Marlene, who privately described the meeting as a "train-wreck", nevertheless expresses her pride for Leslie with a smile.

Tory would-be rebels privately described the development as 'dynamite.'

Some Democrats privately described Mr. Rowland's move as an astute political maneuver.

Even some of Mr. Bush's closest supporters among foreign policy experts were privately describing the administration's approach as inconsistent and poorly articulated.

One Government official privately described the official results as "nonsensical numbers."

He privately described the subprime loan mavericks of the 1990s as 'crooks'.

Dalton privately described his own reaction as "tepid".

The judge, William W. Simons, heard lawyers privately describe the terms of the settlement just before a trial was to begin.

Kennedy himself privately described its main provisions, to ensure equal access to public accommodations, as not at all "tough."

The proposal is virtually identical to what Federal officials have been describing privately since last week.