The moment prompted her utterance, and words came without reflection.

It was a noble speech, and nobly delivered; the voice was uncertain at times, but it betrayed no weakness of resolve, no dread of what might follow.

The last sentences were spoken with a dignity which rebuked rather than supplicated.

Dagworthy's head bowed as he listened.
He came nearer.
'Do you think me,' he asked, under his breath, 'a mere ignorant lout, who has to be shamed before he knows what's manly and what isn't?
Do you think because I'm a manufacturer, and the son of one, that I've no thought or feeling above my trade?
I know as well as you can tell me, though you speak with words I couldn't command, that I'm doing a mean and a vile thing--there; hear me say it, Emily Hood.

But it's not a cruel thing.