'You mean before you developed your new fancy for prying into matters which are no concern of yours; and, in consequence, discovering mountains where there are not even molehills.'
'I have heard it stated that, when it comes to the sticking-point, a woman has more courage than a man; but I never dreamed, Douglas, to learn that it was true of you.'
'Fools, my dear Edith, step in where angels fear to tread.'
It appeared to dawn on her more quickly than it did on him that they were beginning to talk to each other in a way which wasn't exactly dignified in the presence of a stranger. Her voice and manner both changed as she came farther into the room, holding Jimmy with one hand, and Pollie with the other.
'Come, Douglas, let's play the game. You've often said it to me; now it seems as if it were my turn to say it to you.'
'You see, Edith, it depends on what is your idea of what you call the game. Unfortunately it sometimes happens that the feminine idea is a peculiar one.'
'My idea, on the present occasion, is to be frank, honest, and above-board; to use another phrase of yours, to face the music.'
'I'm afraid the music you want to face comes from a very funny sort of band.'
'Douglas, let's stop chopping phrases, you and I. Let me introduce you to some one instead.'
'Introduce me? What do you mean?'