"You could only promise conditionally—if we should consent."
"If you forbid it—" Every line in her attitude spoke resentment.
"If we do, it will be for your sake, darling."
Hardly three times in her life had Mrs. Winton used that endearing term. The girl's face softened.
"By-and-by you will be grateful to us for saving you from a lifetime of unhappiness."
"You don't know Dick, mother!"
"But whatever he may be in himself, that does not touch the question of what his people are." Doris murmured an unwilling half-assent.
"I was sure you would see that. Now, do you think you could go into the town for me, and order a few things?" Mrs. Winton wished her words to have time to work. "I will make out a list while you get ready, and leave it on the hall-table."
"Yes, but I must speak to father first."