"What I have to say can be said in a very few seconds.

First, with regard to Gracie; the child is so upset that I think any further punishment would make her downright ill." "Pooh, my dear Mrs.Denys!" said the Reverend Stephen.
Avery paused a moment.

"Will you try to listen to me with an open mind ?" she said.
"I am listening," said Mr.Lorimer.
"I know she was naughty this morning," Avery continued.

"I am not trying to defend her behaviour.

But her punishment was a very severe one, and it has so terrified her that at present she can think of nothing else.