At the same time it was true that Mildred and Dorothy made her uncomfortable in subtler ways; she was, perhaps, a little afraid of them, too.

They, too, imposed their own standards, and were oppressed and enlightened by none.
Aunt Julia smiled indulgently at her children, and asked Althea if she did not think that they were looking very well.

They certainly were, and Althea had to own it.

'But don't let them overdo their athletics, Aunt Julia,' she said.

'It is such a pity when girls get brawny.' 'I'm brawny; feel my muscle,' said Mildred, stretching a hard young arm across the table.