Final answer:
The student noticed a new 'hardness' in her voice, contrasting with its usual frank and fresh qualities, indicating a potential disturbance or a need to be reassuring while containing underlying stress or tension.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student noticed a hardness in her voice, which was previously characterized by its frankness and freshness. This change in her tone suggests a mild stiffness and possibly hints at her being disturbed or trying to remain composed in her efforts to reassure.
The various excerpts provided demonstrate the complexities of human emotions and relationships as they are conveyed through narration.
For instance, in one excerpt, a character feels a tenderness and a suppression of jealousy, which is a departure from his old self.
In another, a character is described as impassive despite the emotional turmoil of someone else. The range of emotions and varying tones highlight the depth and complexity of character interactions and individual responses to situations.