Answer:
The excerpt is from Henry James' novel, "The Turn of the Screw." The narrator, a governess, reflects on her state of mind when she was tasked with protecting and defending two young children who were in danger. She finds joy and heroism in the task and sees it as a magnificent chance to prove herself. However, her excitement turns into a stifled suspense and then something else altogether when she witnesses horrible proofs of the danger they are in.
The language is descriptive and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the governess's emotional state and her view of the children she is charged with protecting. The excerpt also hints at the complexity of the relationship between the governess and the children, with her admiring their ability to amuse themselves without her, while still being vigilant in protecting them. The passage provides a glimpse into the psychological suspense and ambiguity that characterizes the novel.