Unquestionably the most crafty and most cruel woman of the two--possessing the most dangerously deceitful manner, and the most mischievous readiness of language--she was, nevertheless, Miss Minerva's inferior in the one supreme capacity of which they both stood in need, the capacity for self-restraint.
She showed this inferiority on expressing her thanks.

The underlying malice broke through the smooth surface that was intended to hide it.
"I am apt to doubt myself," she said; "and such sound encouragement as yours always relieves me.

Of course I don't ask you for more than a word of advice.

Of course I don't expect _you_ to persuade Ovid." "Of course not!" Miss Minerva agreed.

"May I ask for a little more sugar in my tea ?" Mrs.Gallilee turned to Carmina.
"Well, my dear?
I have spoken to you, as I might have spoken to one of my own daughters, if she had been of your age.