Mrs.Hannay had heard from the Major of his wishes and intentions regarding Isobel, and she was greatly displeased thereat.
"Why should he have chosen you instead of Helena ?" she said angrily to Isobel, on the first day of her arrival home.
"I suppose because he thought I should suit him better, mamma.

I really don't see why you should be upset about it; I don't suppose Helena would have liked to go, and I am sure you would not have liked to have had me with you instead of her.

I should have thought you would have been pleased I was off your hands altogether.

It doesn't seem to me that you have ever been really glad to have me about you." "That has been entirely your own fault," Mrs.Hannay said.

"You have always been headstrong and determined to go your own way, you have never been fit to be seen when anyone came, you have thwarted me in every way." "I am very sorry, mamma.