Some sayings of this kind at length reached the ears of Mrs. Abigail, who had the best heart in the world, and was so indignant that it might have done your heart good to see her. Still she thought it showed that "the girl needed advising;" and "she should talk to Mary about the matter."
But she first concluded to advise with William on the subject; and, therefore, after dinner the same day, while he was looking over a treatise on trigonometry or conic sections, she commenced upon him:—
"Our Mary is growing up a fine girl."
William was intent on solving a problem, and only understanding that something had been said, mechanically answered, "Yes."
"A little wild or so," said Mrs. Abigail.
"I know it," said William, fixing his eyes earnestly on E, F, B, C.
"Perhaps you think her a little too talkative and free with you sometimes; you know girls do not always think what they do."
"Certainly," said William, going on with his problem.
"I think you had better speak to her about it," said Mrs. Abigail.
"I think so too," said William, musing over his completed work, till at length he arose, put it in his pocket, and went to school.