She could not conceive how it could affect her position, for instance.

She had developed these discoveries to the Assistant Commissioner with all the serene fearlessness of an old woman who had escaped the blight of indifference.
He had made for himself the rule to receive everything of that sort in a silence which he took care from policy and inclination not to make offensive.

He had an affection for the aged disciple of Michaelis, a complex sentiment depending a little on her prestige, on her personality, but most of all on the instinct of flattered gratitude.

He felt himself really liked in her house.

She was kindness personified.