She had never seen a person of Mercy's temperament.

The clear, decided, incisive manner commanded her respect, while the sunny gayety won her liking.

Stephen had gentle, placid sweetness and much love of the beautiful; but his love of the beautiful was an indolent, and one might almost say a-haughty, demand in his nature.

Mercy's was a bounding and delighted acceptance.

She was cheery: he was only placid.