"It is a dangerous office to take, my dear, for we women never can keep it. We may think we stand on an eminence of wisdom one day; and the next we find we have to come down to a very lowly place, and sit at somebody else's feet, and receive our orders. I find it rather hard sometimes. Well, Philip,—will you go on with the lesson I suppose I have interrupted? or will you have the complaisance to go with me to see about the Murillo?"
"I will certainly stay."
"Rather hard upon me, after promising me last night you would go."
"I made no such promise."
"Indeed you did, begging your pardon. Last night, when you came home with the horses, I told you of the sale, and asked you if you would go and see that I did not get cheated."
"I have no recollection of it."
"And you said you would with pleasure."
"That is no longer possible, Jessie. And the sale would be over before we could get to it," he added, looking at his watch.
"Shall I leave you here, then?" said the lady, with a mingling of disagreeable feelings which found indescribable expression.
"If Miss Lothrop will let me be left. You forget, it depends upon her permission."