Miss Garth had made no such concession to the master and mistress of the house.

She had hitherto held the position of a high authority on all domestic questions; and she flatly declined to get off her pedestal in deference to any change in the family circumstances, no matter how amazing or how unexpected that change might be.
"Pray accept my congratulations," said Miss Garth, bristling all over with implied objections to Frank--"my congratulations, _and_ my apologies.

When I caught you kissing Mr.Francis Clare in the summer-house, I had no idea you were engaged in carrying out the intentions of your parents.

I offer no opinion on the subject.

I merely regret my own accidental appearance in the character of an Obstacle to the course of true-love--which appears to run smooth in summer-houses, whatever Shakespeare may say to the contrary.