That it is dull here for you, of course, is natural, but there is something more than that.

You seem always to fear something.

Your uncle is a selfish man, naturally, although to look at him he seems to have the disposition of an angel.
But beyond that, is there anything of which you are afraid?
You seem all the time to live in fear." She suddenly clutched his hand.

There was nothing of affection in her touch, and yet he felt a thrill of delight.
"There are strange things which happen here," she whispered, "things which neither Gerald nor I understand.

Yet they terrify us.