It would be like taking hold of a snake." "A snake!" cried her niece, with much warmth.

"She is a lovely woman! And her coming shows what kindly feelings she has for you.

But, no matter what you think about it, aunt, you have asked her here, and you must come in and see her.

Dinner is waiting, and I don't know what more to say about your absence." "Go in and have dinner," said Mrs Keswick.
"Don't wait for me.

I'll come in and see her after a while; but I haven't yet got to the point of sitting down to the table and eating with her." "Oh, aunt!" exclaimed Annie, "you ought never to have asked her if you are going to treat her in this way! And what am I to say to her?
What excuse am I to make?
Are you not sick?
Isn't something the matter with you ?" "You can tell them I'm flustrated," said the old lady, "and that is all that's the matter with me.