Physically speaking he proceeded to change it; he straightened himself, then leaned forward, resting a hand on each knee.

He fixed his eyes on the ground; he had an air of the most respectful deliberation.
"I'll tell you in a moment what I mean," he presently said.

He felt agitated, intensely eager; now that he had opened the discussion he wished to discharge his mind.

But he wished also to be superlatively gentle.
Isabel waited a little--then she went on with majesty.

"In everything that makes one care for people Mr.Osmond is pre-eminent.