No, I'm very quiet; I've always believed in your wisdom," she went on, boasting of her quietness, yet speaking with a kind of contained exaltation.

It was her passionate desire to be just; it touched Ralph to the heart, affected him like a caress from a creature he had injured.

He wished to interrupt, to reassure her; for a moment he was absurdly inconsistent; he would have retracted what he had said.

But she gave him no chance; she went on, having caught a glimpse, as she thought, of the heroic line and desiring to advance in that direction.

"I see you've some special idea; I should like very much to hear it.