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Putnam’s Phrase Book
An Aid to Social Letter Writing and to Ready and Effective Conversation, with Over 100 Model Social Letters and 6000 of the World’s Best English Phrases
Compiled and Arranged by
G. P. Putnam’s Sons
New York and London
The Knickerbocker Press
1921
Copyright, 1919
BY
EDWIN HAMLIN CARR
Printed in the United States of America
FOREWORD
Since we talk in phrases as well as in words every home needs a phrase book as well as a dictionary.
This book has been prepared to meet that need, and contains a dictionary of six thousand choice phrases arranged synonymously for general use; many polite expressions, phrases of charm and courtesy, for use in letter writing; one hundred sample social letters, including instruction concerning the method of their preparation by the use of the dictionary of phrases; a guide to choice phrases for social letter writing; and finally, a handy index, very helpful, even though the phrases have been arranged in dictionary form.
I have made an effort to emphasize phrases of commendation, optimism, and courtesy. Also many for use in letter writing——especially phrases suitable for letters of condolence. There is perhaps no more difficult letter to write than one of condolence, hence a considerable number under this designation in order to assist in this necessary and yet most blessed task.
The primary purpose of this book is that it may serve as a synonymous phrase dictionary, yet I have so planned it that it can also be used as a social letter writer. The dictionary of phrases is to be used in letter writing in connection with the sample letters. In case the sample letters are not desirable, the instructions and guide, upon pp. 275-81 will show how to use the book when one desires to write his own social letters.
Some of the social letters were written by using the phrases in the dictionary section of the book; others were suggested by the perusal of the same.
The very fact that one keeps his eyes open for new expressions tends to make him more careful of his own phraseology, and to encourage the constant improvement of his own style either by the addition of old phrases, new to him, or by the coining of new ones.
Whenever and wherever I have found in any volume, magazine, newspaper, or in conversation, a usable phrase I have made note of it. This method has given me the material for the book. As far as possible I have endeavored to collect phrases which are the common speech of all, phrases which are not quotations, and are the property of all.
I am very greatly indebted to all I have heard and read, especially to the standard authors.
I have included and located a goodly number of phrases from Shakespeare and the Bible.
E. H. C.
CONTENTS
| PAGE | |
|---|---|
| I.—A Dictionary of Six Thousand Expressions and General Phrases for Use in Conversation, Social Letter Writing, and Public Speaking | 1 |
| II.—A Sample Letter Showing how this Book may be Used in Preparation of Social Letters | 275 |
| III.—A Guide to Phrases for Use in Preparing One’s Own Letters if the Sample Letters are not Satisfactory | 279 |
| IV.—One Hundred Social Letters | 283 |
| Of Condolence | 285 |
| Of Congratulation | 298 |
| Of Friendly Appreciation | 300 |
| With Gifts | 301 |
| Of Introduction | 301 |
| Of Invitation | 302 |
| Of Recommendation | 304 |
| Of Resignation | 305 |
| Of Thanks | 306 |
| Replies | 308 |
| V.—Index | 313 |
I
DICTIONARY OF 6000 EXPRESSIONS AND GENERAL PHRASES FOR USE IN CONVERSATION, SOCIAL LETTER WRITING, AND PUBLIC SPEAKING
ACTIVE
As full of fight as ever
Eager for the fray
Full of business
Teeming with life
Alive as never before
Working like mad
Full of high spirits
Up and doing
As lively as a thrush
Step lively
Quick in every part
Keenly alive to——
Ready in a trice
With a fine swinging step
With more than a languid interest
On a furious march with sealed orders
Nobody wants to be caught napping
No whit behind——
A project tinglingly alive
ADMONITION
The only wise course to follow
No intelligent man can afford to disregard the——
No pains should be spared to avert this eventuality
If this thing occurs the fat will be in the fire
There is food for abundant thinking in——
He had warning to set his house in order
He talked to him like a Dutch uncle
Keep a strong curb chain on
To some it will seem like the touch of a profane hand upon the ark of the Lord
The thought is one to sober all responsible men
Little foxes among the tender vines
It seems like going out of one’s way to face a hazard
Better alone than in bad company
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Hamlet, I., 3
AFFIRMATION
Unreservedly, unequivocally, and absolutely right
I feel called upon to asseverate that——
I shall prove to a demonstration that——
I shall not die happy unless I——
Of one thing there can be no doubt
I assert without fear of successful contradiction that——
I am living in the irresistible conviction that——
I am told by persons considering themselves sagacious in business that——
Nothing is more certified than that——
There is no vain assumption in saying that——
I lack words to express the full extent of my conviction that——
Let me say as strongly as I can that——
