Mother and I have always quarrelled, but it has been worse than ever lately.

I must explain that she has married a second time, and Mr.Higgins--I'm glad to say that isn't _my_ name--has a daughter of his own by a first marriage; and we can't bear each other--Miss Higgins, I mean.

Some day, if I come to live here, I daresay I shall tell you more.

Mr.Higgins is rich, and I can't say he's unkind to me; he'll give me as much as I want; but I'm sure he'll be very glad to get me out of the house.

I have no money of my own--worse luck! Well, we thought it best for me to come alone, first, and see--just to see, you know--whether we were likely to suit each other.