courting tricks for some little time.

'Well, Menlove then walked by me, quite cool, as if she were merely a
lady passing by chance at the time, which provoked me still more,
knowing the whole truth of it, and I could not help turning upon her
and saying, "You, madam, ought to be served the same way." She
replied in very haughty words, and I walked away, saying that I had
something better to do than argue with a woman of her character at
that hour of the evening. This so set her up that she followed me
home, marched into my pantry, and told me that if I had been more
careful about my manners in calling her a bad character, it might have
been better both for me and my stuck-up daughter--a daw in eagle's
plumes--and so on. Now it seems that she must have coaxed something
out of Joey about you--for what lad in the world could be a match for
a woman of her experience and arts! I hope she will do you no serious
damage; but I tell you the whole state of affairs exactly as they are,
that you may form your own opinions. After all, there is no real
disgrace, for none of us have ever done wrong, but have worked
honestly for a living. However, I will let you know if anything
serious really happens.'

This was all that her father said on the matter, the letter concluding
with messages to the children and directions from their mother with
regard to their clothes.

Ethelberta felt very distinctly that she was in a strait; the old
impression that, unless her position were secured soon, it never would be
secured, returned with great force. A doubt whether it was worth
securing would have been very strong ere this, had not others besides
herself been concerned in her fortunes. She looked up from her letter,