"Otto, really I'm not used to this language!"
"Oh, yes, Granny, I know all that official bombast about India! But we can't all be governor-general or colonial minister. If I ever become that, I shall begin to worship India at once."
"You're upset because Frances is ill."
"Ill? Ill? It takes a woman to be ill. She's not even that. She's a reed. If you blow upon her, she breaks."
"She was a delicate little thing as a girl, Otto."
"Well, but look here, Granny: I can't turn her into a robust little thing, can I?"
"For shame, Otto! Don't be so bitter. You've got two darling little children."
"Yes, children; I wish I hadn't. I'm sorry for the poor little devils.... Is the show beginning now? Tableaux-vivants, arranged by dear old Louise.... A play without words by Frans and Henri.... Stale things, these wedding-parties, always. I thought ours insufferable."
"My dear Otto, you're in an intolerable humour."
"I'm always like that now, Granny."