“Positively refused to receive a letter, or to see the gentleman.”
“Then why does the man come again?”
“To know if we have any knives or scissors to grind.”
“Come, come, Melissa, this is ridiculous. All the servants are talking about it; and you know how servants talk. Why do you continue to see this fellow?”
“Because he amuses me, and it is so stupid of him.”
“If that is your only reason, you can have no objection to see him no more, now that scandal is abroad. Will you promise me that you will not? Recollect, dear Melissa, how imprudent and how unmaidenly it is.”
“Why, you don’t think that I am going to elope with a tinker, do you, cousin?”
“I should think not; nevertheless, a tinker is no companion for Miss Mathews, dear cousin. Melissa, you have been most imprudent. How far you have told me the truth I know not; but this I must tell you, if you do not promise me to give up this disgraceful acquaintance, I will immediately acquaint my uncle.”
“I will not be forced into any promise, Araminta,” replied Melissa, indignantly.
“Well, then, I will not hurry you into it. I will give you forty-eight hours to reply, and if by that time your own good sense does not point out your indiscretion, I certainly will make it known to your father; that is decided.” So saying. Araminta rose from the bench and walked towards the house.