Eric realized that this woman could and would have done whatsoever she willed , unflinchingly and unrelentingly . She could stamp her desire on everything and everybody about her , moulding them to her wish and will , in their own despite and in defiance of all the resistance they might make . Many things in Kilmeny 's upbringing and temperament became clear to him . `` If that woman had told me I was ugly I should have believed her , '' he thought . `` Ay , even though I had a mirror to contradict her . I should never have dreamed of disputing or questioning anything she might have said . The strange power in her face is almost uncanny , peering out as it does from a mask of beauty and youthful curves . Pride and stubbornness are its salient characteristics . Well , Kilmeny does not at all resemble her mother in expression and only very slightly in feature . '' His reflections were interrupted by the entrance of Thomas and Janet Gordon . The latter had evidently been called from his work . He nodded without speaking , and the two sat gravely down before Eric . `` I have come to see you with regard to your niece , Mr. Gordon , '' he said abruptly , realizing that there would be small use in beating about the bush with this grim pair . `` I met your -- I met Neil Gordon in the Connors orchard , and I found that he has told you that I have been meeting Kilmeny there . '' He paused . Thomas Gordon nodded again ; but he did not speak , and he did not remove his steady , piercing eyes from the young man 's flushed countenance . Janet still sat in a sort of expectant immovability . `` I fear that you have formed an unfavourable opinion of me on this account , Mr. Gordon , '' Eric went on . `` But I hardly think I deserve it . I can explain the matter if you will allow me .
I met your niece accidentally XXXXX the orchard three weeks ago and heard her play .
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