Don't you see that little Maud here is silly enough to be frightened at your fun.' So I was, but I could not divine how he guessed it.
'And well or ill, wisely or madly, I'll _never_ marry; so put that out of your head.' This was addressed rather to me, I think, than to Lady Knollys, who smiled a little waggishly on me, and said-- 'To be sure, Maud; maybe you are right; a stepdame is a risk, and I ought to have asked you first what you thought of it; and upon my honour,' she continued merrily but kindly, observing that my eyes, I know not exactly from what feeling, filled with tears, 'I'll never again advise your papa to marry, unless you first tell me you wish it.' This was a great deal from Lady Knollys, who had a taste for advising her friends and managing their affairs.
'I've a great respect for instinct.

I believe, Austin, it is truer than reason, and yours and Maud's are both against me, though I know I have reason on my side.' My father's brief wintry smile answered, and Cousin Monica kissed me, and said-- 'I've been so long my own mistress that I sometimes forget there are such things as fear and jealousy; and are you going to your governess, Maud ?'.