The head was instantly lifted beyond her reach, and the answer came swiftly, sharp and defiant,—
“Do you mean to say that it is so extremely difficult for him to tolerate me?”
“You are obliged to know that you are not one of his favorites, like that sweet-tempered Muriel, to whom he seems so warmly attached; and it is all your own fault, for he was disposed to like you when he first came home. Ulpian loves quiet and amiable people, who are never rude and snappish; and it appears to me that you are trying to see how hateful and spiteful you can be. Why upon earth did you not shake hands with those strangers, and treat them politely?”
“Because I don’t choose to be hypocritical,—and I don’t like Miss Muriel Manton.”
“Nonsense! Stuff! I only wish you were half as well-bred and courteous, and lady-like.”
“Do you, really? Then, to be obedient and, oblige you, when they come back, I will imitate her example, and throw 158 myself into Dr. Grey’s arms, and rub my cheek against his shoulder, and fondle his hands. If this be ‘lady-like,’ then, indeed, I penitently cry ‘peccavi!’ and promise that in future you shall not have cause to complain of me.”
“Pooh, pooh, child! What ails you? Muriel has known Ulpian all her life, and looks upon him now as her father. He has petted her since she was a little girl, and loves her almost as well as if she were his child, instead of his ward. You know she is an orphan; and it is very natural for her to cling to her guardian, who was for a great many years her father’s most intimate friend.”
“We are both orphans, and she is certainly not my junior, yet your propriety would be shocked if I behaved as she does. Where is Stanley?”
“Studying his geography lesson, with the assistance of the globe, in the library. What do you want with him?”
“I am going to the beach, and wish him to walk with me.”