a polite conflict routinely arises on this subject , particularly between myself and the faithful mrs. warren , and today she had just declared her benevolent determination to fetch me a glass from the pump with her own two hands , and was struggling to her gouty feet despite my continued protests , when a certain passing gentleman , having overheard mrs. warrens declaration ( which would not have been difficult ; she is very far , alas , from possessing that excellent thing , a voice that is ever soft , gentle and low ) , paused in his progress , and courteouslyor officiously , depending upon ones perceptionoffered to perform the task for her .