"Yet, in his own way, he has been kind to us."
"Very much in his own way," said Grace, resentfully.
"I have a fancy about Mr. Sandford," Margaret said rather dreamily.
"You have generally nice fancies about most people, darling; tell your fancy to me."
"You will only laugh?"
"I swear not to laugh."
"You dislike him more than I do."
"I suppose I do, but do you know, Margaret, that since I am happier, I mean since I have had so much affection from my husband and not felt like a boat without oars or rudder, or whatever the thing is that steers it, I feel ever so much kinder about every body—even about him. I am quite convinced that if somebody left me a large fortune I should become a striking instance of overpowering amiability."
"It is a problem I never can solve. I often wonder whether trial or prosperity softens people best."
"It depends upon the material; nothing would hurt you; but for me, I am a sort of acid, and more acid makes me into an explosive."