'Quarrel?' she retorted. 'Oh yes—she never can do any wrong. She has made a fool of you with her pretty eyes—as she does to every man that comes to the house. Why, they're like a set of great babies when she's in the room; and you would think from the way they go on that she was the Queen of Sheba—instead of the ill-tempered little brat she is.'
But Mrs. Gemmill was a sensible woman too.
'Of course we can't offend the old people. She'll have to stay. But as soon as that is over, off she goes to the Highlands again; and there she can stop until she has recovered her senses.'
However, this invitation was but an additional grievance. She went with it at once to Meenie's room.
'Look at that. Read that.'
The girl glanced at the formal note—with no great interest.
'Do you know what that means? That was meant to introduce you to Frank Lauder's family and friends.'
'I do not wish to go,' Meenie said perversely.
'But you'll have to go, for we have accepted for you. We can't offend and insult people simply because you are bent on making a fool of yourself. But this is what I want to say: I had intended sending you back to Inver-Mudal at once; but now you will have to stay with us another fortnight. Very well, during that time I forbid you to have any communication with that man, of any kind whatever—do you hear?'
She sate silent.