"What a fool you have made of yourself falling in love with that violin creature!" cried Mrs. Chisel in her high rasping voice. "He is no fit husband for you!"
"He would, after all, make a more sensible husband than Julian," retorted Ruth, who shared her sister's opinion of the unhappy Chisel. "And, thank you, Amy, I have a right to choose a husband for myself.
"You are not fit to do so," remarked Mrs. Chisel, with her customary tact. "If you were a sensible girl you would marry Geoffrey Heron, and take a good position in the county."
"I would not marry Mr. Heron if there were not another man in the world" cried the girl, mendaciously. "Why are you so disagreeable, Amy?"
"Disagreeable?" echoed the matron. "I am the most agreeable woman in existence when I am properly treated. No one but my own family thinks me disagreeable."
"Ah! they know you so well," said Ruth.
"That's just it; you none of you know me. If I were like Aunt Inez, now, you might talk; she is disagreeable, if you like."
"Well, Amy," said Ruth, who had more important things to discuss, "do not let us quarrel."
"Do I ever quarrel? I ask you that!"
"No; you never do," replied the girl, knowing well what answer was expected. "But do leave my marriage prospects alone, my dear!"