"Harvey has no control over my movements."
"Yes; he is head of the household, and you are his dependent."
The words seemed cruel to Hermione. "I am not likely to forget that," she said, in choked tones.
"Then we need say no more about it. After all, the whole question hinges on one point—what is the right thing for you to do?"
"I cannot go to East Bourne," she persisted.
"Not if you distinctly see it to be right?"
"I have said I would not. I cannot take that back."
"Then, Hermione," he answered gravely, "it is very evident that with you the pleasing of self ranks first, the doing of what is right ranks second. Is that true service?"
Hermione burst into tears; but still there were no signs of yielding.