exchanged looks, and laughed together. - George Gissing

Oftener than not, she still thought of Peak as he appeared some eleven years ago — an evident plebeian, without manners, without a redeeming grace.

A womanly occupation means, practically, an occupation that a man disdains.

"She walked, too, with an air of liberty which marked her spiritual progress. Women glanced at her and looked away with a toss of the head — or its more polite equivalent. Men observed her with a smile of interest; "A fine girl," was their comment, or something to that effect."