"P'raps this sound funny ter you.

I've 'eard old women at the Salvos' meetings talk like this, tellin' of the wonderful things they found out w'en they got converted." Clara had listened in silence, with an intent, curious expression on her face.

Jonah's words were like balm to her pride, lacerated three years ago by her broken engagement.

And she listened, immensely pleased and a little afraid, like a mischievous child that has set fire to the curtains.

Jonah's face was turned to her, and as she looked at him her curiosity was changed to awe at the sight of passion on fire.
She thought of the crazy fiddler's words, and felt in herself an infinite sadness, for she knew that Jonah would never gain his heart's desire.
"I've 'ad my say," he continued, "an' now I'll talk sense.