It is as certain as anything in human calculation can be made certain that——
The fact is irrefutable that——
The explicit dictum upon——
It has been avouched again and again that——
I would say so in the presence of an Apostle
They were making unusual asseverations
Few events are better attested than——
From that result there will be no dissent
I am confidently persuaded that——
It leads to the inevitable conclusion that——
I am absolutely sure that——
It may be safely asserted that——
Beyond question the——
I asseverate that——
I am bold to aver that——
I need not scruple to repeat my assertion
AGREEMENT
I am perfectly of that opinion
I quite agree with you
It fits exactly with my notions
I concur entirely with you
I am heartily of your opinion
It is agreed by the vast majority of students that——
We are all in agreement with the thought that——
My own reading sustains the same view
I give my word gladly
I thoroughly agree with you
I am most heartily in favor of——
The opinion is widely held that——
The tacit admission is made that——
Your plan is quite to my mind
AID
Ready to go to all lengths
I am trying to help him compose his difficulties
I am thankful to have been the means of——
With fine helpfulness
He would go through fire and water for——
A friend in need is a friend indeed
An awkward corner is turned by——
A positive service to——
He takes a solicitous interest in——
Leaving no stone unturned
The stars in their courses fought for——
Substantial benefits
A mission of mercy
A salutary restraint
A clear instance of a gracious Providence
He would have fared badly had it not been that——
An ardent champion in——
He took his stand squarely with——
He aligns himself with——
By full and hearty coöperation
A high allegiancy
In a charmingly cordial way
A very signal interposition of——
He did his best to fan the fires of——
The best that is in me is to——
ANXIETY
I shall be extremely distressed if——
It caused me a thousand apprehensions
A miserable victim of anxiety
I was quite apprehensive about——
It is like a nightmare for me to think of——
On the anxious seat
The paralysing fear of——
Foolishly apprehensive of the future
As frightened as a child in the dark
A cause for much anxiety
Harried by uncertainties
He betrays a most suspicious anxiety lest——
With unwarrantable concern
Robbed of tranquillity
A growing fear of consequences
It haunted me like a ghost
I am apprehensive that——
A perfect paroxysm of restlessness
I note with concern the tendency of——
APOLOGY
I should not have intruded on you at this hour
In an unguarded moment, I——
In an evil hour, I——
Owing to a foolish error, I——
In the exasperation of the moment——
It was purely a Pagan impulse
There was no intention to discriminate against——
I offer my humblest apologies
Your forgiveness for all these offences is very penitently and humbly invoked
He did not feel that he was committing an indiscretion when he——
I am hardly presentable for polite society
I am far from being as well informed as you suppose me to be——
Forgive me all my delinquencies
The horrible consciousness has just dawned upon me that——
I find my tongue is too foolhardy.
All’s Well that Ends Well, IX., 1
I did play a lamentable part.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona, IV., 4
If hearty sorrow be a sufficient ransom for offence, I tender’t here.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona, V., 4
APPRECIATIVE
With a beautiful sense of the fitting
A very delicate appreciation of——
It was perfectly charming to see how——
I shall be happy to recall the fact that we——
A nice sense of appreciation
The beautiful thing about it is——
With the inevitable grace that is French
Than this there is none other
He has a mind acutely responsive to——
He has a nice regard for——
You did it in the way that will count
It is a capital piece of work
That was splendid of you
It would do him a world of good
I am keenly interested in what you say
Thoroughly imbued with respect for——
I admire your foresight
I compliment you on your good sense
I have contracted a most religious veneration for——
Let us give him a hearty word of appreciation
Sensitive to every nicety of——
With a swift apprehension of——
I have a very high regard for your——
APPROBATION
I wish to give my hearty endorsement to——
It was a proposal which met with unanimous approbation
It is highly desirable
It is perfectly proper
It will promote instead of hinder
It is a wholesome and heartening conviction that——
It is a salutary and successful work
It was the conduct of splendid magnanimity
I felt I could leave it to your generous consideration
You have my unqualified approval
On that issue he is splendidly right
They cannot fail of producing the happiest effects
He was generous in his approbation
Unmixed approbation
This lends confirmation to——
ASTONISHING
It takes away one’s breath
A man can but rub his eyes in amazement when he sees that——
I was never so astonished
It is incredible that——
The thing fell like a thunder-clap
This is passing strange
Without having any previous inkling of——
The most amazing thing about it all is——
I was quite overcome
I was struck dumb by——
It completely surpasses my comprehension
What you tell me is simply astounding
Doubly striking
I flamed amazement.
