Rachel, of course, had no grounds for the opinion she so confidently expressed.

It was consistent, however, with her general estimate of human nature.
"What object could she have in inventing such a story ?" asked Mrs.
Harding.
"What object?
Hundreds of 'em," said Rachel, rather indefinitely.

"Mark my words; if you let her carry off Ida, it'll be the last you'll ever see of her." "Try to look on the bright side, Rachel.

Nothing is more natural than that her mother should want to see her." "Why couldn't she come herself ?" muttered Rachel.
"The letter explains." "I don't see that it does." "It says that same reasons exist for concealment as ever." "And what are they, I should like to know?
I don't like mysteries, for my part." "We won't quarrel with them, at any rate, since they enable us to keep Ida with us." Aunt Rachel shook her head, as if she were far from satisfied.
"I don't know," said Mrs.Harding, "but I ought to invite Mrs.Hardwick in here.

I have left her alone in the front room." "I don't want to see her," said Rachel.