I loved the description of a room crowded, even without people! Can't you just see the overabundance of furnishings. Galsworthy has done such a great job sketching the background for us along the way, including the color of the decor, etc. "The only standing room was occupied by the cat, on whom old Jolyon promptly stepped." What is it with Jolyon and cats, LOL!

I have been making note of how the transmission of gossip, and withholding of gossip, occurs amongst the various members and generations of the Forsytes. For example, "everyone looked secretly at the others, to see how they had taken the mention of the word 'drive'--the word which had become famous..." So you know it's an open secret. No one seems to want to talk about it in a general family setting, but "everyone" knows enough to give significant looks to one another. And old Jolyon is encouraging everyone to mind their own business, while Mrs. Small makes one of her trademark gaffes! LOL!