"It is out of the question," said her grandmother.
Val knew "out of the question" meant it was a question of being out of pocket.
"I'll give up drawing."
"Drawing is much less expensive; and even so, you and Emmie must give it up after this term."
"Then, what on earth are we going to learn besides common lessons?"
"I'll teach you botany and gardening," said her father.
"I don't care about botany," said Val, hotly, "and"—unmasking the hypocrisy of years—"and as for gardening, there isn't anything I hate so much."
"What?"
Her father couldn't believe his ears.