She had had certain ways of expression that told him that her statements on the subject came from a deep conviction.

Moreover, on her side, was his belief that her ethical motive in the argument was impregnable.
At last, however, he had made firm rebellion against this yellow light thrown upon the color of his ambitions.

The newspapers, the gossip of the village, his own picturings had aroused him to an uncheckable degree.

They were in truth fighting finely down there.

Almost every day the newspapers printed accounts of a decisive victory.
One night, as he lay in bed, the winds had carried to him the clangoring of the church bell as some enthusiast jerked the rope frantically to tell the twisted news of a great battle.