'The likeness is really remarkable,' said Stuart, seriously; 'you have the Mary Stuart brow exactly, and the mouth, as I said; and I think, as far as difference of colour admits similarity of effect, the eyes have the same trick of power. I suppose you like power?'
'I suppose I should! Mr. Falkirk ties up all my power, and labels it "Edge tools," ' said Wych Hazel.
'I suppose it cuts its way out, and so justifies him. Don't you have your own way generally?'
'Well, between taking it, and coaxing it out, and refusing to take any other, I do have it sometimes,' said Wych Hazel.
'Is Mr. Falkirk much of an ogre? I do not know him. Difficult to manage?'
'He thinks I am,' said Wych Hazel. 'No, he is not an ogre at all, except officially.'
'Does he pretend to exercise much supervision over your doings?'
'Pretend?' she repeated. 'He has the right, Mr. Nightingale. And did ever a man have a right and not give it an airing now and then?'
Stuart laughed, and laughed again. 'Don't be hard on us!' he pleaded.
'Truth is not slander.'