John reflected that he had witnessed a phase of Mrs.Goddard's character of which he had been very far from suspecting the existence.

He had not hitherto imagined her to be a woman of quick temper or sharp speech.

His idea of her was formed chiefly upon her appearance.

Her sad face, with its pathetic expression, suggested a melancholy humour delighting in subdued and tranquil thoughts, inclined naturally to the romantic view, or to what in the eyes of youths of twenty appears to be the romantic view of life.

He had suddenly found her answering him with a sharpness which, while it roused his wits, startled his sensibilities.