The Tempest, I., 2
It was like a bombshell in our midst
Challenging even the stupid to consideration
AUDACIOUS
In unblushing impudence
Guilty of high-handed procedure
He was never accused of exaggerated modesty
In unctuous fashion
In a tone of virtuous superiority
A piece of ridiculous conceit
Nobody takes such precious advantage of it as he
An attempt to be smart
He had the nerve to——
It was a case of sheer audacity
He made peremptory demand that——
He is full of all kinds of sure prophecies
BEAUTIFUL
Beautiful to look at
The land of the beautiful
A potent charm
A perfect riot of color
The cult of the beautiful
Through an Eden of beauty
As beautiful as any poem
Winsome in appearance
With a certain fascination
Singularly attractive
Exquisitely dainty
Extremely prepossessing
The charm of the beautiful
Exquisitely shaped
BLUFF
He who threatens is afraid
I cannot abide swaggerers.
II. King Henry IV., II., 4
We consider him a huge joke
He has parted company with the facts
He makes unqualified assertions
Farcical pretensions
With a great assumption of dignity
A sham so thin that it requires but one test to puncture it
By smooth words he can gloze over the fact that——
Very far adrift for explanations of——
Where there is no wind every man is a pilot
It was rather tall talk upon my part
The worst wheel always creaks most
He is camouflaging
He is certainly not making a reputation for accuracy by some of his statements
Too affected to be real
It is not an explanation, it is only an excuse
Too transparently foolish to fool anybody
Adroit excuses
The whole proceeding was theatrical
He played up the bogey of——
He is not playing the game as a sport
CALM
I am very tranquil about it
I am not at all solicitous about it
He generally takes things with equanimity
He kept a calm exterior in emergencies
Magnificent reserve
You could scarcely observe any of the evidences of inward perturbation
With the utmost composure
With stoical calm
With remarkable equanimity
No harm can come from stating calmly the reasons that——
He wears an unruffled front
Without the flick of an eyelid
An air of quiet, unaffected assurance
CAUTIOUS
I am not going to leap in the dark
It must be handled with gloves
It is a work of eternal vigilance
Ordinary prudence would suggest that——
It is well within the bounds of conservative statement to say that——
We must keep a sharp lookout for——
That is the part of the sane caution
In spite of the most scrupulous precautions
Prudential regulations
Pull gently at a weak rope
He has infinite capacity for taking care
Haste onward with caution
Things done well, and with a care, exempt themselves from fear.
Henry VIII., I., 2
After adding the necessary salt of incredulity, it is to be concluded that——
It should receive careful consideration
It is worthy of attentive study
A conclusion not to be accepted without long deliberation
It is the part of rational protection for all concerned
We must wait for a propitious moment
On sober second thought, I——
We have to be as severe as justice
He seldom speaks without carefully considering what he is to say and the probable effects
He is prudence itself
The dictum must be taken with reserve
He took time for careful deliberation
He took every precaution to——
I have carefully inquired into——
The precaution necessary to insure safety
For prudential reasons
Without any undue haste
CLEAR
As clear as daylight
The issue was clearly drawn
It makes forever clear that——
Left with no misapprehensions
It is self-evident that——
An axiomatic truth
Give me ocular proof.
Othello, III., 3
The apparently inevitable conclusion is that——
It is a matter of the simplest demonstration that——
A lucid explanation
It is a vivid portrayal of——
The results are everywhere apparent
Plain to every eye
I have a very clear conviction that——
I am perfectly clear in my mind as to——
There is nothing ambiguous about it
As significant as raised letters to the blind
With admirable clarity of mind
Open, aboveboard, and explicit
That clears the air
I see it
That simplifies everything enormously
It needs no great play of imagination to see that——
The plain unvarnished fact is——
It can be demonstrated to a mathematical nicety that——
It requires no extraordinary perception to discern that——
It has become perfectly evident that——
A mere cursory examination will make it clear that——
It casts an informing light upon——
As simple and as matter-of-fact as a fever chart
COMMENDATION
(Shakespeare)
Second to none.
