In the first place, the rather effusive pity with which she was treated by the female portion of the White family, irritated her.

She began to consider that, now her father had married, his wife was a member of her family, and not to be decried.

Maria had a great deal of pride when those belonging to her were concerned.

One day she retorted pertly when some covert remark, not altogether to her new mother's laudation, had been made by Lillian.
"I think she is perfectly lovely," said she, with a toss of her head.
Lillian and her mother looked at each other.

Then Lillian, who was not her match for pertness, spoke.
"Have you made up your mind what to call her ?" she asked.