He was thinking that, as he would have said himself; and indeed he might safely leave it to the memory of any interlocutor, especially of one to whom he was offering his hand.

Isabel had prayed that she might not be agitated, and her mind was tranquil enough, even while she listened and asked herself what it was best she should say, to indulge in this incidental criticism.

What she should say, had she asked herself?
Her foremost wish was to say something if possible not less kind than what he had said to her.

His words had carried perfect conviction with them; she felt she did, all so mysteriously, matter to him.

"I thank you more than I can say for your offer," she returned at last.