No, I shan't be a fool." Mrs.Lessing could not conceal her satisfaction.

"Well, I am sure I am very glad to hear you say it, and so would your father be.

We have not brought you up carefully for nothing, Hilda.

You are a woman now, and I don't believe in trying to force a woman against her will, but I am heartily glad, my dear, that you are so sensible.

When you are as old as I am and have a daughter of your own, you will be glad that you have behaved so to-night." Hilda got up, and put her hands behind her head, which was a favourite posture of hers.