Still, he could not explain this to Charnock; he was not a moralizer or clever at argument.
Then half-consciously he fixed his eyes on the portrait which he had often studied when the talk flagged.

The girl was young, but there was something in the poise of her head that have her an air of distinction.
Festing did not know if distinction was quite what he meant, but could not think of a better term.

She looked at one with steady eyes; her gaze was frank and fearless, as if she had confidence in herself.

Yet it was not an aggressive confidence, but rather a calm that sprang from pride--the right kind of pride.

In a way, he knew nothing about her, but he was sure she would disdain anything that was shabby and mean.