"She would never even have begun that centre piece." "It is much better never to begin a piece of work than never to finish it," replied Aunt Harriet, "and Mrs.Edes, my dear, has been engaged in much more important work.

If you had written a book which had made you famous, no one could venture to complain of your lack of industry with regard to the daisy centre piece.

But I am sure that Mrs.Edes, in order to have written that book of which everybody is talking, must have displayed much industry and concentration in all the minor matters of life.

I think you must be mistaken, my dear.

I am quite sure that Mrs.Edes has not neglected work." Annie made no rejoinder, but her aunt did not seem to notice it.
"I am so thankful, Mr.von Rosen," said she, "that my niece has the honour of being counted among the friends of such a remarkable woman.
May I inquire if Mrs.Edes has ever seen your really extraordinary collection, Mr.von Rosen." "No, she has not seen it," replied Von Rosen, and he looked annoyed.
Without in the least understanding the real trend of the matter, he did not like to hear his sweetheart addressed after such a fashion, even though he had no inkling of the real state of affairs.