We neither of us could think what had come over you this last month; but now all seems right." A dark cloud came over Jemima's face.

She did not like this close observation and constant comment upon her manners; and what had Ruth to do with it?
"I am glad you were pleased," said she, very coldly.

Then, after a pause, she added, "But you have not told me what Mrs Denbigh had to do with my good behaviour." "Did not she speak to you about it ?" asked Mrs Bradshaw, looking up.
"No; why should she?
She has no right to criticise what I do.

She would not be so impertinent," said Jemima, feeling very uncomfortable and suspicious.
"Yes, love! she would have had a right, for papa had desired her to do it." "Papa desired her! What do you mean, mamma ?" "Oh, dear! I dare say I should not have told you," said Mrs Bradshaw, perceiving, from Jemima's tone of voice, that something had gone wrong.

"Only you spoke as if it would be impertinent in Mrs Denbigh, and I am sure she would not do anything that was impertinent.