"They have gone in, and the carriage is driving off." "Well, perhaps they would like to have you put down their carpets for them, or open their boxes," sneered Mrs.White, still with the same intolerable sarcastic manner.

"I don't doubt they could find some use for your services." "O mother, don't!" pleaded Stephen, "please don't.

I do not wish to go near them or ever see them, if it will make you any less happy.

Do let us talk of something else." "Who ever said a word about your not going near them, I'd like to know?
Have I ever tried to shut you up, or keep you from going anywhere you wanted to?
Answer me that, will you ?" "No, mother," answered Stephen, "you never have.

But I wish I could make you happier." "You do make me very happy, Steve," said Mrs.White, mollified by the gentle answer.