"How unkind of you!" Lydia's protest was almost tearful. "You know I have at least four"—she recalled their names—"who love me, and I them. But neither men nor women should live in a world apart. They complete each other."
"Yes—in marriage," said Susan.
"No!—in a thousand other ways—we hardly dream of yet. Not marriage only—but comradeship—help—in all the great—impersonal—delightful things!"
"You look like a prophetess," said Susan, appraising her sister's kindled beauty, with an artistic eye; "but I should like to know what Lady Tatham has to say!"
Lydia was silent, her lip quivering a little.
"And I warn you," Susan continued, greatly daring, "that Faversham won't let you do what you like with him!"
Lydia rose slowly, gathered up her golden veil into one big knot without speaking, and went on with her preparations for bed.
Susy too uncoiled her small figure and stood up.
"I've told mamma not to bother you," she said abruptly.
Lydia threw an arm round her tormentor.