And is it not the part of a wise woman--" "Again, Doctor, let me beg of you to spare me." she said, lifting her hands, and turning her face partly away.

"I only half comprehend you, and am hurt and disturbed by your well-meant suggestions.

I am not a wise woman, in your sense of the word, and cannot take your admonitions to heart.

Let us talk of something else." And she changed the subject, as well as her whole manner and expression of countenance, with a promptness that surprised me; showing the existence of will and self-control that in a right direction would have given her large power for good.
It was the first and last time I ventured to speak with her so freely.
Always afterwards, when we met, there was an impression of uneasiness on her part, as if she had an unpleasant remembrance, or feared that I would venture upon some disagreeable theme..