The pleasanter associations which belonged to them, and which reminded her of homely kindness that had soothed her in pain, and self-denying affection that had consoled her in sorrow, were the associations instinctively dwelt on by her heart to the exclusion of all others.
To Mrs.Blyth's great astonishment, Zack, for full ten minutes, required no keeping in order whatever while the rest were playing at cards.

It was the most marvelous of human phenomena, but there he certainly was, standing quietly by the fireplace with the drawing in his hand, actually thinking! Mrs.Blyth's amazement at this unexampled change in his manner so completely overcame her, that she fairly laid down her book to look at him.

He noticed the action, and approached the couch directly.
"That's right," he said; "don't read any more.

I want to have a serious consultation with you." First a visit from Mrs.Peckover, then a serious consultation with Zack.
This is a night of wonders!--thought Mrs.Blyth.
"I've made it all right with Madonna," Zack continued.

"She don't think a bit the worse of me because I went on like a fool about the muffins at tea-time.