"Kiss her, Charles!" said mamma; "she is a coy girl. I give you leave."
And before I could anticipate or prevent it, Mr. De Saussure's arm was round me and the salute was given. I think mamma really thought she could bestow me away as she pleased. I am sure she had no idea of the nature she was combating. Nobody had ever withstood her successfully; she did not think that I could be the first. But this little thing - it was not a little thing to me at the time - cut the knot of my difficulties. Released from Mr. De Saussure's encircling arm, I removed myself to the other side of the boat and drew my shawl round me. I do not know what significance was in my action, but mamma said, "Nonsense!"
"I have not offended, have I?" said Mr. De Saussure.
"Remember, I had liberty."
"Mamma," I said, "if you will sit a little further that way, you will restore the balance of the boat."
"Which you have entirely disarranged, Daisy," she said as she moved herself.
"Daisy will acknowledge I had liberty," Mr. De Saussure repeated.
"Mamma," I said, "don't you think it is growing chill?"
"Row us home, Charles," said my mother. "And, Daisy, don't be a fool. Mr. De Saussure had liberty, as he says."
"I do not acknowledge it, ma'am."
"You must give her line, Charles," mamma said, half laughing but vexed. "She is a woman."