But you are not wicked, my woman, only a bit tiresome and perverse and wanting in faith.' And Miss Locke, who was used to these wild moods, patted her sister's shoulder, and bade her drink her tea before it got cold, in a sensible matter-of-fact way, that was not without its influence on the wayward creature; for she did not refuse the comforting draught.
I took my leave soon after this, after promising to repeat my visit on the next evening.

Phoebe bade me good-bye rather coldly, but I took no notice of her contrary mood.

Miss Locke followed me out of the room, and asked me anxiously what I thought of her sister.
'It is difficult to judge,' I returned, hesitating a little.

'You must remember this is only my second visit, and I have not made much way with her.

She is in a state of bodily and mental discomfort very painful to witness.