becoming in a young lady to mystify her elders."

I had heard that it was respectful in a young lady to call an old
gentleman, Sir, and to say, If you please. I took care to be
respectful now. "If you please, sir, write to papa. You will find
that I have spoken the truth."

A woman opened the door, and said to Mrs. Staveley: "Dinner,
ma'am." That stopped this nasty exhibition of our tempers. We had
a very good dinner.

. . . . . . .

The next day I wrote to Helena, asking her what she had really
said to the Staveleys about her age and mine, and telling her
what I had said. I found it too great a trial of my patience to
wait till she could see what I had written about the dispute in
my journal. The days, since then, have passed, and I have been
too lazy and stupid to keep my diary.

To-day it is different. My head is like a dark room with the
light let into it. I remember things; I think I can go on again.

We have religious exercises in this house, morning and evening,
just as we do at home. (Not to be compared with papa's religious
exercises.) Two days ago his answer came to Mr. Staveley's
letter. He did just what I had expected--said I had spoken truly,
and disappointed the family by asking to be excused if he
refrained from entering into explanations. Mr. said: "Very odd;"
and Mrs. agreed with him. Young Miss is not quite as friendly now