Helen made no disclaimer to this, beyond a slight shrug of her shoulders.
"Come, come! Silence gives consent. How many?"
"What does it signify, aunt? All girls out there——"
"That is no answer," persisted Mrs. Platt, tapping her foot on the floor.
"Well, I do not think it is fair to tell."
"But you could have married?"
"Yes, I suppose I may admit as much as that."
"And instead of being comfortably settled in your own house, here you are, slaving away all your best years, and best looks in a school. I'm sure you are sorry enough now, that you did not say 'yes!'"
"On the contrary, I have never regretted saying 'no,'—and never will."
"Perhaps there was some one who did not come forward?" inquired the elder lady, with a rather sour smile.