It had happened more than once that when hit hard, deservedly, he had received the blow with touching gentleness.
On the other hand, he had often resented the softest taps.

The secondary effect of Rowland's present admonition seemed reassuring.

"I beg you to wait," he said, "to forgive that shabby speech, and to let me reflect." And he walked up and down awhile, reflecting.

At last he stopped, with a look in his face that Rowland had not seen all winter.

It was a strikingly beautiful look.
"How strange it is," he said, "that the simplest devices are the last that occur to one!" And he broke into a light laugh.