"She looks so young!" "So _very_ young that I should have taken her for a school-girl," added Miss Deane, with a condescending smile that enraged Zoe.
"And I take you for an old maid of twenty-five," was her mental retort.

"I dare say you'd be glad enough to be as young as I am, and to have such a handsome husband." But she merely made a demure little courtesy and withdrew to a seat beside her mother-in-law on the farther side of the room, her heightened color and flashing eyes alone telling how indignant she felt.
"Never mind, dear, you are growing older every day," Elsie said in a soothing undertone, "and are just the right age for Edward.

We all think that, and I that you are a dear little daughter for me." "Thank you, dear mamma," whispered Zoe.

"I think it was very rude and unkind to liken me to a school-girl.

I believe it was just because she envies me my youth and my husband." "Perhaps so," Elsie said, with difficulty restraining a smile, "but we will try to be charitable and think the remark was not unkindly meant." Edward took Miss Deane in to supper, which was presently announced.