He made such an effort to speak that his voice sounded like a harsh trumpet.
Lucina forgot her pretty little speech.

"I wanted to say that I was sorry if I offended you," she said, faintly.
Jerome had no idea what she meant; he could, indeed, scarcely take in, until later, thinking of them, the sense of her words.

He tried to speak, but made only an inarticulate jumble of sounds.
"I hope you will pardon me," said Lucina.
Jerome fairly gasped.

He bowed again, stiffly.
Lucina said no more.

She rode on to join her father.