Perhaps for the first time in her life Stephen understood that it may be necessary to apply to individuals a standard of criticism unsuitable to self-judgment.

Her recognition might have been summed up in the thought which ran through her mind: 'One must be a little lenient with a man one loves!' Stephen, when once she had allowed the spirit of toleration to work within her, felt immediately its calming influence.

It was with brighter thoughts and better humour that she went on with her task.

A task only, it seemed now; a means to an end which she desired.
'Leonard, tell me seriously, why do you think I gave you the trouble of coming out here ?' 'Upon my soul, Stephen, I don't know.' 'You don't seem to care either, lolling like that when I am serious!' The words were acid, but the tone was soft and friendly, familiar and genuine, putting quite a meaning of its own on them.

Leonard looked at her indolently: 'I like to loll.' 'But can't you even guess, or try to guess, what I ask you ?' 'I can't guess.