"But I am distressed--very greatly distressed--on the child's account.

She is not fit for work to-night." Mr.Lorimer made an airy gesture expressive of semi-humorous regret.
"Discipline, my dear Mrs.Denys, must be maintained at all costs--even among the members of your charming sex.

As a matter of fact, I am waiting to administer punishment to one of my sons at the present moment for an act of disobedience." He glanced towards the writing-table on which lay a cane, and again the quick blood mounted in Avery's face.
"Oh, don't you think you are a little hard on your children ?" she said; and then impulsively, "No; forgive me! I ought not to put it like that.
But do you find it answers to be so strict?
Does it make them any more obedient ?" He raised his shoulders slightly; his eyes gleamed momentarily ere they vanished into his smile.

He shook his head at her with tolerant irony.

"I fear your heart runs away with you, Mrs.Denys, and I must not suffer myself to listen to you.