"His step-father is willing to give him a position in business, and he must accept it; then the marriage can be soon." "The marriage will decidedly _not_ be soon, mother!" replied Madeline, haughtily.

"I shall judge for myself in this, at all events." "You are a silly, empty-headed girl!" retorted her mother, with swelling bosom and reddening face.

"You have quarrelled on some simpleton's question, no doubt.

He will accept his step-father's offer; we know that well enough.

He ought to have done so a year ago, and our difficulties would have been lightened.