“Why, have you quarrelled?”
“Not exactly.”
“But she will be offended, Ned; I am sure I should be.”
“No, you would not, Annie, if you knew my reasons.”
“What are they, Edward, dear? Do tell me, I am so curious.”
“Of course, or you would not be a woman!”
Against this all his sisters expostulated at once; and even his mother expressed curiosity, adding, that he had talked of this continental trip so long, and with so much glee, it must be a disappointment to give it up.
“It is; but I do not regret it.”
“But you must have a reason.”
“The very best of all reasons; I cannot afford it.”