I too have something in me. It is true, as Clara says, that nobody
is anything particular to anybody, but that to me is rather pleasant.
I do not want too much of profound and eternal attachments. They are
rather a burden. They involve profound and eternal attachment on my
part; and I have always to be at my best; such watchfulness and such
jealousy! I prefer a dressing-gown and slippers and bonds which are
not so tight.'

'Madge, Madge, I wish you would sometimes save me the trouble of
laboriously striving to discover what you really mean.'

Mrs Hopgood bethought herself that her daughters were talking too
much to one another, as they often did, even when guests were
present, and she therefore interrupted them.

'Mr Palmer, you see both town and country--which do you prefer?'

'Oh! I hardly know; the country in summer-time, perhaps, and town in
the winter.'

This was a safe answer, and one which was not very original; that is
to say, it expressed no very distinct belief; but there was one valid
reason why he liked being in London in the winter.

'Your father, I remember, loves music. I suppose you inherit his
taste, and it is impossible to hear good music in the country.'

'I am very fond of music. Have you heard "St Paul?" I was at
Birmingham when it was first performed in this country. Oh! it IS
lovely,' and he began humming 'Be thou faithful unto death.'