"Malcolm, I am not particularly anxious for her to be introduced to your Bohemian friends.

Oh, I don't mean to say anything against the Kestons," warned by a certain stiffness of manner on Malcolm's part--"I have never even seen them; but Anna and Mrs.Keston move in such different worlds." "Yes, of course," he returned rather impatiently; "but a mere introduction need not lead to intimacy.

Verity is a good little creature, and her Bohemianism will not hurt Anna for one afternoon." Mrs.Herrick's firm lips were pressed together rather closely as Malcolm spoke, and her manner became still graver.
"Will you forgive my speaking plainly, Malcolm ?" she said quietly, "but I do think it such a grievous mistake for you to call Mrs.Keston by her Christian name.

You know I have mentioned this before." Then Malcolm reddened; but though he laughed, he was inwardly annoyed.
"I spoke without thinking," he returned, trying to control his impatience, "but I suppose habit was too strong for me.

There is really no harm in it, mother.