She was not usually impulsive and seldom lightly bestowed gifts that were worth the having, and the man knew that the faith in him she had confessed to was the result of a conviction that would last until he himself shattered it.
Then, in the midst of his elation, he shivered again and drew the lash across the near horse's back.

The wonder and delight he felt had suddenly gone.
"Few would venture to predict as much.

Now and then I feel that our deeds are scarcely contrived by our own will, and one could fancy our parts had been thrust upon us in a grim joke," he said.

"For instance, isn't it strange that I should have a share in the rousing of Silverdale to a sense of its responsibilities?
Lord, what I could make of it, if fate had but given me a fair opportunity!" He spoke almost fiercely, but the words did not displease the girl.
The forceful ring in his voice set something thrilling within her, and she knew by this time that his assertions seldom went beyond the fact.
"But you will have the opportunity, and we need you here," she said.
"No," said Winston slowly.

"I am afraid not.