I gave her the wages." "But! but!" Madam Weatherstone was genuinely confused by this sudden inexplicable, yet perfectly polite piece of what she still felt to be in the nature of 'interference' and 'presumption.' "I have had no fault to find with her." "I have, you see," said her daughter-in-law smiling.

"I found her unsatisfactory and shall replace her with something better presently.
How about a little music, Matthew?
Won't you start the victrolla ?" Matthew wouldn't.

He was going out; went out with the word.

Madam Weatherstone didn't wish to hear it--had a headache--must go to her room--went to her room forthwith.

There was a tension in the atmosphere that would have wrung tears from Viva Weatherstone a week ago, yes, twenty-four hours ago.
As it was she rose to her feet, stretching herself to her full height, and walked the length of the great empty room.