You know Josephine is not here." "She is getting out all right with Maria's help; sit down, Ida," said Harry, still with that tone of command which was so foreign to him.
Ida hesitated a second, then she sat down.

She realized the grace and policy of yielding in a minor point, when she had a large one in view.

Then, too, she was in reality rather vulnerable to a sudden attack, for a moment, although she was always as a rule sure of ultimate victory.

She was at a loss, moreover, to comprehend Harry's manner, which was easily enough understood.

He wished to be the first to ascertain Maria's sentiments with regard to going away to school.
Without admitting it even to himself, he distrusted his wife's methods and entire frankness.
Presently Maria entered, leading little Evelyn, who was unusually sturdy on her legs for her age.