Sir Peter adjusted his eyeglass, and peeped under the parasol.
"I must speak to Burbage about tea," added Phyllis. "Just keep half an eye—"
"Both eyes, my dear," said Sir Peter. With his foot he drew the perambulator a little nearer to him.
John looked up from his writing.
"Give me a synonym for 'austerity,'" he commanded.
"'Sternness,'" suggested Phyllis.
"'Severity,'" said Sir Peter.
"'Severity' introduces a rhyme, which won't do at all; 'sternness' doesn't convey asceticism, as 'austerity' does. Give me others."
"'Gravity,'" said Phyllis. "Or seriousness.'"
"'Asperity,'" suggested Sir Peter.