The Comedy of Errors, V., 1
There’s nothing ill can dwell in such a temple.
The Tempest, I., 2
A lovelier gentleman——the spacious world cannot again afford.
King Richard III., I., 2
He’s the rock, the oak not to be wind-shaken.
Coriolanus, V., 2
He reads much; he is a great observer, and he looks quite through the deeds of men.
Julius Cæsar, I., 2
Julius Cæsar, II., 1
This comes off well and excellent.
Timon of Athens, I., 1
That stirs good thoughts in my breast.
King John, II., 1
He should have a volume of farewells.
King Richard II., I., 4
My man’s as true as steel.
Romeo and Juliet, II., 4
A kinder gentleman treads not the earth.
The Merchant of Venice, II., 8
Ay, every inch a King.
King Lear, IV., 6
I remember him well, and I remember him worthy of thy praise.
The Merchant of Venice, I., 2
He has done nobly.
Coriolanus, II., 3
Happy the parents of so fair a child.
The Taming of the Shrew, IV., 5
The kindest man, the best-condition’d and unwearied spirit in doing courtesies.
The Merchant of Venice, III., 2
Sing again: mine ear is much enamour’d of thy note.
A Midsummer-Night’s Dream, III., 1
Her voice was ever soft, gentle, and low, an excellent thing in woman.
King Lear, V., 3
Your fair discourse hath been as sugar, making the hard way sweet and delectable.
King Richard II., II., 3
You know the very road into his kindness, and cannot lose your way.
Coriolanus, V., 1
Neat, trimly dressed, fresh as a bridegroom.
I. King Henry IV., I., 3
They say, best men are moulded out of faults.
Measure for Measure, V., 1
Not meanly proud of two such boys.
The Comedy of Errors, I., 1
Your worth is very dear in my regard.
The Merchant of Venice, I., 1
A countryman of yours that has done worthy service.
All’s Well that Ends Well, III., 5
I have heard of the lady, and good words went with her name.
Measure for Measure, III., 1
We lack’d your counsel and your help.
Othello, I., 3
Thy charge exactly is performed.
The Tempest, I., 2
Thy counsel’s sound.
The Taming of the Shrew, I., 1
He was a scholar, and a ripe and good one; exceeding wise, fair-spoken, and persuading.
King Henry VIII., IV., 2
The very thought of this fair company clapp’d wings to me.
King Henry VIII., I., 4
This was the noblest Roman of them all.
Julius Cæsar, V., 5
I do applaud thy spirit.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona, V., 4
Good phrases are surely, and ever were, very commendable.
II. King Henry IV., III., 2
Gallants, lads, boys, hearts of gold, all the titles of good fellowship.
I. King Henry IV., II., 4
Here is everything advantageous to life.
The Tempest, II., 1
It hath done meritorious service.
The Merry Wives of Windsor, IV., 2
Upon such sacrifices——the gods themselves throw incense.
King Lear, V., 3
A good heart’s worth gold.
II. King Henry IV., II., 4
My father’s honours live in me.
Titus Andronicus, I., 1
Never man sigh’d truer breath.
Coriolanus, IV., 5
O, this boy lends mettle to us all.
I. King Henry IV., V., 4
One of the prettiest touches of all.
The Winter’s Tale, V., 2
COMMENDATORY
(Of Persons)
He treated me very handsomely
When you speak to him you are sure of a civil reply
He is not swayed by any such considerations
He has a humor that keeps the vision true and the mind sweet
The whole record of his life was that of unselfish generosity
He is entirely free from all personal bitterness
He has a good word for every one
He is gifted with the power of expressing his knowledge
He has a very pleasing manner
I should have to think long if I were asked to name one who had done more valuable service
He strikes a splendid average
Everybody is proud of him
He was kindness itself
He has lovable qualities
He carries sunshine
He is free from ill-speaking
It was a pretty instance of——
The place has attractive features
High tribute has been generously paid to——
A very attractive girl
Decidedly handsome
I am wealthy in my friends.
