He knew by the silence that followed his words, and the slow, steady look she gave him, that she was not won nor on the way to the winning.
"My lord," she said at last, and with a courage which steadied her affrighted and perturbed innocence, "you are eloquent, you are fruitful of flattery, of those things which have, I doubt not, served you well in your day.

But, if you see your way to a better life, it were well you should choose one of nobler mould than I.I am not made for sacrifice, to play the missioner and snatch brands from the burning.

I have enough to do to keep my own feet in the ribbon-path of right.

You must look elsewhere for that guardian influence which is to make of you a paragon." "No, no," he answered sharply, "you think the game not worth the candle--you doubt me and what I can do for you; my sincerity, my power you doubt." "Indeed, yes, I doubt both," she answered gravely, "for you would have me believe that I have power to lead you.

With how small a mind you credit me! You think, too, that you sway this kingdom; but I know that you stand upon a cliff's edge, and that the earth is fraying 'neath your tread.