Now, however, as Claudius turned his flashing blue eyes to hers, she understood that she had allowed the conversation to go far enough, and she marvelled that on the very day when she was trying to be most unapproachable he should have said more to show what was next his heart than ever before.

She did not know enough of exceptional natures like his to be aware that a touch of the curb is the very thing to rouse the fierce blood.

True, he spoke generally, and even argumentatively, and his deep voice was calm enough, but there was a curious light in his eyes that dazzled her even in the mid-day sun, and she looked away.
"I am not sure I agree with you," she said, "but you put it very clearly.

Shall we go on reading ?" Claudius was some time in finding his place in the open book, and then went on.

Again he misunderstood her, for though he could not remember saying anything he regretted, he fancied she had brought the conversation to a somewhat abrupt close.