"I do not mean to flatter. Although in some respects you puzzle me,
I am very clear and positive as to my feeling of gratitude. While
my aunt feels kindly toward me, she is formal. It seemed to me when
I came out of the cold of the wintry night I found within a more
chilling coldness. But when you gave me your warm hand and claimed
something like kindred, I was grateful for that which does not always
accompany kindred,--genuine kindness. This feeling was greatly
increased when instead of making my diffidence and awkwardness
a theme of ridicule, you evinced a delicate sympathy, and with
graceful tact suggested a better courtesy to others. Do you think
then, that, after this glimpse down such a beautiful vista in your
nature, I can associate you with 'total depravity'? It was plain
to you, Miss Marsden, that I had seen little of society, but you
acted as if that were my misfortune, not my fault. I think the
impulse that leads one to try to shield or protect another who for
the time may be weak or defenceless is always noble."

If Lottie had shown a little before that she had a heart, she now
became painfully aware that she had a conscience, and it gave her
some severe twinges during this speech. For a moment she wished
she deserved his commendation. But she was not one to do things
by halves, and so, recklessly throwing aside her qualms, she said
laughingly, "I don't think a gentleman of your inches at all an
object of pity. You are big enough to take care of yourself."

"And I mean to as far as I can. But we all need help at times. You
know a mouse once served a lion."

"Thank you. Now you have counterbalanced all your fine speeches
and compliments. 'A mouse serving a lion!' Well, roar gently if