The sole means she found of reviving the flagging discourse was by asking them if they would all stay to tea; and a cruel struggle it cost her to perform this piece of civility. Mrs. Sykes had begun, "We are much obliged to you, but----" when in came Fanny once more.
"The gentlemen will stay the evening, ma'am," was the message she brought from Mr. Helstone.

The sole means she found of reviving the flagging discourse was by asking them if they would stay to tea. Mrs. Sykes had begun, "We are much obliged to you, but-" when in came Fanny.
"The gentlemen will stay the evening, ma'am," was the message she brought.
