With Rachel she could never get on friendly terms, and the two cousins had but little in common.

Although Rachel was only a few years the elder, she was greatly superior to her cousin in knowledge and experience.

Whilst Madeleine was bright and radiant as sunshine, there was something in Rachel's cold and commanding nature which betokened an uneasy longing for employment, and a desire to take an active part in whatever she could find to occupy her.
Not long previously Rachel had had a sharp dispute with her father.

She came one day into the office, and desired him to give her some employment in the business.

Consul Garman never lost his self-command, but on this occasion he was on the very point of doing so.