they

In the gallery there were many family portraits, but they could have little to fix the attention of a stranger.

She stood several minutes before the picture, in earnest contemplation, and returned to it again before they quitted the gallery.

Gardiner, highly amused by the kind of family prejudice, to which he attributed her excessive commendation of her master, soon led again to the subject; and she dwelt with energy on his many merits, as they proceeded together up the great staircase.

“This fine account of him,” whispered her aunt as they walked, “is not quite consistent with his behaviour to our poor friend.”