"I've always detested him." "You don't want me to marry him ?" "On the contrary," the old lady replied.

"He would make the best possible husband for you." She smiled like a grand inquisitor at prospect of a pleasant day with rack and screw.

"He needs a firm hand," said she.
Margaret burst out laughing at this implied compliment to herself; then she colored as with shame and turned away.

"What frauds we women are!" she exclaimed.

"If I had any sense of decency left, I'd be ashamed to do it!" "There you go again!" cried her grandmother.