gauge quotes

In every city there is a group of middle-aged and elderly women who in fact run it. The extent to which they are formally organised is no gauge of their real power. The way in which they respond to danger is that gauge; and from the frankness with which they express their intentions can be measured the extent of the danger.

- Doris May ne  e Tayler Lessing
  A Proper Marriage, pt.3, ch.1.