Yet I did not hurry to his relief, I was still possessed by a vague feeling of offense.

I reflected that any mother would be, and I quite plumed myself upon my annoyance.

It was so satisfactory, when one had a daughter, to know the sensations of even any mother.

Nor was it soothing to remember that the young man's whole attitude towards Cecily had been based upon criticism of me, even though he sat before me whipped with his own lash.

His temerity had been stupid and obstinate; I could not regret his punishment.
I kept him waiting long enough to think all this, and then I replied, 'I have not the least means of knowing.' I can not say what he expected, but he squared his shoulders as if he had received a blow and might receive another.