"I never said she was pretty, did I?
The first time I saw her, I thought she was uncommonly plain; but afterwards I saw that I had done her injustice.

I don't think, however, she would usually be thought pretty." Mrs.White was much gratified by his careless tone and manner; so much so that she went farther than she had intended, and said in an off-hand way, "I'm real sorry, Steve, you thought I didn't treat her well yesterday.

I didn't mean to be rude, but you know it always does vex me to see a woman's head turned by a man's taking a little notice of her; and I know very well, Stephy, that women like you.

It wouldn't take much to make Mrs.
Philbrick fancy you were in love with her." Stephen also was gratified by his mother's apparent softening of mood, and instinctively met her more than half way, replying,-- "I didn't mean to say that you were rude to her, mother; only you showed so plainly that you didn't want them to stay.

Perhaps she didn't notice it, only thought you were tired.