"If so, I warn you that you will never convince me of that, argue as you may." "No one is ever convinced by argument," said John.

"But stern facts sometimes command even a woman's attention." "When backed by such powers of persuasion as yours, perhaps." She faced him with sparkling eyes.

Lady Mary was timid and gentle by nature, but Peter's mother knew no fear.

Yet she realized that if John Crewys were moved to put forth his full powers, he might be a difficult man to oppose.

She met his glance, and observed that he perfectly understood the spirit which animated her, and that it was not opposition that shone from his bright hazel eyes, as he regarded her steadily through his pince-nez.
"I am going to deal with a hard fact, which your husband is afraid to tell you," said John, "because, in his tenderness for your womanly weakness, he underrates, as I venture to think, your womanly courage.
Sir Timothy wants you to be with him here to-morrow because he has to--to fight an unequal battle--" "With the Crown ?" "With Death." "What do you mean ?" said Lady Mary.
"He has been silently combating a mortal disease for many months past," said John, "and to-morrow morning the issue is to be decided.
Every day, every hour of delay, increases the danger.