Mrs. Palmer had her own definition of "falling in love" as well as what is funny, or "droll"

Such as:
[Mrs. Palmer]"but you have made it so charming! Only look, sister, how delightful everything is! How I should like such a house for myself! Should not you, Mr. Palmer?"

Mr. Palmer made her no answer, and did not even raise his eyes from the newspaper.

"Mr. Palmer does not hear me," said she, laughing, "he never does, sometimes. It is so ridiculous!"