"But _you_ may live out of doors with impunity.

Time seems to leave something better than colouring to a few Heaven-blessed women, who manage to escape wrinkles, and hardening, and crossness.

I am often cross, and so are younger folk than I; and your boy Peter--though how he comes to be your boy I don't know--is very often cross too." "You have been very kind to Peter," said Lady Mary, laughing.

"I am sorry you found him cross." "No; I was not kind to him.

I am not particularly fond of cross people," said the old lady.