But whatever her opinion on this point might remain, her reserve soon melted before John Saltram's clever talk and kindly conciliating manner.

He laid himself out to please on this occasion, and it was very rarely he did that without succeeding.
"I want you to think of me as a kind of brother, Miss Nowell," he said in the course of their talk.

"Gilbert and I have been something like brothers for the last twelve years of our lives, and it would be a hard thing, for one of us at least, if our friendship should ever be lessened.
You shall find me discretion itself by-and-by, and you shall see that I can respect Gilbert's altered position; but I shouldn't like to lose him, and I don't think you look capable of setting your face against your husband's old friend." Marian blushed a little at this, remembering that only an hour or two ago she had been thinking that this friendship was a perilous one for Gilbert, and that it would be well if John Saltram's influence over him could be lessened somehow in the future.
"I don't believe I should ever have the power to diminish Gilbert's regard for you, Mr.Saltram, even were I inclined to do so," she said.
"O yes, you would; your power over him will be illimitable, depend upon it.

But now I have seen you, I think you will only use it wisely." Marian shook her head, laughing gaily.
"I am much more fitted to be ruled than to rule, Mr.Saltram," she said.
"I am utterly inexperienced in the world, you know, and Mr.Fenton is my superior in every way." "Your superior in years, I know, but in what else ?" "In everything else.

In intellect and judgment, as well as in knowledge of the world.