"They say, the pillow's the best counsellor."
A reply that presumed she would sleep appeared to her as bitterly unfriendly.
"Did father wish it?"
"Not by what he spoke."
"You suppose he does wish it?"
"Where's the father who wouldn't? Of course, he wishes it. He's kind enough, but you may be certain he wishes it."
"Oh! Dahlia, Dahlia!" Rhoda moaned, under a rush of new sensations, unfilial, akin to those which her sister had distressed her by speaking shamelessly out.
"Ah! poor soul!" added Robert.
"My darling must be brave: she must have great courage. Dahlia cannot be a coward. I begin to see."
Rhoda threw up her face, and sat awhile as one who was reading old matters by a fresh light.