'It doesn't matter!' said the colonel, giving his plate an unloving shove. 'A man lives and dies, all the same, whether his bacon is burnt or not. I suppose nothing matters! Are you going to that party, at Mrs.— I forget her name?'
'I think not, papa.'
'Why not?'
Esther hesitated.
'Why not? Don't you like to go?'
'Yes, sir. I like it very well.'
'Then why don't you go? At least you can give a reason.'
'There are more reasons than one,' said Esther. She was extremely unwilling to reveal either of them.
'Well, go on. If you know them, you can tell them to me. What are they?'
'Papa, it is really of no consequence, and I do not mind in the least; but in truth my old silk dress has been worn till it is hardly fit to go anywhere in.'