We're wretched slaves, most of us.' It was the first sentence Alma had spoken in a tone that Rolfe recognised.

For a moment her face lost its placid smile, and Harvey hoped that she would say more to the same purpose; but she was silent.
'I'm sure,' remarked Mrs.Frothingham, with feeling, 'that most happiness is found in simple homes.' 'Can we be simple by wishing it ?' asked Alma.

'Don't you think we have to be born to simplicity ?' 'I'm not sure that I know what you mean by the word,' said Harvey.
'I'm not sure that I know myself.

Mamma meant poverty, I think.

But there may be a simple life without poverty, I should say.