Madeleine rebelled against this hysterical violence of opposition, and became more fixed in her decision.
She scolded her sister in good, set terms-- "Sybil, Sybil! you must not be so violent.

Behave like a woman, and not like a spoiled child!" Mrs.Lee, like most persons who have to deal with spoiled or unspoiled children, resorted to severity, not so much because it was the proper way of dealing with them, as because she knew not what else to do.
She was thoroughly uncomfortable and weary.

She was not satisfied with herself or with her own motives.

Doubt encompassed her on all sides, and her worst opponent was that sister whose happiness had turned the scale against her own judgment.
Nevertheless her tactics answered their object of checking Sybil's vehemence.

Her sobs came to an end, and she presently rose with a quieter air.
"Madeleine," said she, "do you really want to marry Mr.Ratcliffe ?" "What else can I do, my dear Sybil?
I want to do whatever is for the best.