Daisy hesitated a little longer, but the power of fascination upon her was irresistible.
"I was sorry not to teach the little girl," she said at length; "but I was particularly troubled because because "
"Mrs. Randolph was displeased with your system of benevolence?"
"No not that. Yes, I was troubled about that too. But what troubled me most was that mamma would not let me speak to her, to tell her why I must not teach her. I must not say anything to her again, at all."
Dr. Sandford's eyes, looking, saw that Daisy had indeed spoken out her trouble now. Such a cloud of sorrow came over her brow; such witnessing redness about her eyelids, though Daisy let the witness of tears get no further.
"What do you suppose was your mother's purpose in making that last regulation?" he went on, in a cool, business tone.
"I don't know I suppose to punish me," Daisy said, faintly.
"Punish you for what?"
"Mamma did not like me to teach that little girl and I had done it, I mean I had begun to do it, without asking her."
"Was it a great pleasure?" said the doctor.