"And if Ellen does, we do not," said Mrs. Lindsay, "wish to claim kindred with all the world."
"How came you to take up such an absurd habit?" said Lady
Keith. "It isn't like you."
"They took it up first," said Ellen; "I was too glad "
"Yes, I dare say they had their reasons for taking it up," said her aunt; "they had acted from interested motives, I have no doubt; people always do."
"You are very much mistaken, aunt Keith," said Ellen, with uncontrollable feeling; "you do not in the least know what you are talking about!"
Instantly, Mr. Lindsay's fingers tapped her lips. Ellen coloured painfully, but after an instant's hesitation she said
"I beg your pardon, Aunt Keith, I should not have said that."
"Very well!" said Mr. Lindsay. "But understand, Ellen, however you may have taken it up this habit you will lay it down for the future. Let us hear no more of brothers and sisters. I cannot, as your Grandmother says, fraternize with all the world, especially with unknown relations."
"I am very glad you have made that regulation," said Mrs.
Lindsay.
"I cannot conceive how Ellen has got such a way of it," said
Lady Keith.