No man who respects himself makes himself common by attending village school-feasts and attempting to pour out tea, which he is never allowed to do in private life." "I could hand buns," suggested Charles.

"You take a gloomy view of your fellow-creatures, Miss Deyncourt.

I see you underrate my powers with plates of buns." "Far from it.

I only wished to keep you from quitting your proper sphere." "What, may I ask, is my proper sphere ?" "Not to come to school-feasts at all; or, if you feel that is beyond you, only to arrive when you are too late to be of any use; to stand about with a hunting-crop in your hand--for, of course, you will come on horseback--and then, after refreshing all of us workers by a few well-chosen remarks, to go away again at an easy canter." "I think I could do that, if it would give pleasure; and I am most grateful to you for pointing out my proper course to me.

I have observed it is the prerogative of woman in general not only to be absolutely convinced as to her own line of action, but also to be able to point out that of man to his obtuser perceptions." "I believe you are perfectly right," said Ruth, becoming serious.