Oh, no, of course not.

I cannot think how I came to forget." Again Mrs.Ellsworthy tried persuasion and even entreaty, but again she had to own herself vanquished by that most obstinate girl Primrose.

"I really cannot make out why I care for them all," she said to herself as she drove away.

"I do care for them, poor children! I would do anything to help them, but I am simply not allowed.

Well, Primrose, no doubt you would be a great trial to me if you were my daughter; I could never bear obstinate characters, and yet to a certain extent I admire you." Miss Martineau also made up her mind to forgive these naughty girls, and to give them the benefit of her most sapient counsel.