Those who have this temperament of strength encased in gentleness are invariably misunderstood.

When they assert themselves, though they are in the particular instance wholly right, they are regarded as wholly and outrageously wrong.

Life deals hardly with them, punishes them for the mistaken notion of themselves they have through forbearance and gentleness of heart permitted an unobservant world to form.
Susan spent the afternoon on the balcony before her window, reading and sewing--or, rather, dreaming over first a book, then a dress.

When she entered the dining-room at supper time the others were already seated.

She saw instantly that something had occurred--something ominous for her.