That indignant voice contrasted with the gentle answer, ‘I do not wonder; I have always thought if I had been older and better able to manage—’
‘No such thing!’ exclaimed Theodora; ‘you are the only person who ever exercised any control over me.’
‘O, hush! you do not know what you are saying.’
‘It is the truth, and you know it. When you choose, every one yields to you, and so do I.’
‘Indeed, I did not know it,’ said Violet, much distressed. ‘I am very sorry if I am overbearing; I did not think I was.’
Theodora fairly laughed at such a word being applied to the mild, yielding creature, who looked so pale and feeble. ‘Very domineering, indeed!’ she said. ‘No, no, my dear, it is only that you are always right. When you disapprove, I cannot bear to hurt and grieve you, because you take it so quietly.’
‘You are so very kind to me.’
‘So, if papa wishes me to come to good, he had better leave me to you.’
‘I don’t think that ought to be,’ said Violet, feebly.
‘What, not that you should be my only chance—that you should calm me and guide me when every one else has failed—’