But the elder and stronger felt her nerves growing weak in her when she heard the other's voice.

Perhaps courageous people recognize courage and conviction in others more easily than cowards can.

Matilde hesitated.
"Call him!" repeated Veronica, in a tone of command.

"I insist upon it.
He shall hear what I have to say." "I will call him, that he may see for himself that you are quite mad," answered Matilde.

"That is," she added, "if he is well enough to come here from his room." And she moved slowly towards the door.
"If I am alive, he is well enough to hear me speak," said the young girl.
Matilde stopped, turned, and faced her a moment, as though about to speak angrily.