“By the time the shade had reached the river, Augustus would have mellowed with the evening and be ready for some intelligent conversation, which usually involved talking to himself.”
“Usually we hate things or people with which we have some emotional involvement.”
“Surely she had endured enough for one evening without having to listen to intelligent conversation?”
“In that way the long-awaited visit, for which both had prepared questions and had even anticipated answers, was once more the usual everyday conversation.”
“Talking to oneself, I have often thought, is the best way to be sure of intelligent and witty conversation.”
“I don't know if you have noticed this, but it is quite possible for two human beings to have a conversation in which one or both parties involved has absolutely no idea what they're talking about.”