'Not while I live!' she cried, almost hysterically.
Frank rose, and began, 'I shall not——'
'You shall!' cried Muriel.
'Leave the room, Muriel!' said Miss Jane, collecting her dignity, and posing again as a tower.
Muriel's hand slipped back to her pocket, and she looked straight into her aunt's eyes. Once more she changed her purpose, and left the room with a smile, and an airy nod to Frank.
'Did that girl wink just now, sir?' said Miss Jane.
'I didn't observe.'
The excited lady pulled a chair before Frank, and sat down opposite him. 'Mr. Hay,' she said, 'I wish to be reasonable. I know myself what it is to be young. Indeed, putting other circumstances aside, I can almost sympathise with you in your infatuation for Muriel. She is really a very good-looking girl; but this scene must have convinced you that her nature is wholly unregenerate, and I hope——'
What she hoped can only be guessed, for Muriel re-entered the room.
Miss Jane rose, this time in cathedral-like grandeur. Alas! she was a very weak-tempered woman. The cathedral brought forth a cat.