When, as in this instance, he broke forth impulsively, there was a corresponding gleam in his fine eyes and a nervous tension in all his frame.

His voice had an extraordinary power of conveying scornful passion; at such moments he seemed to reveal a profound and strong nature.
"I am very slightly acquainted with Mr.Mallard," Miriam answered, with the cold austerity which was the counterpart in her of Reuben's fiery impulsiveness, "but I understand that he is considered trustworthy and honourable by people of like character." Elgar rose from his chair, and in doing so all but flung it down.
"Trustworthy and honourable! Why, so is many a greengrocer.

How the artist would be flattered to hear this estimate of his personality! The honourable Mallard! I must tell him that." "You will not dare to repeat words from my lips!" exclaimed Miriam, sternly.

"You have sunk lower even than I thought." "What limit, then, did you put to my debasement?
In what direction had I still a scrap of trustworthiness and honour left ?" "Tell me that yourself, instead of talking to no purpose in this frenzied way.

Why do you come here, if you only wish to renew our old differences ?" "You were the first to do so." "Can I pretend to be friendly with you, Reuben?
What word of penitence have you spoken?
In what have you amended yourself?
Is not every other sentence you speak a defence of yourself and scorn upon me ?" "And what right have you to judge me?
Of course I defend myself, and as scornfully as you like, when I am despised and condemned by one who knows as little of me as the first stranger I pass on the road.