Esteeming herself in every respect Jessica's superior, she could not help a slight condescension in the tone she used to her; yet their friendship had much sincerity on both sides, and each was the other's only confidante.

As soon as the mathematical difficulty could be set aside, Nancy began to speak of her private troubles.
'The Prophet was here last night,' she said, with a girlish grimace.
'He's beginning again.

I can see it coming.

I shall have to snub him awfully next time.' 'Oh, what a worry he is!' 'Yes, but there's something worse.

I suspected that the Pasha knew of it; now I feel sure he's encouraging him.' By this oriental style Nancy signified her father.