A man is apt to know when he has power over a woman; and, although he may have no expectation of it, nor wish to use it, yet, as time goes on and accustoms him to the idea, he must have strong principles or cold blood who does not finally yield to temptation.

Plain speaking, where pleasant things are said, is smelling poisonous flowers for both parties.
A steady fall of rain set in during the night, and made the morning of departure gray.

Blurred clouds rested helplessly on the backs of the hills, and wept themselves into the wet valley without seeming to grow less lugubrious for the indulgence.

There was no wind; trees and plants stood up and were soaked in passive resignation.

The weather-beaten boards of the barn were drenched black, except a small place right under the eaves, which looked as if it had been painted a light gray.