But this glance was as quick as a flash, for she feared that the severe old maid would make this act of coquetry serve as the text for another sermon.
"You are not my niece, and I am thankful for it," continued the old lady.

"I am too old to begin another education; thank goodness, one is quite enough! I have no authority over you, and your conduct is your brother's concern.

The advice which I give you is entirely disinterested; your amusements are not such as seem to me proper for a young girl of good birth.

It may be possible that it is the fashion today, so I will say no more about it; but there is one thing more serious, upon which I should advise you to reflect.

In my youth, a young lady never was allowed to write letters except to her father and mother.