They harried her with questions, were increasingly offended by her reticence, and expressed disapproval with a fullness that overmastered the girl's self-control.
"I have as much right to go into business as any other citizen, Mrs.
Delafield," she said with repressed intensity.

"I am of age and live in a free country.

What you say of children no longer applies to me." "And what is this mysterious business you're goin' into--if one may inquire?
Nothin you're ashamed to mention, I hope ?" asked Mrs.
Delafield.
"If a woman refuses to mention her age is it because she's ashamed of it ?" the girl retorted, and Mrs.Delafield flushed darkly.
"Never have I heard such talk from a maiden to her elders," said Mrs.
Schlosster.

"In my country the young have more respect, as is right." Mrs.Bell objected inwardly to any reprimand of her child by others; but she agreed to the principle advanced and made no comment.
Diantha listened to quite a volume of detailed criticism, inquiry and condemnation, and finally rose to her feet with the stiff courtesy of the young.
"You must excuse me now," she said with set lips.

"I have some necessary work to do." She marched upstairs, shut her bedroom door and locked it, raging inwardly.