Timon of Athens, II., 2
An exceptionally fine man
We regard him highly
A beautiful character
A genuine human being
One of the most agreeable men
A most attractive talker
A most agreeable companion
A man of high probity
A man of splendid merit
A most delightful personality
He deserves great praise
He played a worthy part
He is great fun
They all behaved very handsomely
I have great regard for him
He speaks in the highest terms of——
A feather in any man’s cap
It is to the credit of all concerned that——
It is a mark of public esteem when——
No one ever displayed a sweeter spirit
A fine example of self-forgetfulness
It comes from one whose praise is an honor
A strong as well as lovely character
One of the most amiable of men
He wins golden opinions
In the good graces of——
Very agreeable people
She is a very tender and indulgent mother
He is full of generous sympathies
He has a sunny temperament
He is quite an adroit flatterer
He seems to have an inexhaustible supply of affection
His modesty is worthy of wide imitation
He is brimming over with new ideas
He gives you a jolly shake of the hand
He has a wonderful gift of making friends
He has a circle of interesting friends
There is something very likable about him
He is truly regardful of the interests of others
He cultivates the amenities and civilities
He understands the art of making allowances
He would shun to break the bounds of courtesy
His polite best
He is above the meanness of tale-bearing
He spoke in language clear and expressive in the highest degree
He spoke with his accustomed felicity of language
It was a very neat and appropriate expression
He labored in a simple and straightforward manner to——
He possesses nerves that seem to be of iron
He is a perpetual surprise even to those who know him best
She is a charming person to set people at their ease
He is a noble character
She talked beautifully
He has a fine face full of vigor
He is very patient and very brave
We have beautiful neighbors
I never have seen you looking in better health
They form a delightful group
With him there is little seeking after effect
It is an evidence of good breeding
He possesses the rare faculty of——
She is without a shadow of affectation
He is incapable of hurting any one’s feelings
He possesses a masterly understanding of the subject
He is irresistibly funny
He is uncommonly quick
A man whose merit equals his reputation
He acquitted himself admirably
He possesses a good deal of homely dignity
He has the talent of dispensing pleasure
You have great reason to congratulate yourself on——
His name was never mentioned by us without the most tender regard
He has a character of sterling excellence
He is of consequence in the world
She is a model of propriety
There is an indefinable charm about her
He has an air of businesslike decisiveness
He is a facile talker
He is a plain frugal man
He is untinged by prejudice
He has a taste for polite conversation
He discharged his difficult task admirably
He was actuated by the most laudable motives
He never fumbles
He is always in such perfect good humor
He behaved very handsomely
He has calm good sense
He did it with good grace
He fitted his environment perfectly
You could not apply to any one better able than he
He made a most delightful impression
He is chock-full of fine sentiment
My heart warms towards him
He is a person whom I always recall with pleasure
His letters are full of heartiness
He has such a kindly and sympathetic spirit
No one ever displayed a sweeter spirit than he
He is every whit a man’s man
He has fine manners
He acted as one to the manor born
May his tribe increase
He impressed me prodigiously
He has the highest ideals of fine, clean, strong manhood
She is possessed with the most delicate intuitions
He possesses a certain suavity of manner
She is of exceptional personal beauty
He is above the average in point of conversation
He took the hugest pains to accommodate us
There is no more noble and beautiful character than she
There was something captivating in his manner
He was eloquent without being declamatory
You will go a long way before you find a better man
COMMENDATORY
(Of Things)
It is rather a fascinating theme
A message worthy of the widest attention
There is a certain quaint charm about the——
Free from fulsome adulation
A work replete with charm
It was a palpable hit
A favorable impression
Whole-hearted praise
Giving due meed of praise to——
Good to look upon
Beyond praise
Worthy of all praise
Isn’t it fine
I have nothing but praise for it
It was magnificent
Of great charm
Of superlative excellence
Exceptionally good
It is highly desirable
Truly admirable
Remarkably fine
A very handsome appearance
A masterly effort
Deserving high approval
In a very commendable manner
It is superb
I think it is charming
Without parallel
A neat stroke
It was a grand sight
A very rare trait
Most charming manners
Well worthy of a place in our remembrance
A most desirable outcome
Fitting words of felicitation
The loveliest and most endearing memories of life
