Margaret. Oh, don’t begin it again, Auntie!
Miss Fairfield.—it’s that the child will have a strong hand over her at last. A step-father’s better than nothing—if you can call him a step-father when her father’s still alive.
Margaret. Oh, don’t!
Miss Fairfield. What’s the use of saying “don’t”? He is alive. You can’t get away from that.
Margaret. Aunt Hester—please!
Miss Fairfield. Well, I’m only telling you—if it’s got to be, I’m not sorry it’s Gray Meredith.
Margaret. [Smiling] Yes, Sydney knows just how far she may go with Gray.
Miss Fairfield. I see nothing to laugh at in that.
Margaret. It’s so funny to think how circumspect you all are with him. He’s the one person I’ve always felt perfectly safe with. I’d ask anything of Gray.
Miss Fairfield. [Grimly] You always have, my dear!