For it makes every difference how a face is carried.
The conversation between Charlton and Miss Marlay had not gone far in the matter of Katy and Smith Westcott until Albert found that her instincts had set more against the man than even his convictions.

A woman like Isabel Marlay is never so fine as in her indignation, and there never was any indignation finer than Isa Marlay's when she spoke of the sacrifice of such a girl as Katy to such a man as Westcott.

In his admiration of her thorough-going earnestness, Albert forgave her devotion to domestic pursuits and the arts of dress and ornamentation.

He found sailing with her earnestness much pleasanter than he had found rowing against it on the occasion of his battle about the clergy.
"What can I do, Miss Marlay ?" Albert did not ask her what she could do.
A self-reliant man at his time of life always asks first what he himself can do.
"I can not think of anything that anybody can do, with any hope of success." Isa's good sense penetrated entirely through the subject, she saw all the difficulties, she had not imagination or sentiment enough to delude her practical faculty with false lights.
"Can not _you_ do something ?" asked Charlton, almost begging.
"I have tried everything.

I have spoken to your mother.