I have already intimated that Clarence's reserve was at times qualified by singular directness.
A few steps carried them out of hearing; a few more, and they seemed alone in the world.

The long adobe wall glanced away emptily beside them, and was lost; the black shadows of the knotted pear-trees were beneath their feet.

They began to walk with the slight affectation of treading the shadows as if they were patterns on a carpet.

Clarence was voiceless, and yet he seemed to be moving beside a spirit that must be first addressed.
But it was flesh and blood nevertheless.
"I interrupted you in something you were saying when I left the office," she said quietly.
"I was speaking of Susy," returned Clarence eagerly; "and"-- "Then you needn't go on," interrupted Mrs.Peyton quickly.

"I understand you, and believe you.