She is trying to become a woman! Who can fathom some women's whims and fancies?
She thinks her immature ideas, imbibed in an out-of-the-way corner of the world, the immutable laws of nature.

Of one thing at least she is absolutely certain--she can get on without me.

I must be kept at too great a distance to be officious." This point settled, his own course became clear.

He would be courtesy itself and mind his own business.
"I fear I shall fail," murmured poor Madge, hiding her face in her pillow, while suppressed sobs shook her frame..