side-play

It did not require a Nelson eye to discover a suppressed excitement under her high spirits or to detect the side-play that was taking place between her and the apparently stolid Englishman at her right.

The Honorable Percival Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice 1906

It transpires later that the officer has had a little tiff with another girl to whom he was engaged, and his attentions were merely side-play.

Three Hats A Farcical Comedy in Three Acts Arthur Shirley 1889

For example, such scenes as allowed the representation of evil spirits or devils were made to serve for all sorts of coarse, grotesque, and burlesque side-play, and the little figures which represented these powers were made to do all kinds of ridiculous capers side by side with such serious subjects as the Last Judgment or the death scenes of eminent men.

A History of Art for Beginners and Students Painting, Sculpture, Architecture Clara Erskine Clement Waters 1875

The whole story is centered on the murder and the trial; from the first chapter the movement is straight ahead without divergence or side-play to the murder and the trial; everything that is done or said or that happens is a preparation for those events.

Mark Twain's Letters — Volume 4 (1886-1900) Mark Twain 1872

The whole story is centered on the murder and the trial; from the first chapter the movement is straight ahead without divergence or side-play to the murder and the trial; everything that is done or said or that happens is a preparation for those events.

Complete Letters of Mark Twain Mark Twain 1872

Charming comic side-play, at the expense of Mr. Parsley, she mingled with exceeding devoutness, and a serious attention to Mr. Parsley's discourse.

Evan Harrington — Complete George Meredith 1868

Charming comic side-play, at the expense of Mr. Parsley, she mingled with exceeding devoutness, and a serious attention to Mr. Parsley's discourse.

Evan Harrington — Volume 3 George Meredith 1868

Charming comic side-play, at the expense of Mr. Parsley, she mingled with exceeding devoutness, and a serious attention to Mr. Parsley's discourse.

Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith George Meredith 1868

Therefore, he gave but careless heed to his game, and keen glances to Lottie's side-play.

From Jest to Earnest Edward Payson Roe 1863

a side-play to Pardo, although it probably took his time and attention even more than the law, which was his profession.

Modern Spanish Lyrics 1899