Other things being equal, I shall decline the scheme for your sake, Lady Maggie." There was a curious quivering at the corners of her mouth and a lump in her throat.

She was absolutely incapable of speech.

His grave and reasonable words seemed to fill her with a sense of importance.

Her little efforts and schemes seemed puny, almost laughable.
"So you see," he continued, after a moment's pause, "that you have done your work.

You have done it very effectually.