'And now just tell me why you are giving my poor dear sister such trouble? It's enough to turn her hair grey, from her own account!'
Her tone was mocking, and I hesitated in complying with her request.
'Are you afraid of me?' she said, with a little laugh, after a minute's silence.
I looked her full in the face. 'No, I don't think I am; but I am afraid you will not understand.'
'My intellect may not be quite so keen and bright as yours, but if you try to use very simple language, perhaps I may be able to grasp your meaning.'
I coloured, and said confusedly, 'I am very sorry I am vexing Mrs. Forsyth so. I did not know when I came to live with General Forsyth that it would be so difficult. I don't care for gaiety, and don't wish to be drawn into it; and they want me to be the same as their daughters. It is their kindness that makes it so hard to hold out against their wishes.'
'And are you living only to please yourself?'
'I hope not,' I said slowly, as I took in the drift of her question; 'it is because I don't want to live for self that I feel it right to act so.'
Miss Rayner smiled a little contemptuously, I fancied.
'Oh, you young girls!' was all she said; but her tone silenced me.