"He, I should think, can be very imperious."
"And so can she. The Pallisers are all obstinate."
"Is Silverbridge obstinate?" she asked.
"Stiff-necked as a bull if he takes it into his head to be so."
"I shouldn't have thought it."
"No;—because he is so soft in his manner, and often finds it easier to be led by others than to direct himself."
Then she remained silent for a few seconds. They were both thinking of the same thing, and both wishing to speak of it. But the words came to her first. "I wonder what he thinks of me." Whereupon Tregear only smiled. "I suppose he has spoken to you about me?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Why!"
"And why should I tell you? Suppose he should have said to me in the confidence of friendship that he thinks you ugly and stupid."