After all, why pretend?
If Esther intended to eternally interfere with her affairs the sooner an open break came, the better.
"Perhaps, perhaps not.

Certainly not until I return from my visit." Esther fought down her rising dismay.
"Mother, don't you understand what you are doing?
The ring is Aunt Amy's You have no right to take it!" "I've a right if I choose to make one." "If Auntie finds out it is not in its box, we cannot tell what the effect may be!" "She needn't find out.

What she doesn't know won't hurt her!" "But--it is stealing!" Mrs.Coombe laughed.

"What a baby you are, Esther, for all your solemn eyes and grown-up airs.

Stealing--the idea! Anyway you need not worry since you are not the thief." She yawned again, rose, and declared that she felt quite tired enough to go to bed.
When she had gone, Jane left her lessons and came to her sister's side.
"Esther, do I really have to go away with Mother ?" "It looks like it, Janie.