"I won't shut up! I didn't come here to be insulted, and I don't see why I should be expected to put up with it!"
"Leave her alone, Paula," ordered Stephen, getting up, and walking over to the sideboard, where some chocolate mousse had been left for him.
"I'm not doing anything to her. If she doesn't like my behaviour she can leave the room, can't she?" said Paula, becoming belligerent.
"I wish I could leave the house!" cried Valerie.
"I believe it is still snowing," remarked Maud, as unperturbed by this bickering as by all the other events of the day.
"I don't care! I'd rather walk all the way to London than stay here now!"
"It's an engaging thought," said Stephen. "Orphan of the Storm."
"Oh, you can laugh at me! but if you think I could possibly sleep a wink here you're mistaken! I simply shan't dare to close my eyes all night. I shall be petrified!"
"Well, really, I don't think that's very sensible," objected Mathilda. "What do you suppose is going to happen to you?"
"You wouldn't understand," said Valerie, adding in a lofty tone: "I expect you're one of those lucky people who just haven't got any nerves, and don't feel a thing. But the thought of Mr. Herriard, lying there in that room - Oh, I simply can't bear it!"