Do you know, Grace, I do so hate myself for being such an old maid." "But who says you're an old maid, Lily ?" "I see it in people's eyes, and hear it in their voices.

And they all talk to me as if I were very steady, and altogether removed from anything like fun and frolic.

It seems to be admitted that if a girl does not want to fall in love, she ought not to care for any other fun in the world.

If anybody made out a list of the old ladies in these parts, they'd put down Lady Julia, and mamma, and Mrs.Boyce, and me, and old Mrs.Hearne.The very children have an awful respect for me, and give over playing directly they see me.

Well, mamma, we've done at last, and I have had such a scolding from Mrs.Boyce." "I daresay you deserved it, my dear." "No, I did not, mamma.