There was a vague restlessness in her at this time that made her take refuge in the world of nature, where the mind can withdraw itself from itself for a time into a stronghold where misgiving and anxiety cannot corrupt, nor self break through and steal.

In these days she shut out self steadfastly, and fixed her eyes firmly on the future, as she herself had made it with her own hands.
She had grown very grave of late.

Dare's high spirits had the effect of depressing her more than she would allow, even to herself.

She liked him.

She told herself so every day, and it was a pleasure to her to see him so happy.