"Then don't let us talk about it at all," said Elizabeth, whose own heightened colour shewed that her temper was moving.
"Unhappily it is necessary," said Mr. Haye dryly.
"Why in the world is it necessary? You can't alter the matter, father, by talking; — it must stand so."
"Stand how?"
"Why, as it does stand — Rose and I as near as possible nothing to each other."
"Things can hardly stand so," said Mr. Haye. "You must be either less or more."
Elizabeth sat silent and looked at him. He looked at nothing but what was on his plate.
"How would you like to have Rose take your place?"
"My place?" said Elizabeth.
"Yes," said Mr. Haye laconically.