So I flushed up, and for the first time tears came into my eyes; for he had prophesied failure, and I could not bear that, and I might have said words in my sudden irritation for which I should have been sorry afterwards, only Lesbia, who had sat behind me all this time, as silent and soft-breathed as a mouse, got up quickly and took my hand and stood by me.
'I think you have all said plenty of hard things to Ursula, and no one has been kind to her.

I think she deserves praise and not all this blame; if she cannot lead the comfortable life we do, thinking how we are to get the most pleasure and enjoy ourselves, it is because she is better than we are, and thinks more about her duty.

Mrs.Garston,--I do not mean to be rude, I am far too fond of you all, because you have all been so good to me,'-- and here Lesbia's while throat swelled,--'but I cannot bear to hear Ursula so blamed.

Mr.Cunliffe, I know you agree with me, you said so many nice things when Ursula was out of the room.' This little burst of eloquence surprised us all.

Uncle Max said afterwards that he was quite touched by it.