Not the least interesting part of the——
Exquisitely dainty
In a truly elegant manner
The occasion went off beautifully
In a very handsome manner
With singular appropriateness
We shall take new pride in it
One of the most beautiful things that ever happened to us
A counsel of perfection
The never ending charm of——
A matter of surpassing interest
It has been well said that——
It is a high tribute to the——
A tribute of praise
Little short of perfect
A full meed of praise
In the most handsome terms
Handsome is that handsome does
Singularly attractive
It has the notable merit of——
It is uncommonly good
It is quite in keeping with the best traditions
It is the fashion to talk with pride of——
I think there is nothing more fascinating than——
We feel a special pride in——
It would be all the more delightful if——
It has novelty and is refreshing
It is perfectly justifiable
It is a magnificent achievement
I know no pleasanter fact than——
A rare combination of——
Beyond cavil and criticism
A fine example of——
A very signal example of——
On a fine scale
Beyond all imagination
Of exquisite taste
A most entertaining presentation of——
Surpassingly fine
It could not have been improved
The occasion was very propitious for——
An exquisite picture
It is worthy of a world of praise
It is worthy of high praise
It bears the stamp of excellence
A very promising beginning
A delight to all right-minded people
A work of unique value
The finest thought the human mind can cherish
A master-stroke of policy
A task of immense interest
Big with promise
A most excellent speculation
It is the ideal method of solving the problem
An asset of incomparable value
With new and increased capacities
A very pretty problem in——
An experiment of absorbing interest
In the most fetching style
It has much to commend it to the sober judgment of thinking men
COMMENT
A not unfair inference is——
The clear upshot of it all is——
It remains to be seen whether——
I feel confident that——
In any event
There is a phase of the discussion going on which says——
I candidly think that——
I notice a very widespread tendency to——
I am never carried to any great lengths of reflection by——
It is a matter of common knowledge that——
My idea of it is quite the reverse
One thing struck my unskilled eye
At first sight it seems——
It is altogether probable that——
Have you considered that possibly the——
And it is worth remembering that——
All competent evidence points to the fact that——
It is highly probable that——
I am more than convinced every day that——
This is the short and the long of it.
The Merry Wives of Windsor, II., 2
And thus the whirligig of time brings in his revenges.
Twelfth Night, V., 1
It seems reasonably certain that——
A reasonable inference is that——
I feel myself scarcely competent to judge
COMPLIMENT
It was so charming of you to——
As handsome as a picture
I am perfectly fascinated by that idea of yours
It is so kind of you to——
Well done, accept congratulations
That is certainly ideal
A very creditable performance
I think you have summed it up perfectly
It is surpassingly fine
Whom to have known was a great pleasure
I fancy you are of a good temperament for
Here is diplomacy of the highest order
Your views are most satisfactory
Cheerful company shortens the miles
Cold hand, a warm heart
How nicely you put that
Those friends of yours are delightful people
Permit me to compliment you
He is able to extract comfort out of hard experiences
You are looking as lovely as usual
I always thought the hour struck sooner in your home than anywhere else
You have a very helpful suggestion
I greatly like what you say about——
I offer my congratulations on your taste
I am not given to making compliments, but I would like to say that——
CONCEITED
The one and only man who knows what to do and how to do it
Hypnotized by his own visions
A self-satisfied, confident attitude
He has an overweening opinion of himself
He had the hardihood to assert that——
Conscious of his own worth
A complacent indifference to evidence
He who tickles himself laughs when he likes
Complacently egotistical
With pedantic exactitude
It irked him to be in second place
A touch of the will to survive on the ruin of others
He is inflexible in any resolution formed in his own interest
He takes zealous care of a fancied dignity
They also plumed themselves on the——
He has a well-developed case of self-importance
The incarnation of self-importance
Opinionated self-esteem
Overweening self-love
Of narrow-minded complacency
A certain haughty inaccessibility
With overbearing arrogance
With pride of singularity
He has a very high opinion of himself
Naturally self-contained
His vanity was delicately tickled
He is captivated by a sense of his own importance
She came in with insufferable condescension
With a sort of bravado
In a very supercilious manner
With a surly grunt of recognition
A few curt remarks
All the grist must be ground through his mill
He proceeded with the greatest gusto to——
With sulky acquiescence
Reticent and self-contained
An affected civility