thought, do so with more thorough efficacy and affection if she
should have shown a disposition to comply with his wishes on this
day.

'Do say a word to Richard,' said Nora to her sister in a whisper
as they were going upstairs after luncheon.

'I will not,' said Mrs Trevelyan.

'May I do it?'

'Certainly not, Nora. I should feel that I were demeaning myself
were I to allow what was said to me in such a manner to have any
effect upon me.'

'I think you are so wrong, Emily. I do indeed.'

'You must allow me to be the best judge what to do in my own house,
and with my own husband.'

'Oh, yes; certainly.'

'If he gives me any command I will obey it. Or if he had expressed
his wish in any other words I would have complied. But to be told
that he would rather not have Colonel Osborne here! If you had seen
his manner and heard his words, you would not have been surprised
that I should feel it as I do. It was a gross insult and it was
not the first.'

As she spoke the fire flashed from her eye, and the bright red