But it is of more moment that she is your friend.

She certainly is not mine, nor can her cousinship afford any justification for her interfering in my affairs." "Alice,--from her position--" "Her position can be nothing to me, aunt.

I will not submit to it.
There is her letter, which you can read if you please.

After that you may burn it.

I need hardly say that I shall not answer it." "And what am I to say to her, Alice ?" "Nothing from me, aunt;--from yourself, whatever you please, of course." Then there was silence between them for a few minutes.
"And I have had another letter, from Lady Glencora, who married Mr Palliser, and whom I knew in London last spring." "And has that offended you, too ?" "No, there is no offence in that.