Lute and Dorinda discussed the caller at the supper table until I was constrained to leave the room.

Mabel Colton might amuse herself with Mother and the two members of our household whom she had described as "characters," she might delude them into believing her thoughtful and sympathetic and without false pride, but I knew better.

She had insulted me.

She had, in so many words, told me that I was lazy and worthless, just as she might have told her chauffeur or one of the servants.

That it was true made no difference.