“But, Ma...!” said Lily rebelliously.
“That’s what comes of it,” said Mrs. Clifton, addressing her husband, “when a mother no longer has the right to correct her daughter.”
And she pointed to Lily, who persisted in remaining, who was even beginning an explanation:
“But, Pa ... but....”
“Obey your mother first,” said Clifton.
“Yes, Pa.”
And Lily went out, very anxious at the turn which things had taken.
Clifton realized that he had perhaps been wrong that morning to blame Mrs. Clifton in Lily’s presence. He was wrong also to laugh at old Fuchs before Lily. But, all the same, that old rogue ... and they had believed it, those Graces! That wouldn’t go down with Lily!
“It’s an example you ought to follow, instead of laughing at it, Mr. Clifton!”
“Upon my word, I’m very proud of my Lily; she works well, she really does,” said Pa, stretching himself in the easy-chair. “I’m pleased with her; you know as well as I do, a girl is not a boy. She can do with a little spoiling. And only just now I made Lily a present of a gold watch and chain.”