In this passage from "Dragonfly in Amber" by Diana Gabaldon, the protagonist experiences a moment of connection with his audience. The atmosphere is filled with good humor and curiosity as everyone is captivated by his presence, intrigued by the elements of sparkle and allure in the discussion.
As he senses their focused attention, he feels a sense of relief and relaxation, indicating that he has successfully engaged the students. This allows him to confidently lead them through complex ideas and deeper discussions without any hesitation or reluctance from them.