There was Rebecca Saunders,--you know Rebecca at the post-office,--she said to me last night, "So your young lady has come, Mrs.Drabble; the vicar was at the station, I hear, and Dr.Hamilton came down by the same train: wasn't that curious, now?
I am thinking she must be a mighty independent sort of person to take this work on her; there has been trouble somewhere, take my word for it, for it is not in young folks' nature to go in for work and no play."' 'Oh, I mean to play as well as work,' I returned, laughing.

'Don't tell me any more, Mrs.Drabble; people will talk in a village, but I would rather not hear what they say.' And then I went back to the study and made tea for Uncle Max, and tried to pretend that I felt quite myself, and was not the least uneasy in my mind,--as though I could deceive Max.
'Well, Ursula,' he said, shaking his head at me, 'did Hamilton or Mrs.
Drabble give you those hot cheeks ?' 'Oh, Uncle Max,' I returned hastily, 'I am so sorry Mr.Hamilton is your friend.' 'Why so, little she-bear ?' 'Because--because--I detest him: he is the most disagreeable, insufferable, domineering person I have ever met.' 'Candid; but then you were always outspoken, my dear.

Now, shall I tell you what this disagreeable, insufferable, domineering person said to me in the hall ?' 'Oh, nothing he said will make any difference in my opinion, I assure you.' 'Possibly not, but it is too good to be lost.

He said, "That little girl actually believes in herself and her work; it is quite refreshing to meet with such _naivete_ nowadays.

Ursula did you call her?
Well, the name just suits her." How do you like that, poor little bear ?' 'I like it as well as I liked all Mr.Hamilton's speeches.