'Yes, I know. Family life suits you; but I must have the—the real religious life or none. I don't like secularity.'
'O Angel, you are much worse with these fine words that deceive you, when you are really and truly only a naughty idle child!'
'That's true, Cherry; and yet it is not true,' said Angela, thoughtfully. 'I am a naughty idle child, and yet I am more.'
'How is it—after this Confirmation and all?'
'Ah!' said Angel, frankly. 'I thought it would have done me good and made me different; but instead there's just one anticipation gone, and nothing to look to.'
'Not your own possible future?' (Cherry knew of it, though not Wilmet.)
'That's such a dreadful way off! No, if you all will keep me in the world, I must have my fun! Come, Cherry, don't look so horribly vexed! I'll tell you what, if you'll cheer up, I won't have another flare-up with old Fen as long as you are here to be bullied about it!'
And she kept her word so faithfully, that the two ladies thought that charming little elder sister had had a great effect upon their troublesome charge.