Had I ever seen the criminal?
Was it sheer cruelty, or diabolical revenge that produced this overthrow?
He surveyed me, for a considerable time, and listened to my interrogations in silence.

At length he spoke: "Clara, I have known thee by report, and in some degree by observation.

Thou art a being of no vulgar sort.

Thy friends have hitherto treated thee as a child.

They meant well, but, perhaps, they were unacquainted with thy strength.