American girls were used to a great deal of deference, and it had been intimated that this one had a high spirit.

Indeed Ralph could see that in her face.
"Won't you come and make acquaintance with my father ?" he nevertheless ventured to ask.

"He's old and infirm--he doesn't leave his chair." "Ah, poor man, I'm very sorry!" the girl exclaimed, immediately moving forward.

"I got the impression from your mother that he was rather intensely active." Ralph Touchett was silent a moment.

"She hasn't seen him for a year." "Well, he has a lovely place to sit.