But the mere necessity of the case must not become our law.
It won't do for a great people to say, 'Make room for us, and we promise to set you a fine example of civilisation; refuse to make room, and we'll blow your brains out!' One doubts the quality of the civilisation promised." Irene laughed, delighted with the vigour underlying the old lady's calm and gentle habit of speech.

Yet she was not convinced, though she wished to be.

A good many times she had heard in thought the suavely virile utterances of Arnold Jacks; his voice had something that pleased her, and his way of looking at things touched her imagination.

She wished these ladies knew Arnold Jacks, that she might ask their opinion of him.
And yet, she felt she would rather not have asked it..