Up-stairs Brodrick faced his family where it sat in judgment upon Jane.
"What does she complain of?" said John.
"Interruption," said Hugh. "She says she never has any time to herself, with people constantly running in and out."
"She doesn't mind," said Sophy, "how much time she gives to the Protheros and the rest of them. Nina Lempriere's with her now. She's been here three solid hours. As for George Tanqueray——"
John shook his head.
"That's what I don't like, Hugh, Tanqueray's hanging about the house at all hours of the day and night. However you look at it, it's a most undesirable thing."
"Oh—Tanqueray," said Brodrick, "he's all right."
"He's anything but all right," said Henry. "A fellow who notoriously neglects his wife."
"Well," said Brodrick, "I don't neglect mine."
"If you give her her head," said Henry.