society,' said Ethel, 'and me from an enjoying sister, into an
elderly, care-taking, despised spinster--a burden to myself and the
boys.'

'But why, Ethel, can't you enjoy yourself!'

'My dear Richard, just imagine turning loose a lot of boys and girls,
with no keeper, to enjoy themselves in some wild sea place! No, no:
the only way to give the arrangement any shade of propriety, will be
to be elderly, infuse as much vinegar as possible into my
countenance, wear my spectacles, and walk at a staid pace up and down
the parade, while my two sons disport themselves on the rocks.'

'If you really think it would not be proper,' said Richard, rather
alarmed, 'I could run after my father.'

'Stuff, Richard; papa must have his way; and if it is to do the boy
good, I can sacrifice a crab--I mean myself--not a crustacean. I am
not going to be such a selfish wretch as to make objections.'

'But if it would not be the correct thing? Or could not you get some
one to stay with you?'

'I can make it the correct thing. It is only to abstain from the fun
I had hoped for. I meant to have been a girl, and now I must be a
woman, that's all; and I dare say Aubrey will be the happier for it--
boys always are.'

'If you don't like it, I wish you would let me speak to papa.'