She could see that nothing would be more bootless than thrusting traditions upon people who would not know what to do with them.
But something about Ann encouraged one to believe she could fit into a background prepared for her.

And if she could--would--! The prospect lured--excited.

It was as inexplicably intoxicating as a grimace at the preacher--a wink at the professor.

It seemed to be saucily tweaking the ear of that insufferably solemn Things-as-They-Are goddess.
There was in her eyes the light of battle when Nora finally came to tell her that Miss Forrest was awake.
But it changed to another light at sight of the girl sitting up in bed so bewilderedly, turning upon her eyes which seemed to say--"And what are you going to do with me now ?" Fighting down the lump in her throat Katie seized briskly upon that look of inquiry.

"What she needs now," she decided, "is not tears, but a high hand." "Next thing on the program," she began, buoyantly raising the shades and throwing the windows wide, "is air.