Her usually gentle nature had become like adamant before this.

She felt unlike herself as she said bitterly: "People do not always tell ministers, and you cannot tell Mr.von Rosen, Margaret.

I forbid it.

Go home and keep still." "I cannot bear it." "You must bear it." "They are going to give me a dinner, the Zenith Club," said Margaret.
"You will have to accept it." "I cannot, Annie Eustace, of what do you think me capable?
I am not as bad as you think.

I cannot and will not accept that dinner and make the speech which they will expect and hear all the congratulations which they will offer.