"Rupert would not marry me for my money."
"He is wise; for you have none."
"It is kind of you to speak to me in this way," said Olivia, "to remind me of obligations. I am aware that my parents died poor and left me a penniless orphan. I am aware that you took me in and educated me and--"
"And acted like a mother to you," said Miss Wharf vehemently.
"No. You never acted like a mother. With you, I have had a most unhappy life."
"Olivia," the elder woman started furiously from her chair, "how dare you say that. Have I grudged you clothes or food. Did I not send you to a first-class school and--"
"So far as material things are concerned you have done everything Aunt Sophia, and I thank you for what you have done--"
"A fine way you have of showing it," scoffed Miss Wharf.
"But a mother you have never been," went on Olivia calmly, "you have never given me a kind word; you speak to me before visitors as you should not do: you make me slave for you and run messages and talk of me to others as though I were a servant. What love have you ever shown me?" demanded Olivia, starting up in her turn, and also becoming excited. "I long for love. My heart yearns for it. I would like to be a daughter to you, but always you have kept me at arm's length. Aunt Sophia let me go. I can earn my bread as a governess, or as a typist. It will be better for us both."
"No," said Aunt Sophia, looking as hard as stone.