She had never known any one before who purposely said disagreeable things.

She often said them herself in her blundering, impetuous way, but was heartily sorry as soon as they were uttered.

Now for the first time in her life she wanted to retaliate by saying the meanest thing she could think of.
So she answered, hotly, "Oh, I don't know.

I'd rather be named Mary than a name that means _noble snake_, like Ethelinda." "Who told you it means that ?" was Ethelinda's astonished demand.

"I don't believe it." "You've only to consult Webster," was the dignified reply.