I've said it, and it's done.

But I know I'll be in disgrace for evermore." Certainly Aunt Harriet's manner towards Winona, after this unfortunate episode, was stiffer than formerly.

She was perfectly kind, but the gulf between them had widened.

They still discussed conventional topics at meal-times, or rather Miss Beach made leading remarks and Winona said "Yes," or "No," for such a one-sided conversation could hardly be termed discussion.

The girl felt it a relief when, as often happened, her aunt took refugein a book.