To persuade herself that, because he was an exceptional sort
of person, his plain way of talking to her was justifiable, was to
establish a secret understanding between him and herself, which placed
her at a disadvantage to begin with; and unreservedly to accept
compliments, even ingenuous ones, was to indulge in a luxury that must
ultimately render callous her moral sensitiveness and refinement.
On the other hand, her toleration would be almost certain to have a bad
effect upon Bressant, no matter how sincere and well-meaning he might be
at the outset. A man is apt to know when he has power over a woman; and,
although he may have no expectation of it, nor wish to use it, yet, as
time goes on and accustoms him to the idea, he must have strong
principles or cold blood who does not finally yield to temptation. Plain
speaking, where pleasant things are said, is smelling poisonous flowers
for both parties.
A steady fall of rain set in during the night, and made the morning of
departure gray. Blurred clouds rested helplessly on the backs of the
hills, and wept themselves into the wet valley without seeming to grow
less lugubrious for the indulgence. There was no wind; trees and plants
stood up and were soaked in passive resignation.
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