"She can prevaricate, you know, mother," observed Mr. Fox-Cordery quietly.
"Of course she can prevaricate. Have we not had innumerable instances of it?"
"I will finish my work in my own room," said Charlotte rising.
"Do not stir," commanded Mrs. Fox-Cordery, "till permission is given you. Fox, my love, what has she done?"
"Mr. Dixon has paid a visit to Charlotte in this house."
"Impossible!"
"Fox has stated what is not correct," said Charlotte, resuming her seat and her work. "Mr. Dixon called to see Fox."
"That is her version," said Mr. Fox-Cordery. "She seeks to excuse herself by throwing it upon me."
"Your conduct is disgraceful," said Mrs. Fox-Cordery to her daughter, "and I am ashamed of you."
"I have done nothing disgraceful," retorted Charlotte, "and I am not ashamed of myself."