'But are not women as fond of power, and wont to exercise it as ruthlessly, as ever men are?'
'It is not a strong power, if they do.'
'Take care,' said Stuart. 'Honour bright!—while Mr. Falkirk thinks things go according to his will, don't they really go by yours?'
'No,' said Wych Hazel, 'when he thinks they do, they do,—when they do not, he knows it.'
'Then you are not free. That is hard!—hard upon you. A mother's authority is one thing; a guardian's, I should think, is something very different. Does he interfere with your dancing?'
'No.'—Hazel herself hardly knew why words suddenly became scarce.
'I thought you were very fond of it.'
'O, I am!'
'Then why will you not honour me and please yourself to- night?'
' "Why" is safe, while "why" keeps hid. All women know that,' said Wych Hazel.