I think I might have been better if you had had a little more patience with me, but even now if you really wish me to stay at home I will do so.

I can write again to uncle and tell him that I have changed my mind." "Certainly not," Mrs.Hannay said.

"Naturally I should wish to have my children with me, but I doubt whether your being here would be for the happiness of any of us, and besides, I do not wish your uncle's money to go out of the family; he might take it into his head to leave it to a hospital for black women.

Still, it would have been only right and proper that he should at any rate have given Helena the first choice.
As for your instant acceptance of his offer, without even consulting me, nothing can surprise me in that way after your general conduct towards me." However, although Mrs.Hannay declined to take any interest in Isobel's preparations, and continued to behave as an injured person, neither she nor Helena were sorry at heart for the arrangement that had been made.

They objected very strongly to Isobel's plan of going out as a governess; but upon the other hand, her presence at home would in many ways have been an inconvenience.