‘Fairly well,’ was Lady Merrifield’s answer. ‘We shall work together in time.’
‘What does Gill say?’ asked the aunt, rather mischievously.
‘Well,’ said the young lady, ‘I don’t think we get on at all, not even poor Mysie, who works steadily on at her, gets snubbed a dozen times a day, and never seems to feel it.’
I hoped her father would have sent her to school,’ said Aunt Adeline. ‘I knew she would be troublesome. She has all her mother’s pride.’
‘The proudest people are those who have least to be proud of,’ said Aunt Jane.
‘School would have hardened the crust and kept up the alienation,’ said Lady Merrifield.
‘Perhaps not. It might teach her to value the holidays, and learn that blood is thicker than water,’ said Miss Jane.
‘It is always in reserve,’ added Miss Adeline.
‘Yes, Maurice told her to send her if I grew tired of her, as he said,’ replied Lady Merrifield, ‘but of course I should not think of that unless for very strong reasons.’
‘Oh, mamma!’ and Gillian remained with her mouth open.