Very well; I'm doing it, am I not ?--practically scared into the first solidly suitable marriage offered--seizing the unfortunate Howard with both hands for fear he'd get away and leave me alone with only a queer family record for company! Very well! Now then, I want to ask you why everybody, in my case, didn't go about with sanctimonious faces and dolorous mien repeating: 'Her grand-mother eloped! Her mother ran away.
Poor child, she's doomed! doomed!'" "Sylvia, I--" "Yes--why didn't they?
That's the way they talk about that boy out there!" She swept a rounded arm toward the veranda.
"Yes, but he has already broken loose, while you--" "So did I--nearly! Had it not been for you, you know well enough I might have run away with that dreadful Englishman at Newport! For I adored him--I did! I did! and you know it.

And look at my endless escapes from compromising myself! Can you count them ?--all those indiscretions when mere living seemed to intoxicate me that first winter--and only my uncle and you to break me in!" "In other words," said Mrs.Ferrall slowly, "you don't think Mr.Siward is getting what is known as a square deal ?" "No, I don't.

Major Belwether has already hinted--no, not even that--but has somehow managed to dampen my pleasure in Mr.Siward." Mrs.Ferrall considered the girl beside her--now very lovely and flushed in her suppressed excitement.
"After all," she said, "you are going to marry somebody else.

So why become quite so animated about a man you may never again see ?" "I shall see him if I desire to!" "Oh!" "I am not taking the black veil, am I ?" asked the girl hotly.
"Only the wedding veil, dear.

But after all your husband ought to have something to suggest concerning a common visiting list--" "He may suggest--certainly.