C. Degradation of meaning

1. Beresford did not die. He had taken less of the poison than his wife.

2. "I really feel I've been terribly silly," she said.

3. Moira moved rapidly away. Bobby sprang up to follow her, but Frankie pushed him firmly back... "Stay there, idiot, leave this to me".

4. Possibly you are paying too much attention to local gossip. Local gossip is very unreliable. I have heard the wildest stories.

5. She looked sad and thoughtful.

6. You know, Lady Frances, there are some queer customers going about.

7. Many of them were seedy, even doubtful characters.