I'm thinking it out, making my plans.' In the pleasant little drawing-room, by the fireside (for it was now October and chilly), Harvey and Alma had long, long conversations.
Occasionally they said things that surprised each other and led to explanations, debates, but harmony was never broken.

Rolfe came away ever more enslaved; more impressed by the girl's sweet reasonableness, and exalted by her glowing idealism.

Through amorous mists he still endeavoured to discern the real Alma; he reflected ceaselessly upon her character; yet, much as she often perplexed him, he never saw reason to suspect her of disingenuousness.

At times she might appear to excite herself unduly, to fall into excess of zeal; it meant, no doubt, that the imaginative fervour she had been wont to expend on music was turned in a new quarter.

Alma remained herself--impulsive, ardent, enthusiastic, whether yearning for public triumphs, or eager to lead a revolution in domestic life.