She whirled across the room, snatched hold of one of her boxes of bon-bons, and presented it to Maria. Maria was not averse to a chocolate peppermint, and popped one into her mouth. The next instant Miss Truefitt appeared. “Now, Stephanotie,” she said, “do you think for a single moment—Oh, my dear child, you really are too awful! You don't mean to say you are going to The Laurels like that?”
“Have a bon-bon?” was Stephanotie's response.
“You are downright rude. I will not allow you to offer me bon-bons again.”
“But a fresh box of them has just arrived. I got them by the eleven o'clock post to-day,” was Stephanotie's reckless answer; “and, oh, such beauties! And I had a letter from mother to say that I might order as many as ever I liked from Fuller's. I mean to write to them to ask them to send me ten shillings' worth. I'll ask for the newest varieties. There surely must be bon-bons which would not give you indigestion, Aunt Vi.”
“I must ask you to take off that dress, Stephanotie. I forbid you to go to The Laurels in such unsuitable attire.”
“Oh, lor'! and it's lovely!” said Maria, sotto voce, as she was leaving the room.
“What an unpleasant smell of peppermint!” said Miss Truefitt, sniffing at that moment. “You know, Stephanotie, how I have begged of you not to eat those unpleasant sweets in the dining room.”
“I didn't,” said Stephanotie; “it was only Maria.”
Maria backed out of the room with another violent “Oh, lor'!” and ran down to the kitchen.
“I'll have to give notice,” she said. “It's Miss Stephanotie; she's the most dazzlingly brilliant young lady I ever set eyes on; but mistress will never forgive me for eating that peppermint in her presence.”