . ."
Willoughby stretched his hands out to Mr. Dale to support him on his legs, though he had shown no sign of a wish to rise.
"You are feeling unwell, Mr. Dale."
"Do I look very ill, Sir Willoughby?"