"Oh, indeed!"—with quick anger, scarcely restrained. "Well, the subject is not appropriate to unmarried persons, especially young girls. Let us drop it."
"Mother!"—And having diverted Mrs. Milo's resentful stare to herself, Sue now deliberately swung the possibility of censure her way in order to protect Hattie. "Mother, shouldn't a woman who hasn't children fill her arms with the children who haven't mothers? Why shouldn't I mother our orphan boys and girls?"
"I repeat: The subject is closed. And when the wedding is over, I don't want the boys in here again."
Sue blinked guiltily. "But—er—hasn't Mr. Farvel told you?"
"Told me what?"
"Of—of his plan."
"Plan?"
"Oh, it's a splendid idea!"
"Really,"—with fine sarcasm.
"Every day, five orphans in to dinner."