"No, mother."
"Then you don't want another girl, any more than a frog wants an umbrella. Put your baby in the crib and teach her to lie there, when you are busy. That's the way you were brought up."
"You must talk to Mr. Masters, mother."
"I don't want to talk to Mr. Masters—I've got something else to do.
But you can talk to him, Diana, and he'll do what you say."
"It's the other way, mother. I must do what he says." Diana's tone was peculiar.
"Then you're turned soft."
"I think I am turned hard."
"Your husband is easy to manage—for you."
"Is he?" said Diana. "I am glad it isn't true. I despise men that are easy to manage. I am glad I can respect him, at any rate."
Mrs. Starling looked at her daughter with an odd expression. It was curious and uncertain; but she asked no question. She seemed to change the subject; though perhaps the connection was close.