"Beatrice, how can you be so wicked and tell such lies in the face of that letter to yourself?"
"I never said he was fond of her," she answered, with just the vestige of a twinkle in her eyes.
"If I had known, I would never have asked him to come," continued her mother.
"No; I am sure you would not. But I did not tell you, mamma."
"I have other views for you. You must write to this young man and tell him you will give him up."
"I certainly shall not do that."
"I shall not give my consent to your engagement."
"I never imagined that you would, mamma, and that is why I did not ask for it."
And then Mrs. Miller got very angry indeed.
"What on earth do you intend to do, you ungrateful, disobedient, rebellious child?"