They were never seen otherwise than together; in this way passing their
lives, apparently perfectly content.
Inspired by some dumb stirring within them of the feelings of gentlemen,
they turned at this painful moment to Mrs. MacAnder, and said in
precisely the same voice: "Have you seen the...?"
Such was her surprise at being thus addressed that she put down her
fork; and Smither, who was passing, promptly removed her plate. Mrs.
MacAnder, however, with presence of mind, said instantly: "I must have a
little more of that nice mutton."
But afterwards in the drawing--room she sat down by Mrs. Small,
determined to get to the bottom of the matter. And she began:
"What a charming woman, Mrs. Soames; such a sympathetic temperament!
Soames is a really lucky man!"
Her anxiety for information had not made sufficient allowance for that
inner Forsyte skin which refuses to share its troubles with outsiders.
Mrs. Septimus Small, drawing herself up with a creak and rustle of her
whole person, said, shivering in her dignity:
"My dear, it is a subject we do not talk about!"