She rose quickly to her feet, with an impetuous gesture that made her visitor catch her breath.
"I wish I knew myself," she cried, fiercely.

"Why do you annoy me in this manner?
What am I to you?
Will you leave me alone in my own room, or must I go away to escape you ?" "I will go," said Beth, a little frightened at the passionate appeal.
Eliza closed the door behind her with a decided slam, and a key clicked in the lock.

The sound made Beth indignant, and she hurried back to where her cousins were busy with the laughing, chattering throng of visitors..