"To avoid them—lest they sting you," says Minnie, feeling quite pleased with herself for this flight of fancy.
"You think," says Tita, stopping and looking at her, "that Mrs.
Bethune will sting me?"
"I think nothing," says Minnie Hescott, throwing out her hands in an airy fashion; "only, get rid of her—get rid of her, Tita, as soon as ever you can!"
"To get rid of a guest! No," says Tita. "She may stay here, and I shall make her welcome for ever——" She pauses and looks full at her cousin. There is great courage and great pride in her look. "For ever!" repeats she.
"There is always a fool somewhere!" says Minnie Hescott, with a sigh. "Well," abandoning the discussion for the present, "let us go for our walk round the garden."
As they pass beneath the balcony, Margaret, who is leaning over it, with Colonel Neilson beside her, makes a little irrepressible movement.
"What is it now?" asks he, who knows every mood of hers.
"Nothing. I was only thinking about Tita."
"A charming subject."
"Oh! too charming," says Margaret, with a sigh. "That child troubles me."