"Only think, Aunt Sally," exclaimed Abby, who, though good-natured, was a very thoughtless child, "Ethel has not even asked her father for any money yet, just because she heard him tell her mother that he could not afford something."
"Of course he could not afford it, if it was something his wife wanted," ejaculated Aunt Sally, whose theory it was that all men abused all women.
"And Ethel says," continued Abby, unheeding her cousin's looks of entreaty, "that they are poor now, because her father has failed. I am sure we are not poor, and I don't see why cousin George should be."
"Because your cousin George is a fool!" said Mrs. Bertie sharply.
She was always provoked at any mention of her nephew Fletcher's affairs, and being wholly unused to restrain herself from any consideration for the feelings of others, she did not hesitate to express her opinion on this occasion. She was not, however, quite prepared for the effect of her words on one of her auditors.
As she finished her remark, Ethel rose from her chair, and began to put on her gloves without speaking.
"Stop, Ethel, child!"' said her aunt, surprised. "Where are you going?"
"I am going home," replied Ethel with decision, but in a voice which trembled with agitation. "I am not going to stay anywhere to hear my father called a fool. I should think you would be ashamed, Aunt Sally."
Abby looked horrified at this bold speech. She hardly dared to glance at her aunt, but sat in silent terror, expecting some violent outburst. But Mrs. Bertie seemed rather amused than otherwise.
"Well done, Miss Fire-cracker! I like your spirit. But you must not go off so," she continued, seeing that Ethel continued to make preparations for departure. "You know nobody minds my speeches. I am an old woman, and always say just what I think. Come, come, kiss and be friends, and don't quarrel with your old auntie."