"It is really wonderful." While Allan and his sister began to feel, with something of baffled rage, that their power over her was growing less.
"Why do you never consent to see my brother ?" asked Adelaide one day, when Allan had complained most bitterly to her.
"Because I have such great respect for my guardians," she answered.

"I cannot bear anything clandestine or underhand beneath their roof." A reply that, strange to say, silenced Miss Lyster.

Brother and sister held a council of war, and it was decided that all deference must be paid to her humor.
"Content yourself, brother, with reminding her of her promise to marry you when she comes of age, but do no more.

Do not seek an interview with her; let her imagine herself quite free." But the finishing stroke was given one day during lunch, when the conversation turned upon the elopement of a young lady in the neighborhood.

Lady Ridsdale expressed great fears for her future.
"He is not a gentleman," she said.