"Not obliged to her?"
"No, sir."
"But, Daisy, that is a civil form of expression which it is usual to avail oneself of upon such occasions. It does not necessarily mean much."
"But, papa, would she not have thought I meant it, if I had said so?"
"Very likely. That is the polite advantage gained."
"But papa, I should have known that I did not mean it; and it would not have been true."
"This is getting to be too deep a question for you to discuss to-night it is time for you to go to bed. But I cannot have you rude."
Daisy kissed her father, who had been extremely gentle and tender with her, and went off to her room. Mr. Randolph's brow looked moody.
"Have you brought Daisy's ideas into order?" asked his wife, who had been engaged in conversation with Dr. Sandford.
"She has rather brought confusion into mine," said the gentleman.