Nor was the bolt ever drawn, save at certain hours of the morning and night.

Sophie was not an ogre, either.

Cornelia, who was very trying at times, would have found it hard to recall an occasion when Sophie had answered or addressed her sharply or crossly.

If she exerted any influence, or wielded any power, it was not of the kind which attends a violent or morose temper.

But no vixen or shrew, how terrible soever she may be, can hope at all times or from all people to meet with respect or consideration; while to Sophie Valeyon the world always put on its best face and manner, secretly wondering at itself the while for being so well-behaved.
As to the affair of knocking, Sophie herself had never said a word about it, one way or another.