“That’s a dear. I knew you would submit.—She is the best little mother in the whole world,” said Eileen, rapturously kissing her parent, and then clasping Marjorie’s hand.
“Then, you will give in all round, mammy dear?” said Marjorie.
“Suppose I say no?” answered Mrs. Chetwynd.
“Then I am afraid——” said Eileen. She glanced at Marjorie, and Marjorie nodded.
Mrs. Chetwynd suddenly rose.
“Girls,” she said, “don’t say what you are just about to say. I can guess what it is, and I am not prepared to listen. Until you are of age it is your duty to obey me.
Notwithstanding your father’s will, and the improper allowance which I am forced to give you both, as long as you are under my roof you must be clothed as I wish, and you must not go to places that I disapprove of. My poor, dear, misguided children, a woman’s true aim when she reaches maturity is to marry a good husband, and to have a happy home of her own.”
“But I never intend to marry,” said Marjorie. “I have not the faintest idea of putting myself under the control of any man. I mean to keep my liberty and have a jolly good, useful time.”
“And so do I,” said Eileen. “I mean to have a very full and very busy life, mother.”
“Ditto,” cried Marjorie.