Here was opposition sounding again. Cecilia mentally reproached Dr.
Shrapnel for it.
'Indeed, Nevil, really, must not—may I not ask you this?—must not every one feel the evil spell of some associations? And Dante and Dr. Shrapnel!'
'You don't know him, Cecilia.'
'I saw him yesterday.'
'You thought him too tall?'
'I thought of his character.'
'How angry I should be with you if you were not so beautiful!'
'I am immensely indebted to my unconscious advocate.'
'You are clad in steel; you flash back; you won't answer me out of the heart. I 'm convinced it is pure wilfulness that makes you oppose me.'
'I fancy you must be convinced because you cannot imagine women to have any share of public spirit, Nevil.'