If I do what papa bids me, no one has a right to notice whether I do it willingly or not." So then she tried to defy Mr Farquhar, by doing and saying things that she knew he would disapprove.

She went so far that he was seriously grieved, and did not even remonstrate and "lecture," and then she was disappointed and irritated; for, somehow, with all her indignation at interference, she liked to be lectured by him; not that she was aware of this liking of hers, but still it would have been more pleasant to be scolded than so quietly passed over.

Her two little sisters, with their wide-awake eyes, had long ago put things together, and conjectured.

Every day they had some fresh mystery together, to be imparted in garden walks and whispered talks.
"Lizzie, did you see how the tears came into Mimie's eyes when Mr Farquhar looked so displeased when she said good people were always dull?
I think she's in love." Mary said the last words with grave emphasis, and felt like an oracle of twelve years of age.
"I don't," said Lizzie.

"I know I cry often enough when papa is cross, and I'm not in love with him." "Yes! but you don't look as Mimie did." "Don't call her Mimie--you know papa does not like it." "Yes; but there are so many things papa does not like I can never remember them all.