with an unpleasant sense of having taken a mean advantage of a
helpless adversary. To Hermia Mrs. Westfield's greatest effectiveness
was when she was most ineffectual.

"There's nothing more for me to say, I suppose," said Mrs. Westfield.

"Nothing except that you approve," pleaded her niece wistfully.

"I'll never do that," icily. "I don't approve of you at all. Why
should I mince matters? You're gradually alienating me,
Hermia--cutting yourself off from the few blood relations you have on
earth."

"From Millicent and Theodore? I thought that Milly fairly doted on
me--"

Mrs. Westfield stammered helplessly.

"It's I--I who object. I don't like your friends. I don't think I
would be doing my duty to their sainted father if--"

"Oh, I see," said Hermia thoughtfully. "You think I may
pervert--contaminate them--"

"Not you--your friends--"

"I was hoping that you would all come to 'Wake-Robin' for June."

"I--I've made other plans," said Mrs. Westfield.