“That, madam, is a matter of taste.”
The young woman tossed her head:
“We don’t need to go to a school of manners, Major Modeyne.”
The Major bowed again:
“The letter,” said he, “is illegal.”
The women looked at each other uncomfortably.
“What?” said the daughter.
“Do not be alarmed, ladies; I did not say libellous. God forgive me, it is not that. But it contains instructions about my daughter that cannot hold in the law. My daughter has done nothing deserving of censure; and it is utterly out of your power to eject her from her room. The notice to quit rests with my daughter—and it is my intention that it shall always so rest.”
The younger woman sniffed:
“Major,” said she, “no one wants to give Miss Betty a shade of trouble—but you must leave at dark to-night——”